France looked pretty good at times, especially with Dupont back in the driving seat. Wales looked as poor as I think I have ever seen them.

This afternoon will answer a few questions, but I suspect that France and Ireland will be slogging it out, with a battle for the minor places. I hope England can reverse the worrying trend of defeats they have experienced against Scotland.

I’m in a cafe close to a pub near Murrayfield right now….

As a Welshman I fear it will be the wooden spoon for us this year. Long road ahead for Wales to get back to where they need to be.

Well, I think it might be Ireland and France in a slam decider. How the other four stack up will be interesting.

Well, Ireland were backed in a lot of corners to possibly win the last rugby world cup, so consistent had their form been win the run up to it. They tripped up early losing to the AB's. If they somehow were to win this championship they would be the only country to do it three successive times. France will be their sternest test for sure. There's a grand slam in France and certainly a championship, I would imagine Ireland have at least one eye on achieving a similar outcome.

Des

I'm already predicting Scotland will only beat Wales (sorry Steve! @welshlad ) to go with our win against Italy, and end up 4th.

Title is between France and Ireland, with England third.

Of course, sport is unpredictable so it may go differently....

Get in England. What a thriller.

Des

Am glad of the win , bit awkward as wife is French and I live in France , but will be wearing my England fleece tomorrow

Interesting afternoon. I will gladly admit that I never gave England a chance. The fight they showed was very heartening, but France were below par in terms of handling. They’re still a better team, but well done England.

Italy are a much improved side, and they really deserved their win. Wales are pretty much rock bottom, but these things go in cycles. They’ll improve.

After so many one-point games in RWC ‘23 and England’s late win over Ireland last year, these thrilling finishes are becoming commonplace. It’s better for the game than 40+ point mismatch wins for anyone.

Finn Smith has most certainly matured since I used to watch him in training with my lad at Worcester Warriors in the Junior Academy. So much potential coming through that academy setup and now all gone.

Time goes by wrote: ↑Sun Feb 09, 2025 12:30 pm Finn Smith has most certainly matured since I used to watch him in training with my lad at Worcester Warriors in the Junior Academy. So much potential coming through that academy setup and now all gone.

Saw a really nice video about Fin's relationship with Oli Lawrence. Give. I think Ted Hill could fit in the England team as well that's a good core of Worcester right there!

@GrahamB. Ted was the inspiration in the academy. He used to help out with coaching at colts level. Always remember Donncha OCallaghan saying that he was tackled by a 16 year old Ted Hill and had never been hit so hard.

Ireland looked impressive. I hope they can beat France and take the GS. That could even leave England 2nd, provided they can beat Scotland. Never a given either way these days, but I’m more hopeful this year.

Week off next week.