So this weekend we saw the 2022 Six Nations kick off and what did we learn about the title contenders? The one difference is the crowds were back and how we have missed them. The atmosphere is totally different and makes viewing the matches far more enjoyable. The fake crowd noise never quite did it for me and was more of an irritation.
Ireland were first into battle against Wales and what a disappointing game with Wales getting thrashed comprehensively. A 29-7 score line showed how dominant the Irish were as the 7 points scored by Wales came right at the end. I actually cannot find any positives for Wales from this result and hope they improve as surely they cannot get any worse.
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How long before he becomes a walking cabbage and scary to think he isn't concerned. Every blow to his head is a worry and actually hate watching this happen as surely this is not right.
I think the biggest concern from this game was Johnny Sexton receiving another blow to the head. With all the news appearing these days of past players suffering from dementia due to the number of concussions received he is a prime candidate. I do fear for him in the next 10 years and think it is kind of reckless and selfish on his behalf that he is still playing. He had been warned by medical experts almost 3 years ago and yet here he is still throwing himself in harms way. Last year his Neurologist spoke about saying he believes Sexton has received more than 30 serious concussions over his career so far and is concerned. Why is everyone concerned and he isn't as surely player welfare has to come first.
Scotland played England in the second match of the weekend and secured a notable victory over the old enemy. This was the first time since 1984 the Scots managed to retain the Calcutta Cup having beaten England two times in a row. The 20-17 score line showed how close an affair this was and could have gone either way.
The fact England were missing many of their key players takes nothing away from the victory however as you have to beat whoever is on the field. What we have to take away from this result is Eddie Jones the England coach is not happy and expect to see a video published regarding the match officials. Rassie Erasmus did this last year and was slated by the English press so lets see what happens with this edition.
England have had the rub of the green for so long they don't really have grounds to complain and should be taking this one on the chin. The scrum is where they are saying they were unfairly treated and one has to question those thoughts. You are either dominant or you aren't making it a fair contest. England were not dominant at all with the lock pairings the weakest I have seen in many seasons. If you don't dominate your set pieces then you are in heaps of trouble.
The last match saw France take on Italy in Paris which was surprisingly close for 60 minutes of the match. The Italians did not look like a side that has averaged nearly 5 tries scored against them since their introduction to the 6 Nations. The 37-10 final score was somewhat flattering with the French having worn the Italians down constantly battering the advantage line. The wet weather with a constant drizzle may have helped the Italians more than the French as we all know how the French love to throw the ball around.
What the weekend results tell us is Ireland and France are the firm favorites for this 6 nations title. England will struggle along with Wales as they have to now come from behind. Somehow my money is firmly on France to lift the crown as they look as though they have the power up front to dominate most teams. The French messed up last year when they were firmly in control of the title so surely they cannot beat themselves again.
Next weekend France play Ireland at home and expect the French to win giving them the advantage. Scotland should beat Wales in Cardiff and England should beat the Italians in Rome.
