What a way to finish the tournament
Ireland must continue to evolve but England have hope once more
ITHOUGHT the first two games of Six Nations ‘Super Saturday’ were quite underwhelming. But the last of the 2024 Championship saw the tournament come alive. The France-England match was brilliant. Ireland had already deservedly won the title by the time it kicked off.
But both Steve Borthwick’s side and France delivered a special 80 minutes. It was noticeable to me how both teams mingled at the final whistle and reflected on a game to remember.
It was a great way for the Six Nations to end. Here’s my teamby-team review of the tournament…
IRELAND A FINAL POSITION: 1ST RECORD: W4, L1 POINTS: 20
VERDICT: Ireland were shocked by England at Twickenham but they were still the best team in the tournament when at full strength. It is incredibly hard to win backto-back titles so hats off to them for that. They only just fell short of becoming the first Six Nations team to win consecutive Grand Slams. That shows how good they are.
Ireland are still the side to beat and their summer tour to South Africa is something I can’t wait to watch. It will be the No1 and No2 sides on the planet going head-tohead. Ireland are going well but it will be interesting to see how they continue to evolve their team. Peter O’Mahony has been brilliant as captain and Andy Farrell has clearly got the best out of him, but is he going to continue?
Even if he doesn’t, Ireland won’t be going anywhere for a long time. They have strength in depth in most positions but they definitely missed Hugo Keenan at times and Mack Hansen who was out for the whole tournament.
ENGLAND B+ FINAL POSITION: 3RD RECORD: W3, L2 POINTS: 14
VERDICT: England should have beaten France and they don’t need me to tell them that.
Even though they lost in Lyon and failed to back up the brilliant victory over Ireland at Twickenham, head coach Borthwick and his players should be pleased with a strong campaign.
For the past three years, England have only won twice in each of those Six Nations which simply wasn’t good enough. While three victories in 2024 suggests only a marginal improvement on the past, England’s progress has been far greater than that shown purely by the statistics.
For the first time in a long, long time, I am positive about England’s future. The main reason for that is because of the style of play they produced against Ireland and France.
Some of the handling in both matches was a joy to watch. England scored some brilliant tries in the thriller with the French. I thought Tommy Freeman’s score summed up England’s new approach.
It’s amazing what quick ball can do. When you have that and your No10 plays flat to the gainline, you immediately bring pace to your game. That’s what George Ford did in Lyon.
Ford was really impressive. Ollie Lawrence more than looked the part with two powerful tries. Ellis Genge was outstanding and for me man of the match. He scrummaged well, was strong in defence, and showed some nice passing.
There is no doubt England have got a more-than-promising team if they approach games with an all-out attacking mindset.
ITALY B+ FINAL POSITION: 5TH RECORD: W2, D1, L2 POINTS: 11
VERDICT: This was statistically Italy’s best Six Nations ever with two wins and a draw. Hats off to them. They look like they are getting a very good team together.
The Six Nations documentary on Netflix showed their former head coach Kieran Crowley had lost some of his fight. Gonzalo Quesada has come in and had a really big and instant impact.
Wins over Scotland and Wales and a draw with France is more than credible. Their two centres were arguably the best in the tournament.
FRANCE B FINAL POSITION: 2ND RECORD: W3, D1, L1 POINTS: 15
VERDICT: I wasn’t surprised France had a World Cup hangover. The England team I coached certainly had one after the 2003 tournament and we won the thing!
France started poorly. They were hammered by Ireland, were fortunate to get past Scotland, and drew with Italy. But the way they played against England was outstanding and back to what France do best. I think they were fuelled by an incredible atmosphere in Lyon. France played the running rugby we know they can. They attacked from everywhere and they have serious quality. Let’s not forget they have Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack to come back into the side in the future too!
France have brilliant players coming through in the likes of Nolann Le Garrec. I do think the coaching team is not as one based on the turnover of coaches and for the first time Shaun Edwards just does not seem happy. And that was before England tore the much-vaunted French defence to pieces at times.
SCOTLAND C FINAL POSITION: 4TH RECORD: W2, L3 POINTS: 12
VERDICT: More losses than wins for Scotland. They will be very disappointed with that. But it could have been very different.
Had that try been given against France in Edinburgh and Scotland had made it back-to-back victories, they would have been on for a Grand Slam. It wasn’t and they ended up fourth. Test rugby is all about fine margins.
Scotland have very good players and play a very good brand of rugby but for some reason they continually fall short of challenging for the title. They can produce big performances to get one-off wins.
They need to start stringing regular and consistent displays together especially when playing away from home. The Italy game especially will haunt them.
WALES E FINAL POSITION: 6TH RECORD: W0, L5 POINTS: 4
VERDICT: Wales were awful against Italy. Just so, so bad. It was a tournament to forget for Warren Gatland. Wales are having to start again with young players. But to me their next generation does not look strong or fit enough for international rugby right now.
They’ve got a huge amount of work to do and are struggling badly at No 10. The two guys they’ve had playing there in this tournament are not Test class, not yet anyway, and how they are missing Dan Biggar.
I also wasn’t very impressed by Gatland telling the media he offered to resign after the Italy defeat. After five straight losses it would have been better to tell everyone: ‘We are where we are and I will sort this and I hope I have everyone’s, especially the fans’, full support.’
If he does not think he is the right man, then resign and walk away. But make no mistake, Wales are in a serious hole at the moment.