Another Six Nations has been and gone. Six weeks have passed since the first game, in which France narrowly defeated Italy in Paris.
The final weekend was not going to reach the standards set in last season’s finale in which there were three teams who could have won on the day. This year, England has the title wrapped up after they beat Wales and France lost to the Scots, meaning that the Grand Slam would be theirs should they beat France.
Fortunately for them, they did, in an entertaining end to this year’s tournament. England were the best team over the six weeks and deserved to lift the trophy. Not always exciting or convincingly, but always effective, and until the last ten minutes against Wales, were very strong defensively throughout.
A special mention must go towards Scotland. After being so cruelly dumped out of the World Cup in the most agonising and gut-wrenching fashions, they picked themselves up and impressively bounced back and showed that they are a team who are progressing in the right direction and a team who, in seasons to come, could be going for the title. A hard-fought win against the Italians and an extremely entertaining win over France saw them finish fourth, but in their defeats they showed they were more than capable of competing with the best.
Disappointing campaigns for the other four teams. Wales went into the tournament as favourites, but a draw on the first weekend against a weakened Ireland was frustrating and a very poor performance against England meant they would not be title winners this year.
Italy were ravaged by injuries this year and unfortunately for them, it showed. strength in depth is a real issue for the Azzurri and there are mentions of a relegation – promotion play-off being introduced for the team who finishes last each year, which is often Italy.
Ireland were always going to struggle after losing the likes of O’Brien, O’Driscoll, O’Connel and other senior players and they were slow to get going. A draw with Wales first up, followed by two defeats to the French and England all but finished them off for this year.
As for France, well, they continue to frustrate and disappoint. Nothing like the French of old, rarely complete a full 80 minutes of top class international rugby and constant swapping and changing of players and managers does not help their cause.
As the dust settles, we have picked our Team of the Tournament.
