Energetic, unpredictable and a little drab - The 2011 Six Nations

Wednesday 23 March 2011

The spine tingled as the noise belted out of my television and how I wished I hadn't given my tickets away. What was I thinking? The disappointment of those autumn trips to Cardiff seemed a distant memory for that splendid half-hour build-up. And then, Wales v England kicked off!!

Suddenly, I was content to be supping on a pint of Kingfisher, tucking into a chicken saag and gazing at a crackling fire, which alas, I did all too often.

But I've learnt something this year - take the Six Nations Championship for what it is. Centuries of historical rivalry played out in modern day amphitheatres will always get the juices flowing. Winter blues will continue to dissipate as the start of the tournament draws near and isn't that the point? The tournament is played out the back of winter meaning great spectacles are unlikely. It'll never be easy for players to step from the gloom of an Edgeley Park or Ravenhill to a crisp, spring afternoon in Rome and change their mindsets in the space of 80 sunny minutes.

So, what have we learnt?

England are champions for the first time in eight years and when they play with increased tempo, they looked an altogether different side. They do the basics well and some were even starting to make comparisons with the 2003 vintage.... and then came Ireland.

Yet, Dublin may not prove to be as crushing as it doubtless felt for English fans on Saturday night. By Monday morning, the head tells you that England are rediscovering an ability to learn from their mistakes. While they may be a touch one-dimensional in midfield, they have cutting edge beyond. Up front, Tom Palmer was one of the outstanding forwards of the tournament and with the likes of Sheridan, Lawes and Moody to return, Martin Johnson has depth. For a young side, Saturday may prove to be the most valuable of late afternoons in Ireland. And, in all but one of the previous six World Cups, the Championship winner has reached at least the last four. A place in the semi-finals is within their reach.

Ireland saved their very best for last suggesting this ageing vintage may yet be this side of the hill rather than the other. Declan Kidney is doing a good job of managing the tricky transition at ten. Ronan O'Gara remains valuable and Jonathan Sexton's poise and control in the Aviva cauldron prove he's coming of age. Their scrum's improved and they have a back-row to mix it with the best. If Ireland is to mount a serious challenge in New Zealand though, the talismanic O'Driscoll and D'Arcy are key “ if they fire, Ireland fire.

Ohhh, that someone in the red of Wales would step up to fill the role of talisman. They're not short on contenders, neither are they short on fear. Welsh fans can no longer console themselves with the "we're not good enough line. They possess arguably the best back-line of the home nations and the development of front-row depth was a real plus. But something isn't quite right with Welsh Rugby just now. They kicked oodles of good ball away generally not willing to play to obvious strengths.

Wales kick-off their World Cup campaign against South Africa. The World champions are all too familiar with playing in New Zealand and it'll be home from home for many of those lining up for Fiji and Samoa too. Wales face the equivalent of three away games in Pool D. It will be brutal and they need to find an edge and a Plan B before September 11th. The claim to be "able to beat anyone on our day needs reinvigorating. In fact, it's a claim better suited to France.

So, what is France's best side and how do they want to play? Marc Lievremont needs to answer those questions quickly. Accusing players of "betrayal and "cowardice , as Lievremont did following defeat to Italy, would seem to be rock bottom but this is France and different rules apply. The response of those who weren't axed was to put on a classy show to humble Wales. Who knows what's next? Glory, mutiny or a quarter-final showdown against England in Auckland?!

Italy produced the performance and the most memorable images of the tournament in beating France. They took a sizeable step forward and could have won three. They seem a happy squad and the affection in which players hold Coach Nick Mallett is marked. They possess one of the World's greatest players in Sergio Parisse and will need more again from the likes of Bergamasco, Castrogiovanni and co. if they're to make it out of a pool that includes Australia and Ireland in September.

Scotland failed to build on success in Argentina and an autumn triumph against South Africa. Yet the performances of Richie Gray, Max Evans and Sean Lamont along with the emergence of Ruaridh Jackson at ten explain Andy Robinson's refusal to be downcast with a 5^th placed finish. The Scots will need to topple England or Argentina to progress from Pool B in New Zealand, and that certainly would represent progress.

In sum, the 2011 Six Nations was energetic, unpredictable and at times a little drab. Yet, there remains no other rugby tournament quite like it and the winter just wouldn't be the same without it.