No finished articles
’Work in progress’ is probably the sign that needs to go up at Twickenham. Although England won three Six Nations games for the first time since 2004 and unearthed promising newcomers in David Strettle, Shane Geraghty, Toby Flood and Tom Rees, they were exposed up front.
England lost both away to Ireland and Wales and, on each occasion, their front five was exposed. South Africa are next up in Bloemfontein, and head coach Brian Ashton desperately needs Andrew Sheridan, Matt Stevens and Steve Borthwick available, while he could also take a punt on young Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley.
England are on the right track, but they have to sort out the pack.
Best player: Harry Ellis.
Darkest day: A record 43-13 Six Nations defeat by Ireland.
End of term report: Room for considerable improvement.
Ireland secured a second successive Six Nations Triple Crown – but they should have won the title – and one wonders whether psychological scars will remain heading into the World Cup.
An unforgivable mental switch-off in the closing seconds against France cost them victory at Croke Park, and with it went their Grand Slam dream, despite Ireland scoring more tries than any other team and dazzling opponents through some mesmeric handling and running.
It could be argued they were the best side in the championship, but professional sport only remembers winners, and once again they came up short.
Best player: Gordon D’Arcy.
Darkest day: Blowing victory against France with just seconds remaining.
End of term report: Should have been top of the class.
A second Six Nations whitewash in four seasons beckoned for Wales, but they dug deep to stave off such embarrassment by beating England.
On their day, Wales possess the back division to bewilder any opponent but they need to discover a greater physical presence up front.
Lock Alun Wyn-Jones proved a newcomer of immense promise, while openside flanker Martyn Williams remains a world-class operator, but consistency in terms of results is the priority.
Best player: James Hook.
Darkest day: A desperate performance against Scotland.
End of term report: Too much ordinary work.
Coach Frank Hadden will retain his sense of optimism heading into the summer and beyond but, for all Scotland’s ambitions, they ended up with the wooden spoon.
Their solitary win came against a Wales side that performed appallingly and, although they came within a point of holding Ireland, the Scots were smashed by England, Italy and France.
Real problems presented themselves behind the scrum, where they lacked a cutting edge , and bucket-loads of Chris Paterson penalties will not be enough to remotely trouble the world’s best.
Best player: Chris Paterson.
Darkest day: Being reduced to ruins by Italy’s rampant pack at Murrayfield.
End of term report: Must do better, but no obvious sign of an improvement.
France retained the Six Nations title despite never really hitting top gear. Victory over Ireland in Dublin was their keynote result, but coach Bernard Laporte will probably glean far more from defeat by England than their four wins put together.
Between them, David Skrela and Lionel Beauxis suggested the problem fly-half position might at last have been nailed down, and there were moments of brilliance from Clement Poitrenaud, Yannick Jauzion and Christophe Dominici.
The main concern is whether the front five can raise their game, because England raised many questions.
Best player: Clement Poitrenaud.
Darkest day: A total no-show by the pack against England at Twickenham.
End of term report: Top marks, but not a vintage performance.
The real success story of the Six Nations, Italy won two games for the first time and recorded an inaugural championship away win at Murrayfield.
Italy’s pack was undoubtedly the most accomplished on view, with Martin Castrogiovanni, Marco Bortolami, Josh Sole and Sergio Parisse all deservedly taking a bow.
The Azzurri can now look ahead with confidence and maybe a World Cup quarter-final place.
Best player: Sergio Parisse.
Darkest day: Being run off their feet by France on day one.
End of term report: Improved beyond recognition.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
