This manic and beguiling tournament gave little clue about what will happen next, least of all about Eddie Jones’ futureAutumn austerity turned into a spring splurge. It was as if players felt liberated outside their Covid bubble, prisoners of the pandemic running free. The disappointment was that there were no spectators to witness a Six Nations tournament where every team except Italy had its day and, for once, defences did not dominate.Wales went from fifth to first, confirmed as champions after France failed to beat Scotland on Friday night, swapping places with England who just 17 months ago looked rugby’s coming force. Now a panel is being convened by Twickenham to sift through the flotsam of a campaign which started...
France could have snatched the Six Nations title in the final match but only once – and then briefly – did they look likely toParis in the springtime became like a rainy March day in Cardiff. They were perfect conditions for Wales and as Scotland played to them, kicking and harrying, France set out for the four tries and 21-point winning margin they needed to clinch the title, watching it slip from their grasp like the ball they struggled to hold on to.England’s defence of their title ended in Cardiff when a French referee awarded Wales two disputed tries and France found themselves 10-3 down after 14 minutes when an English official, Wayne Barnes, awarded Duhan van der Merwe a...
A concerning 32-18 defeat to an inspired Ireland was the nadir of a dismal 18 months for England’s stubborn coachFifth place for England. We have said that before, and quite recently, but this time the words will be spat out by those faithful clad in white with just a touch more vitriol. Familiarity breeds contempt, and familiarity with fifth place all the more so. Eddie Jones will be lying low for a while. Unless, of course, he is hauled up before the beak to explain himself – and possibly to pay the ultimate price.That feels unlikely, despite the vitriol that will no doubt come his way. For all the ups and downs of his reign, the ups have been more...
The veteran captain belied his years yet again in Paris and seems to be made of something tougher than flesh and boneThree minutes to play, Wales are three points up, and down to 13 men. France, who have just scored their third try, have the ball in their 22, Arthur Vincent charges, thump, into Alun Wyn Jones, he falls, Jones is already back on his feet. Brice Dulin has it now, thump, Jones catches him, too, France work it wide, and upfield, Romain Ntamack carries it across halfway, thump, there’s Jones again, he’s limping and winded. Now Gregory Alldrit has it. Jones tags him from behind, a split-second after he releases his pass. A knock-on, Wales win the ball. Tomos...
For players such as Elliot Daly and Billy Vunipola, the Six Nations tie in Dublin is a final opportunity to ensure they are selected for the Lions tourWherever Warren Gatland is basing himself in the UK at the moment, I imagine a whiteboard is never far away. There’ll be about 45 names on it and I’d have thought that by this stage he has a pretty good idea of his preferred starting lineup for the first British & Irish Lions Test against South Africa. Given Warren is going to be in Dublin this weekend, it is the final audition for several players to force their way into that 45, or make sure they don’t get a strike through their names.All...