Six Nations Round 4: Verdict

Given that there was only one Six Nations game this weekend this is obviously only going to be a verdict in relation to that one game which, let’s be honest, wasn’t exactly a classic.

I don’t want to be too harsh but I have to say that Italy were, quite frankly, awful.

I had half expected the Azzuri to at least be competitive and to make Ireland work hard for their win but no, Italy were completely undone by a complete lack of basic skills at the breakdown where they gave away gazillions of penalties (or so it seemed). It was all way too easy for the Irish who barely had to get out of 2nd gear and yet still racked up 50 points. Despite the scoreline, by and large Ireland were fairly ordinary. As it turned out ordinary was more than enough.Yes, Will Connors and Hugo Keenan had promising debuts, I suppose, but judgement really should be reserved until they play against someone decent. 

Next week, England will be hoping for more of the same from Italy, while Ireland will travel to Paris in search of a bonus point victory to seal the championship. On Saturday’s evidence they will have their work cut out against a French team inspired by the world class Antoine Dupont.

If I was a betting man my money would still therefore be on a possibly undercooked England taking the title….

Total Flanker – the older I get, the better I was