6 NATIONS REVIEW

No shocks - Ireland thumped Italy, England beat Wales and France absolutely crushed Scotland (thank you God).

The best game was probably the England v Wales game. Many have made the point that Wales at one point in the second half led by 5 points, but it is an 80 minute game, not 60, and England were always going to be too strong. In the end a 10 point victory was probably about a fair reflection of the game. Wales looked good on the counter but the real consistent pressure was all English and they deserved to win in the end.

This sets up a great game next weekend to decide the title - France v England. Sadly this will kick off at 4am HK time and the chances of seeing it live after a day at the 7s are remote, but it should be a cracker. England have to win by 8 points to guarantee the title, while a France victory would give them the Grand Slam.

To be honest I can't see England beating France on their home turf on current form unless there is a lot of rain up to and on the day. no matter how often Woodward and co claim England now play a fast running game when it comes to it the players regular club games tend to be played in the mud and that is what suits England best. They certainly deal with it much better than the French. If it's dry though I think France will simply be too good, and while England may run them close the French should get their 4th Grand Slam in 8 years.

And at the other end of the table - Scotland will get the wooden spoon if they lose to Ireland in Ireland. On current form that should be a certainty, but you can never quite be sure with Ireland. Still they should be a class above the Scots and the demise of Scottish rugby will be confirmed. Teeheehee.