Lydiate takes Six Nations award
Wales flanker Dan Lydiate is named Six Nations player of the tournament after playing a major part in their Grand Slam.
BBC Sport – Rugby Union
Ireland beat Scotland in eventful Six Nations clash in Dublin
Ireland scored four tries as they put Scotland away with a 32-14 Six Nations victory in Dublin on Saturday. The match will be remembered for a few stand out moments, including a horrific head knock to Scotland back Lee Jones.
Jones, who collided with Andrew Trimble as the Irish winger came in to make the tackle, was knocked out cold instantly. He was stretchered off and spent the night in hospital, but appears to be stable after a ‘severe concussion’, and will travel home on Monday.
Tries were scored for Ireland by captain on the day Rory Best, Eoin Reddan, Andrew Trimble and Fergus McFadden, while Scotland’s only try came from the brilliant second rower Richie Gray.
Gray, at 6ft10, galloped through a tackle before throwing a perfectly timed dummy on the way to the tryline. Scotland winger Max Evans was later yellow carded for a tug on Keith Earls that perhaps prevented a try being scored, and star winger Tommy Bowe was penalised over the tryline for a double movement in the second half.
“You can look at the TMO one, you have to release the player in the tackle, but we will take the four tries and move on,” said coach Declan Kidney.
“I think our decision-making is getting better all the time, when to move it, when to play position. We are asking more questions of the opposition. When we’ve lost matches we didn’t get overly despondent; just because we’ve won one, we’re not going to get overly excited.
“We will enjoy tonight but will not get carried away because we know we have to be in Twickenham on St Patrick’s Day,” he added.
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O2 Inside Line – Six Nations 2012, episode 5
On this, the final Six Nations episode of O2 Inside Line, we get to hang out with Chris Ashton and Lee Dickson as they join Austin and Abby for a cup of tea and play a bit of giant Jenga. We also learn about the technical video analysis that goes into training and matchday situations, and South African Mouritz Botha braais (barbecues) for the rest of the squad.
To get the inside scoop on the squad, as well as fun features, match analysis and up to the minute player interviews with presenters Austin Healey and Abi Griffiths, sign up for alerts and watch O2 Inside Line on RFU TV at O2InsideLine.com / #O2InsideLine
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England defeat France in Paris in Six Nations classic
England beat France away from home for the first time since 2008 as they came away 24-22 winners in a classic Six Nations encounter in Paris on Sunday afternoon. A last minute dropgoal attempt from Francois Trinh-Duc fell short for the hosts.
In one of the more entertaining Six Nations games we’ve seen in recent times, Le Crunch turned out to be a classic battle that went right down to the wire as France fought back after England took an early lead. Two quickfire tries, first a great effort from Manu Tuilagi, then a Ben Foden try set up by Ben Morgan, gave England a 14-3 lead in the first half.
France chipped away and the second half was a far tighter affair. A fantastic try from Tom Croft then appeared to seal the deal for the English, but thanks to Julien Dupuy, Lionel Beauxis, and Morgan Parra, who all contributed points from the tee, and a Wesley Fofana try with 6 minutes left, we saw a thrilling finale to the game.
If Trinh-Duc’s dropgoal attempt had just a meter more on it, it would have been the French celebrating, but instead England took a famous win in Paris, and still have a mathematical chance of winning the Six Nations.
“It’s hard to come back against the English after such a bad start. We clawed back into contention thanks to our pride,” said brilliant French number eight, Imanol Harinordoquy.
“The two turnovers did for us. Once again we came back into it and we didn’t miss out by much. It’s hard to beat the English once they get ahead,” he added.
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O2 Inside Line – Six Nations 2012, episode 4
England have a big test ahead of them this Sunday as they travel to Paris to take on France in a Six Nations encounter between the old foes. There’s talk of revenge, and off the field, still loads of speculation about who their next coach will be.
This morning Jake White officially (as official as a Tweet can be) ruled himself out of the England coaching role, after being approached by the RFU. He’s only a few months into a four year deal with the Brumbies in Australia, so has opted to be loyal to them instead.
“[It is] always hard turning down a chance to win a World Cup but rugby is about making the right decisions and that’s to stay with the Brumbies in Australia,” White tweeted.
While the debate continues as to who the right man for the job is, on the field the England team need to perform, which itself will go a long way to determining the outcome. Stuart Lancaster may be done some favours if revenge for the Quarter Final exit at the RWC2011 is achieved.
