No slow start as the Six Nations is off to a flyer
THE Six Nations usually follows a well-trodden route. The media hype up what might happen in the weeks before the tournament starts and the reality is usually a bit less dynamic than the pundits had forecast.
The tournament generally warms up gradually.
But we were treated to some highoctane starters last weekend and we can but hope that things might even get better.
Wales will probably still be trying to work out how France managed to lose that one.
The writing was on the wall with some fantastic power play from the hosts in pouring rain, but then came half time.
The second half, had it been at Cheltenham Festival, would have warranted an immediate stewards’ inquiry.
France were coasting a furlong ahead and appeared to pull up lame for the second 40 minutes.
They became suicidal after being totally in command – and it simply did not make sense.
The game was theirs to be claimed, but it was handed to Wales on a plate with some dreadful tactics and passing.
The ball simply had to be booted behind the Welsh defence, yet France seemed unable to work that out and allowed Wales to make the most of the goodies that were on offer.
Scotland were very good in parts, but took a breather when they seemed to think they were well ahead.
Italy need to be given more respect that that and 80 minutes is what it says on the instructions – not a good hour then relax.
They will learn from that as the score was respectable for Italy at the end when a cricket score was looking distinctly possible.
And then we had England with as good a performance as we have seen for a long time.
The whole side showed a distinct attitude right from the off and Ireland seemed unable to live with the close attention and aggressive tackling that was hurled at them.
In a sense it was a good opener for England as everybody seemed to be singing Ireland’s praises and pointing to their world ranking, their performances against New Zealand and the success of their provincial teams in Europe.
England could not have wished for a better scenario where the opponents were there to be toppled.
Of course England are now the top dogs in the media’s ratings and they will face different challenges.
Most teams love being slight underdogs as it can add a bit of an edge to their competitive attitude, but it is a slightly different kettle of fish when that team is at the apparent top and is there to be toppled.
England have the manpower to get past the inevitable challengers and the strength and depth of their bench is a sure indicator as to the quality of the starting 15.
You simply know that there is something big waiting to happen when Courtney Lawes enters the fray from the bench and puts in a tackle that made grown men wince.
It has always been argued here that defence does not win games – you have to score the points to win.
But England’s tackling was a major element in how the points came over the 80 minutes.
The Irish, as good as they are, were looking for a defender and expecting a colossal hit whenever they were in possession.
They could not relax and get into a groove and even the usually reliable Sexton looked rattled.
There is plenty of time for the Cherry and Whites to prepare for the next Premiership match on February 15.
Exeter Chiefs have an impressive array of their talent in the England squad and this next league fixture could be the perfect time to get at them.
Gloucester at Kingsholm are a mighty force and Exeter will, hopefully, be on the wrong end of the scoreline.
But, as is usual at the top end of rugby, the basics have to be carried out properly and a performance from the pack is essential before the Fancy-dan stuff can show itself.
Position on the pitch is all-important against Exeter as, even with players on international duty, they are formidable when they get into any opponent’s 22 area and the dreaded driving maul usually ends up with a score.
The good thing from Gloucester’s point of view is that Exeter are top dogs when league performances and results are considered at this moment in time. So were Ireland last week.