Six Nations Buzz

So this year's Six Nations is well and truly underway. And what an excellent set of games we've had so far! France, beaten away in Rome and then at home to Wales. Italy, displaying courage to defeat France and then timidity in the face of Scotland. Wales, reeling from 8 back to back losses cutting up the turf at the Stade de France on their way to an historic victory. Scotland, cut open by a rampant England and then ruining Italian hearts at Murrayfield.
That brings us on to the two teams that face each other today, Ireland and England. The only two teams left who can complete the Grand Slam. Ireland looked masterful last weekend. They controlled large parts of the game and prevented Wales from getting quick balls at the breakdown. England were equally brilliant against Scotland, but then it's difficult not to be when you're playing for the oldest trophy in rugby.
So, how will they fare this afternoon? Who will triumph? Well, I can certainly say one thing. Neither team will complete the Grand Slam. Previously, when there have been contenders, the 'Grand Slam' match comes towards the end. Either the penultimate game or the final match. The pressure on whoever wins today will be tremendous. Usually by this point you'd see the top three teams winning their first two matches and vying for the crown. This time, Italy is well in the mix and France has lost twice!
Going back to the match today, it will be an interesting one. Stuart Lancaster has got this England team playing a brand of rugby I haven't seen in a white and red shirt for about 6 years. Simple, efficient and effortless is how you'd describe it. The ball doesn't spent nearly as much time in the air as it used to. I alway got the feeling that Martin Johnson never trusted his backs, which was why you would always see them kicking the ball, unnecessarily wasting possession.
I like this new/old England. But not as much as I enjoy watching the Irish on their day. Owen Farrell is starting to come into his own as England's number 10, but Johnny Sexton has a few years under his belt at fly-half and looks like keeping that shirt for quite a few more. His intelligence in setting up his backs, the speed at which he throws himself into tackles and the attack and his combined kicking ability remind me of another number 10, also called Johnny.
He's also had the luxury of playing alongside D'Arcy and O'Driscoll, two of the best centres to ever grace the international stage. Farrell hasn't had that opportunity. Don't get me wrong, Brad Barritt will grow into a fine centre and Twelvetrees looked immense on his debut against Scotland, but they don't have the experience. This England back line is learning together and we're yet to see whether that's a good thing or a bad thing. What we do know, however, is that this game this afternoon is going to be one of the all-time greats.


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