Women's Six Nations 2022 - a predictable start?

This weekend saw the first round of matches in this year’s women’s Six Nations and the results were, for the most part, quite predictable.

Big wins for England and France – over Scotland and Italy respectively – were as expected. I have seen some criticism online -a bout England in particular – that they are somehow cheating by being a fully professional outfit – an argument that is, of course, utterly ridiculous. The RFU and the English clubs are to be applauded for professionalising the women’s game to help drive up standards – and it is very much up to World Rugby and the other unions to find ways of ensuring that women’s rugby in general is properly funded.

That England and France (whose team, although not fully professional, is very well funded) won very comfortably is therefore no surprise. The 27-19 victory by Wales over Ireland in Dublin was, however, less expected. Wales were spanked 45-0 in the corresponding fixture last season so the turnaround is quite spectacular and it is surely no coincidence that Wales now have several professional players in their ranks.

From what I saw of the weekend’s action (I watched much of the Scotland vs England encounter and all of  Ireland vs Wales), standards are definitely on an upward trajectory. Even Scotland, in their heavy defeat to England, were very competitive and made life difficult for the English women. 

Admittedly it is already looking likely that a France vs England showdown for the title is inevitable, but I would not necessarily rule out Welsh chances just yet.

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