Three from three for France and the Grand Slam is still on for les Bleus.
The French scrum: the best in Europe, no doubt.
Shane Williams' sizzling late try to set up another tantalising finish. Sadly for Wales, Freddie Michelak kicked the ball into touch at the final restart to deny another buttock clenching finale at the Millennium Stadium.
Another mention for Shane Williams, who passed Gareth Edwards' record of 18 Championship tries for Wales. And on his 33rd birthday too. Aw.
Italy's last gasp win over Scotland. A brilliant try by Pablo Canavosio helped the Azzurri to their 7th win in ten years of the Six Nations. Something for coach Nick Mallet to write on his calendar then.
Centurion: John Hayes
John Hayes winning his 100th cap for Ireland. An excellent achievement for any player, but especially so for a front row forward.
Ben Foden, who finally pulled off his tracksuit to replace the injured Delon Armitage. Foden was a shining star for England with a desire to run the ball forward instead of hoof it aimlessly.
England not kicking the ball away every five seconds. OK so England didn't win, but they looked pretty evenly matched against Ireland. Martin Johnson did comment after the match that he thought his team suffered as they tried to run the ball too much. Oh God, I hope this doesn't mean we can look forward to a return to kicking 101 against Scotland.
The Bad
Wales' string of errors. Two interception tries? Check. Plenty of passes to no-where? Check. Failing to see the men in support and not passing the ball for a certain try, Jamie Roberts? Check.
Yeah I know Shane. It was really frustrating.
Not so much bad, more not quite there. Morgan Parra and François Trinh-Duc's partnership at half back is a weak link in the French team. Parra is a bit selfish and Trinh-Duc retreats into the pocket when put under pressure.
Scotland's failure to score a try against Italy. And they lost. Again. Wooden spoon, Andy Robinson?
Danny Care's sloooooooooow service to Super Jonny and chums. This limited Wilkinson's options and left England's backline looking static.
The atmosphere in Twickenham. Oh sorry, there wasn't one.
(Not so) Super Jonny's kicking stats. Only 3/6 for the usually robotic place kicking Wilkinson. Poor.
The Ugly
Brian O'Driscoll being stretchered off the field. I hope he'll be fit to pick up his 100th cap in a couple of weeks.
The ridiculous handbags between England and Ireland. Not really ugly but come on ladies, sort it out. Still, Danny Care's missus is probably a very satisfied lady looking at Care's excellent throw down skills (as demonstrated on Tomas O'Leary).
still shaking with laughter at the comment about Mrs Care - Foden was like a breath of fresh air, start him in Murrayfield please Jonno
ReplyDeleteScotland should probably take notes of how France finished off the game against the late-charging Welsh-kick the ball along the ground into touch off the kickoff to avoid the restart with time running out... Say what you want about the the two interception-tries, the Welsh showed a lot of charachter in the second half.
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