2024 Six Nations
Discussion
I'll caveat all of the following with "IMVHO":-
The final score for the WAL v ITA game flattered Wales; in possession, they were directionless headless chickens. Dire.
The final score for the IRE v SCO game flattered Ireland
The penalty that finished off England was 50 / 50 at best, and was a harsh call. But, at least, England seem to have a platform to build on (as opposed to Wales who - for me - only have Wainwright / Winnett / Ferrell as ongoing prospects).
Player of the Tournament?
Can't decide between Earles and Menoncello.
The final score for the WAL v ITA game flattered Wales; in possession, they were directionless headless chickens. Dire.
The final score for the IRE v SCO game flattered Ireland
The penalty that finished off England was 50 / 50 at best, and was a harsh call. But, at least, England seem to have a platform to build on (as opposed to Wales who - for me - only have Wainwright / Winnett / Ferrell as ongoing prospects).
Player of the Tournament?
Can't decide between Earles and Menoncello.
In terms of a spectacle, I thought this was one of the best 6N tournaments ever. Far closer in terms of each team’s ability (apart from Wales), Ireland obviously the most accomplished side but England showed they’re beatable. Brilliant seeing that Italy are no longer the whipping boys and can actually play, while England are looking quite an exciting prospect at times. France are rarely a pushover.
Hugely enjoyable 6N!
Hugely enjoyable 6N!
One thing is for certain, all the teams bar Wales have made a step up this year, England, Ireland, Scotland and France all have the ability to get one over each other leading to a close tournament. Italy have hugely improved but need a little extra to really compete at the top table. Top top effort though.
Wales….What a miserable time they’re going through. I couldn’t bear going up the pub yesterday to watch it as I sensed what was coming. They look and play like a Welsh division east ‘select’ 15. Saying that, over half the team were probably playing division east last year!! They do have some good individuals but are devoid of any structure, ambition, control and game management. They also all look very small, no beef. Getting the spoon could be a blessing in disguise as it should force the WRU to finally pull their head out their ass and start a top to bottom review of the game in wales and start restructuring and financing for a better model. They’ve ruined the game in wales and fiddled whilst Cardiff burned
Wales….What a miserable time they’re going through. I couldn’t bear going up the pub yesterday to watch it as I sensed what was coming. They look and play like a Welsh division east ‘select’ 15. Saying that, over half the team were probably playing division east last year!! They do have some good individuals but are devoid of any structure, ambition, control and game management. They also all look very small, no beef. Getting the spoon could be a blessing in disguise as it should force the WRU to finally pull their head out their ass and start a top to bottom review of the game in wales and start restructuring and financing for a better model. They’ve ruined the game in wales and fiddled whilst Cardiff burned
Edited by Boom78 on Sunday 17th March 07:30
I loved the final match. My voice has gone this morning. But, and I know it's rugby, only rugby, but it was so close. Oly fair given what we did to the Irish hopes of a GS I suppose.
Someone suggested that the 5Ns had all improved, and that Wales had fallen apart. I think there's some truth in that but, on the bright side, the WRU might get some stick, strong enough that it can't be ignored.
The only thing disappointing about the England match was the result. It was a thriller.
One of the most exciting 6Ns. There were some brilliant matches. Well deserved Championship by Ireland.
Someone suggested that the 5Ns had all improved, and that Wales had fallen apart. I think there's some truth in that but, on the bright side, the WRU might get some stick, strong enough that it can't be ignored.
The only thing disappointing about the England match was the result. It was a thriller.
One of the most exciting 6Ns. There were some brilliant matches. Well deserved Championship by Ireland.
Derek Smith said:
the WRU might get some stick, strong enough that it can't be ignored.
Unfortunately it’s like asking turkeys to vote for Christmas, whilst they’ll agree something needs to change they’d rather keep their roles and benefits, they’re answerable to only themselves and have ruined the game; reduced funding to regions, ripped up the premiership (so the clubs play a fraction of the games reducing gate receipts), zero investment in grass roots etc etc. it says it all when our young age grade players see their playing paths via schools (Cardiff & vale rugby academy, Llandaff cathedral school etc) rather than the club game or by heading over the border to Gloucester, Bristol and Exeter. Unreal said:
As an England fan i'm not that disappointed. It was an exciting match and England currently look capable of giving anyone a game. Fine margins in this game. One screwed up line out and a rather dubious final penalty and that was it.
There's always an iffy call. One positive to take is that England played much better than Ireland did yesterday. It was just unfortunate we were playing France.
I thought the standard of refereeing was good through the tournament, but there were a number of calls I felt were, at best, borderline. I saw no evidence of bias, so can't moan.
Apart from feeling a bit down immediately after the match, overall, it's a positive for England. I'm pleased for Ireland, they deserved the Championship, but I'm glad they lost the GS. I don't think they are as good as the table shows.
Great 6N. Clean as well. I bet there'll be more kids next Saturday at the ground.
Derek Smith said:
The only thing disappointing about the England match was the result. It was a thriller.
I think that’s an elegant way of describing it. As to the final penalty, which seems to be attracting loads of social media comment and which had Ugo frothing away in post-match: it always seems to me (in any game, not just this one) that if you’re in the position that you’re depending on a single refereeing decision made under huge pressure in the last seconds then, on balance, you can’t really claim to have done enough to win. It’s just a lottery at that point.
Both England and France were well ahead at different points and need to focus on how they could have better closed the game out from there.
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