6 nations coming up this weekend

Well, the last round of games was very physically demanding (for my liver
at least). It's a good thing Bill gives us a discount on the beer as well
as the game or it would have been cheaper to fly to Dublin to watch the
match. Super Saturdays are a great idea but I don't remember much past the
first half of Wales v France so my report may be a little skimpy on that
front. Last thing I remember was Wales leading but apparently it didn't
quite end like that.

So, to recap: Ireland well and truly destroyed England, not only on the
pitch but in their hearts and minds, too. Brian Ashton has admitted his
team are "second division" in terms of world rugby (so there's a vote of
confidence in your players) and the English papers have been full of woe
wondering if this is a sign of a return to Andy Robinson type humiliations.
The bare facts are Ireland scored 4 tries, 4 conversions and 5 penalties
for a record victory (Ireland 43 -England 13) that also keeps them on track
to win the triple crown.

The day had started fantastically with Italy scoring their first try
against Scotland in something like 18 seconds. Within 6 minutes they had
scored another two converted tries and secured their first victory away
from home in the 6 Nations. A sweet result (Scotland 17 - Italy 37) in the
end, especially for Berbizier who never won here for France. Troncon was
again the man of the match and at this rate looks likely to get MVP for the
tournament. Scotland will still be competing with Wales for the wooden
spoon.

Now we come to the tricky bit: Wales in France. Wales managed to score two
early tries (having scored none against both Ireland and Scotland) and for
a minute it looked like an upset was on the cards. Before the end of the
first half, however, Roger Saulce was able to give Les Bleues enough vocal
encouragement to retake the lead. Wales never gave up so they do at least
take some pride away from this performance if not the victory laurels.
Final score: France 32 - Wales 21

Saturday, 10 March

And so on to this week with just two games on Saturday
First up is Scotland versus Ireland at 8:30am Montreal time. Scottish
fans who arrived late for the match against Italy would have been saved the
sight of three dreadful give-away tries so if you're planning to make it on
Saturday it may be worth the effort to arrive early and get ready for some
point scoring. Scotland have changed their fly-half and brought back Dan
Parks who last played against England. Ireland too make only one change -
prop Marcus Horan who has a leg injury. Ireland need to notch up as many
scores as possible in case the championship is decided on points difference
again this year. I sincerely hope that the Scottish guy who sits at the
front turns up again this weekend - that man knows how to take public
humiliation (I seem to remember he was backing England to win at Croke
Park, as well...)

Italy v Wales kicks off at 10:30am There can't have been much celebrating
on St David's Day last week after their third defeat in the tournament but
there's no reason for the Welsh to give up hope just yet - they should wait
until they've lost to Italy and then do it. The Italians stand to win
about $30,000 each if they beat Wales - hardly enough to get a soccer
player out of bed but a sign that the sport is taking off in Rome at last.
And with Italian soccer in such a mess at the moment this would be a great
opportunity for rugby to make its mark. Sorry Dai but I have to back the
Azzurri for this one.

Sunday, 11 March

Okay, I think I have this worked out now: with the clocks springing forward
England v France kicks of at 11am. France are clearly the form team of
European rugby and are starting to show the skills they'll need to have a
chance in the World Cup this autumn. With boos ringing in their ears two
weeks ago at the Stade de France they managed to maintain their composure
and re-assert themselves over a fired up Welsh team. In case they need a
helping hand France will also be facing an England team weakened by
injuries and doubt: eight players who lost to Ireland are out; Wilkinson,
Farrell, Morgan and Captain Vickery through injury; Grewcock, whose time in
the sin bin cost England 14 points against Ireland, is dropped for other
reasons... Three other players will be changing position, with Martin
Corry moving from the back row to the second. Much has been made in the
media about England not having time together but if you make this many
changes whose fault is it that players don't know what they're doing? Mike
Catt returns to the team at the age of 35 having apparently had a great
season so far at London Irish - two weeks ago he couldn't make the team,
this Sunday he'll be the Captain: go figure. France to win by 14 points
(God help us)

See you all on Saturday

Martin Buckle
Treasurer