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The best ever opening weekend in Six Nations history? I should say so. And at the end of a pulsating three games what do we know?
That Wales have got real problems after losing at home to Ireland with three away games ahead before a home finale against England. Is a wooden spoon looming for the defending Grand Slam champions? Stranger things have happened.
That Scotland, too, could be on for another forgettable campaign. Next Saturday's clash with Italy at Murrayfield is an absolute must win for the Scots against an Italian side buoyed by their win over France.
That France have already blown a Grand Slam and with trips to Twickenham and Dublin still to come, could be in for a nightmare Six Nations.
That Italy, led by the irrepressible Sergio Parisse, deservedly beat Les Bleues because they showed more desire and no little amount of strength and skill too. With Wales and Ireland still to come to Rome they could - could - enjoy their best ever Six Nations.
That Ireland are genuine Six Nations contenders after dismissing Wales in Cardiff after a scintillating first half display, and that Brian O'Driscoll remains the best centre in the world while Simon Zebo produced the champagne moment of the weekend with his back heel flick of the ball.
And that England are the other genuine tournament contenders after bossing Scotland from start to finish at Twickenham and that, if they can get past Ireland in what will be a difficult and tight encounter at the Aviva Stadium next Sunday, they could make history by claiming a first Slam in ten years.
Mind you, France might have something to say about that when they come to Twickenham, as might a wounded Wales in Cardiff in what could be a Slam decider, but on yesterday's evidence England are a force to be reckoned with and, even better, they will keep on improving.
The stand out men for me at headquarters were Joe Launchbury, Owen Farrell, debutante Billy Twelvetrees and Chris Ashton, while captain Chris Robshaw and Tom Wood put in theur usual shifts in the back row. Head coach Stuart Lancaster now has a selection dilemma. With Manu Tuilagi due back from injury for Ireland does he drop Twelvetrees or Brad Barritt? I suspect it will be the unlucky Barritt? And will Dylan Hartley reclaim his number two jersey from Tom Youngs? These are the kind of happy dilemmas Lancaster has yearned for. He knows Ireland will present a totally different level of opposition to the Scots and that is why all eyes will be on Dublin in six days' time. |
