Six nations
Feb. 12th, 2018 03:54 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
chickenfeet So we are two rounds into this year's Six Nations. What have we learned?
England: Regulation, but efficient, thumping of Italy in Rome and a win ground out against the Welsh with some efficient defence, even if the attack hardly sparked after the opening quarter. The extensive injury/suspension list doesn't seem to have made much impact except in the back row and some intriguing possibilities emerge there. I like the Itoji/Lawes thing at 6. It gives great go forward and terrific line speed in defence as well as offering second row cover. I still think a faster, higher work rate 7 is needed. I'd start Underhill or play Simmonds there. Robshaw should be at 8 until one of the big units is fit.
Ireland: Also efficiently demolished Italy but the failure to score any tries in Paris was a bit unsettling, even if that last drive was pretty special.. If Sexton gets hurt their campaign will be over. If he stays fit it could be interesting.
Wales: Lots of injuries and they don't look like a settled side but they were much too good for Scotland and were competitive at Twickenham.
Scotland: Are Scotland going to be the new France where one never knows which team will turn up? Woeful against Wales but very good in patches against France. The defence looks fragile though and they really have very little depth.
France: At least they are playing like France rather than Khazakhstan. Really a bit unlucky to have lost two games they might well have won but their harum scarum game is unlikely to stand up against top sides.
Italy: The wooden spoon is going to be stirring the polenta again. Occasional flashes of brilliance but too many basic errors and lack of depth.
So predictions for round 3:
France to put Italy away as easily as England and Ireland. Expect a bonus point win and 30 + points.
Ireland at home will be too strong for Wales but it will be close. Wales might even take a losing bonus point home.
England will be too strong for Scotland, even in Edinburgh. If the side that played France turns up it will be close but England have a habit of winning close games. If they play like they did against Wales it will be a 50 pointer.
Longer term, even if France turn England over in Paris (not very likely) it will come down to England vs Ireland at Twickenham on the last weekend. There's little to choose between the sides so I'd say that home advantage to tip it. So, England for the Grand Slam with Ireland an honourable runner up.
England: Regulation, but efficient, thumping of Italy in Rome and a win ground out against the Welsh with some efficient defence, even if the attack hardly sparked after the opening quarter. The extensive injury/suspension list doesn't seem to have made much impact except in the back row and some intriguing possibilities emerge there. I like the Itoji/Lawes thing at 6. It gives great go forward and terrific line speed in defence as well as offering second row cover. I still think a faster, higher work rate 7 is needed. I'd start Underhill or play Simmonds there. Robshaw should be at 8 until one of the big units is fit.
Ireland: Also efficiently demolished Italy but the failure to score any tries in Paris was a bit unsettling, even if that last drive was pretty special.. If Sexton gets hurt their campaign will be over. If he stays fit it could be interesting.
Wales: Lots of injuries and they don't look like a settled side but they were much too good for Scotland and were competitive at Twickenham.
Scotland: Are Scotland going to be the new France where one never knows which team will turn up? Woeful against Wales but very good in patches against France. The defence looks fragile though and they really have very little depth.
France: At least they are playing like France rather than Khazakhstan. Really a bit unlucky to have lost two games they might well have won but their harum scarum game is unlikely to stand up against top sides.
Italy: The wooden spoon is going to be stirring the polenta again. Occasional flashes of brilliance but too many basic errors and lack of depth.
So predictions for round 3:
France to put Italy away as easily as England and Ireland. Expect a bonus point win and 30 + points.
Ireland at home will be too strong for Wales but it will be close. Wales might even take a losing bonus point home.
England will be too strong for Scotland, even in Edinburgh. If the side that played France turns up it will be close but England have a habit of winning close games. If they play like they did against Wales it will be a 50 pointer.
Longer term, even if France turn England over in Paris (not very likely) it will come down to England vs Ireland at Twickenham on the last weekend. There's little to choose between the sides so I'd say that home advantage to tip it. So, England for the Grand Slam with Ireland an honourable runner up.
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Date: 2018-02-13 04:55 pm (UTC)