Take Care Who You Pick On

Six Nations Round Three Review

A lot of talking points spring up from last weekend's Six Nations.

Ireland - England, a dire game on the whole.

Lets start with the English....well, well, well.

First of all if you have not seen the BBCs post-match interviews with Martin Johnson and Steve Borthwick then I recommend them. Borthwick's manner is very interesting and you begin to feel sorry for the man.

My problem, however, is everyone pointing the finger at Danny Care. What he did was very stupid but he was not the only one giving stupid pens away. Phil Vickery, can't stop giving away pens in his own 22. Come on! Ten yellow cards in four games! This in not one or two players fault, everyone in the set up have to look at themselves and think about what they are doing.

I watched both England and Wales train in front of the media ahead their game in Cardiff, the contrast between the two sides was unbelievable. Gatland's boys were organised and well drilled. They came out as a team did what they were meant to do, like professionally.

England on the other hand, came out in drips and draps (I walked down the tunnel with Andy Goode and Paul Sackey bantering away), it all seemed to be easy and relaxed. I guess there is nothing wrong with that, rugby is fun enjoy it, but when you look at their performances and lack of discipline on the pitch that can be reflected in their lack of discipline in training. At points Johnno just looked like one of the lads! I not knocking his leadership, that is unprecedented and I realise he is not the coach but the manager. I am, however, questioning this approach because it doesn't seem to be working.

The Irish Slam

I still doubt that Ireland will go on to win the Grand Slam. I can not see them winning in Cardiff, but my confidence in the Welsh has come back to haunt the dragons in the past.

Friday Night Highlight

I think that the Friday night game worked really well. I am in agreement with Jonathan Davis, a Friday night game works better then a Sunday game. Kicks off the weekend in style.

It was all helped by a great game of rugby.

On my twitter feed I didn't say - "If the Welsh turn up, they could give the French a lesson in how to play rugby." I am not sure the Welsh totally turned up. There were points when they dominated but the French did too. Wales could have won it but they made too many mistakes and lack calmness.

The French were powerful and got their tactics right, they were all playing for their under pressure coach.

Scots Bore

Well done to Scotland, Frank Hadden's boys needed the win, they got it, not in style but a win is a win. I am concerned for the Italians. A few years ago it looked like they were about to really break into the Six Nations but this year they have offered very little, their strength in depth seems a problem.

All in all yet again the Six Nations is delivering. Great tournament so far.

Time for England to Man Up?

England captain Steve Borthwick is has asked ahead of this weekends game against Ireland that 'we hope that Joubert referees both sides equally.'

Is this a excuse of a losing side or are England really being targeted by officials?

Most people in the rugby world, love beating the English more then any other nation. Is it possible that referees have this mentally embedded in theirs views of a game?

Surely this is hard to believe?

Nobody picked up on this when England we on top of the world in 2003...or did they? Some interesting decisions were made in the scrum in the RWC final that pushed the game all to the wire...

Should the English just accepted that they have a slight harder up hill battle, that is just part of being English and they should man up.

Or maybe just stop infringing clearly and stupidly in front of the ref.

A Magners European Delight

The Heineken Cup was reignited into action this weekend with style setting up a great final weekend of the pool stage next week.

Four results really stood all that show the promise of the Magners League.

Toulouse 26 - 33 Glasgow

We got to start with Glasgow's beating of Toulouse, to add to it in France. The greatest Heineken Cup Shock? A great win for the Scottish side that showed some real heart. Coach Sean Lineen described Dan Park's as 'outstanding'. His performance will please Frank Hadden ahead of the Six Nations and could change the balance in the Godman - Parks debate (more of I am sure in the coming weeks on this issue).

Ulster 21 - 10 Quins

Horrible conditions for this game, but that ain't no excuse. After two great performances against Stade in the previous rounds of matches Quins were shocked by this one. Ulster again nothing to lose and didn't. Quins still through as results go there way, just result really.

Munster 37 - 14 Sale

This was not the result but the manner of it. Bish bash bosh. The reigning champs showed the English who is boss. Six try bonus point win, thought to the next round. NEXT.

Gloucester 12 - 16 Cardiff Blues

Blues down to 14 men after getting winger Tom Jones sent off for head butting but were able to maintain their unbeaten record in the tournament but edging the West Country boys. Not a classic match in terms of rugby (unlike the fixture earlier on in the season) but the grit and determination shown by the 14 men blues was super. Gloucester just didn't look like they wanted it.

What do these four fixtures show us? The strength the Magners has to offer and highlights yet again an argument I have touched upon before, the Magners League has great potential but the organisers and schedules are messing it up.

This weekend is another example of the potential for the league, something needs to be done.