2012 Six Nations - Wales v France

2012 Six Nations - England v Ireland

2012 Six Nations - Italy v Scotland

Six Nations: France v England

Allez Les Rosbifs! A win in Paris. Snuffing out France’s title hopes, away. You’ve got to be happy with that England fans?..

I’ll admit, I have yet to watch the game (these stat things take up watching time!), so I can't criticise or flatter either way ... but this must strengthen Stuart Lancaster’s credentials to retain the coaching role. He must have a chance now since he has actually got these guys to play for each other.

However, I guess I’d temper that enthusiasm by saying the RFU should search hard and interview their wish list well. Whether its Nick Mallett, Jake White, Wayne Smith or Stuart Lancaster, they must do due diligence and make the right, well-thought out decision.

And I say this as a burned All Black fan: remember when we ditched Wayne Smith in favour of John Mitchell and Robbie Deans? That was the sort of knee-jerk, botched botched decision that makes an Otago Rugby Union Finance Officer look competent

Come on Wales!!!

2012 Six Nations - Ireland v Scotland

2012 Six Nations - Wales v Italy

2012 Six Nations - France v Ireland

2012 Six Nations - Scotland v France

Six Nations: Wales v Scotland

My time-management policies meant this was the game of the round I watched, and it was a good match. If you look at these stata (for all the good that does) the game actually looks a lot closer than the scoreline indicates. Those moments of self-destruction that produced two yellow cards for the Scots maybe cost them the game? They certainly showed a lot more creativity and determination than when I saw them play here in Wellington against Argentina during the World Cup. That game was a treatise in how to mess things up.

Still think Wales are looking pretty solid in defense – for all Sotland’s endeavour, they did find it hard to get over the advantage line, and gain ground. But with Measts likeHamilton, Strokosch, Gray and Denton, they don’t lack the will.

Can’t be easy watching for you Scottish fans, eh? But there is real improvement there I thought ... maybe I have been too hard on Andy ‘Growler’ Robinson, maybe its slowly coming together. There’s no way he’ll go easy on them that is for sure.

Certainly, rebuilding and gaining experience is a watch word across most of the Six Nations’ squads, and Scotland are no different.

Wales still look the most composed and comfortable team though. Hard to see them not winning the title.

Six Nations: Italy v England

2012 Six Nations - Ireland v Wales

This was always going to be the best game of the opening round, and it delivered. Both teams were superb in their intent, and the game’s intensity meant both the Irish and Welsh sides had to at times bring themselves back into it.

Maybe Wales stumbled a little. They seemed to dominate possession in the first half, and Ireland looked to kick away the ball too much, but what a twisted plot this match delivered. After some genius back play on display from both sides – Bowe, Kearney & Trimble for Irelnd, North, Roberts and J Davies for Wales – it came done to a last minute penalty.

Another epic, decided once again by that Panto Villain, Mr Wayne Barnes. I do not think that was a spear tackle, neither of them were vertical to start with ... it was another bad call in the heat of the moment by him. And it could decide the Six Nations?

Ireland have to travel away to play England, Italy and France ... a killer draw. Wales go to Twickers, but at least host France in Cardiff. This surely gives them a wee edge now.

Constantly feel that when I watch these two teams I am looking at the next Lions squad running about. O’Connell was immense today! Should Declan Kidney be the Lions coach? I think he should be.

Thanks to both teams. And thanks to Sky TV and ESPN because in 2012 I finally get to watch HD coverage of the 6N on my telly, without forking out for the Rugby Channel. About bloody time!

2012 Six Nations - Scotland v England

2012 Six Nations - France v Italy

Welcome back ... its Statto Time!

The Six Nations for 2012 is underway “Up North, Up North”, so while Ferdy is soaking it up in the pubs, I’ll wheel out some more graphical stat summaries for the tourney after reading the papers hours later

Things have been tweaked a little. I have changed sources for the 6N to use espnscrum.com and the Official RBS Six Nations site ... so blame them for interpretations, not me.

First blood to France. Which is nice ... I mean it must be nice to win something for a change.

Six Nations 2012 - almost there

It has been a long wait for redemption for ahem, certain rugby teams since the world cup.  Starting Saturday, some have a chance to make things right again...hopefully. Here's a flash infographic stolen from The Shortlist mag  from my morning commute summing up all things bright and beautiful about one of the best rugby tournaments (one of, not 'the') in the world.