Six Nations - What we’ve learned after Two Rounds.

Scotland – Having seemingly turned a corner during the World Cup, Scotland have returned to their old ways, putting in brave, but ultimately losing performances. They have a pack that can now compete with the best, including WP Nell, the monstrous Gray brothers and a world class 7 in John Hardie. What they seem to lack is leadership. When Finn Russell laughed off his misjudged kick and chase after intercepting against England, it summed up Scotland’s woes. If a Paul O’Connell or Martin Johnson like character had of been on the pitch, he certainly would not have been laughing. Well not for long anyway. Someone needs to grab the Scottish team by the scruff of their tartan collars and to quote the great ginger giant “Put the fear of God into them”

England – Opposition fans and players were beginning to take more kindly to England over the past few years. The humbleness and average performances sat quite well. That all seems to have changed in a very short space of time and England may be on their way back to their belligerent best. Built on a stubborn and confrontational pack, the set piece is functioning, there’s a huge amount of strength in depth and some great young quality in the form of Joseph, Vunipola, Kruis, Slade, Itoje, George and Clifford to name a few. If Jones continues as he is started, England fans may finally have something to cheer about, while the rest of us will have our pantomime villains back.

France – Well it couldn’t get any worse than under Saint Andre. Two home games and two wins, means French fans will be less grumpy than usual. Finally beating Ireland at the fifth time of asking will be a huge relief but all is not fixed. The French still have a long way to go, and settling on a 9 – 10 combination will be crucial to this. Danty looks like a real talent in the centre as does Vakatawa. Noves has promised a game plan of ‘spectacular efficiency’. We’ve seen very small glimpses of both, but playing away from home in Cardiff next weekend will be a much bigger test.

Ireland – The injury list continues to grow and deplete what is an already relatively small pool of talent. Joe Schmidt is the master at using whatever resources are at his disposal to good use and Ireland were only an aggregate score of 3 points away from winning both opening games and remaining on course for a third championship. Instead a loss to England at Twickenahm will see Ireland battle it out with Italy and Scotland for a potential wooden spoon. Doubts remain over the center partnership of two fullbacks, Payne and Henshaw. A brighter light is shining from number 6, where CJ Stander looks to be the future of Irish rugby alongside the likes of Henderson, McGrath & O’Mahony. A full strength Irish squad would be something to behold, but that looks unlikely for some time.

Italy – In his last outing as head coach, Brunel looked like he would go out swinging with a great performance against France in Paris. Alas, a missed drop goal meant it is not to be and worse was to follow with a trouncing at home to England. Parisse and co will focus on their annual must win game against Scotland and hope that Ireland arrive in Rome on crutches. Two wins are still a possibility and with Canna at 10, they finally look to have someone who can convert their penalties into points.

Wales – After 9 years in charge we all know what Gatland and Wales will bring. Predictable and beatable are two different things though, as Scotland and Ireland found out. A win against France at home should see a showdown with England decide the championship. Wales had the upper hand in the World Cup, but this England squad is a much tougher proposition and should be favourites at home. However, with Dan Biggar preforming miracles at 10 and Jamie Roberts continuing to impersonate a freight train, Wales are in with an excellent chance.

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By Fred Culazzo

Written for The Rugby Pod - www.TheRugbyPod.com