France will be favourites at home, but England have a decent record abroad and certain individuals should be motivated to stay a part of the ‘new England’ setup. A win will no doubt ensure that.
In O2 Inside Austin Healey takes on David Strettle and Charlie Hodgson in a game of Batak, we join them for tenpin bowling, and Graham Rowntree puts a young side through their paces.
To get the inside scoop on the squad, as well as fun features, match analysis and up to the minute player interviews with presenters Austin Healey and Abi Griffiths, sign up for alerts and watch O2 Inside Line on RFU TV at O2InsideLine.com / #O2InsideLine
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O2 Inside Line – Six Nations 2012, episode 3
One of the most anticipated Six Nations games of the season takes place this weekend as England host Wales at Twickenham with both sides currently unbeaten. We catch up with O2 Inside Line this week to see what’s been going on.
England have made four changes for this game, with Manu Tuilagi coming into the midfield to join Brad Barritt, and Owen Farrell shifting over to flyhalf in the absence of injured Charlie Hodgson.
Barrit and Tuilagi, both known for the physically, may well prove the key to England halting the fire power the Welsh backs have out wide and in their centers. On today’s O2 Inside Line we see Tuilagi cooking up a pancake storm with Toby Flood, who moves onto the bench.
Ben Youngs shifts to the bench after an apparent drop in form, with Lee Dickson taking up the number nine role, while Geoff Parling gets a start in front of him, with Tom Palmer being dropped.
During the week the forwards did some intensive cardio that replicated match day situations, where they were required to get up off the floor rapidly, working on their speed and agility. We can see how that went in the video, as well as the usual team banter among the players, specifically directed at new captain Chris Robshaw, who seems to be a lot busier these days.Â
England team:
15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 David Strettle; 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Lee Dickson, 1 Alex Corbisiero, 2 Dylan Hartley, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Mouritz Botha, 5 Geoff Parling, 6 Tom Croft, 7 Chris Robshaw, 8 Ben Morgan
Replacements: 16 Rob Webber, 17 Matt Stevens, 18 Courtney Lawes, 19 Phil Dowson, 20 Ben Youngs, 21 Toby Flood, 22 Mike Brown
Wales team:
15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 1, Gethin Jenkins, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Adam Jones, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, 5 Ian Evans, 6 Dan Lydiate, 7 Sam Warburton, 8 Toby Faletau
Replacements: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Paul James, 18 Ryan Jones, 19 Justin Tipuric, 20 Lloyd Williams, 21 Stephen Jones, 22 Scott Williams
To get the inside scoop on the squad, as well as fun features, match analysis and up to the minute player interviews with presenters Austin Healey and Abi Griffiths, sign up for alerts and watch O2 Inside Line on RFU TV at O2InsideLine.com / #O2InsideLine
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France start Six Nations campaign with solid win over spirited Italy
France opened their 2012 Six Nations campaign with a convincing 30-12 win over Italy at the Stade de France on Saturday. One of the highlights of the game was a fantastic try scored by winger Julien Malzieu, while debutant Wesley Fofana also crossed.
New France head coach Philippe Saint-André saw his side score four tries past their continental cousins, although the Italians performed valiantly in the tight â dominating possession and territory for most of the match.
The French backs proved too difficult for the Azzurri to contain, with tries scored by centres Fofana and Aurélien Rougerie, as well as wingers Malzieu and Vincent Clerc. Scrum-half Dimitri Yachvili added 10 points from the boot.
Whereas Les Bleus capitalised on all of their opportunities, the Italians were unable to finish off a series of promising attacks and will have to improve before next weekâs fixture against Scotland.
Despite his sideâs convincing performance, Saint-André said that there was room for improvement:
“It’s good to win but there is a lot of room for improvement; the glass is half full and half-empty,” the former France winger said.
“We should gain more possession, we lacked aggression, especially at the beginning. As a coach, you seek perfection but today you saw great defence, good discipline and we even scored four tries.
“Up front we could have performed better. We lacked aggressiveness at the start of match in clearing out and as for taking the game to them, we did some things of quality but we were often guilty of failing to finish them off well.
“But It’s a first victory, so you have to have a smile,” he said.
What, or who, impressed you most in this match? Leave a comment below to let us know.
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No date confirmed yet for postponed Six Nations game
The Six Nations council met yesterday and have said that they are yet to set a date for the replay of the game between France and Ireland in Paris. The game was called off within minutes of kickoff on Saturday night due to a frozen pitch.
Thousands of fans packed the Stade De France for what should have been a fascinating game of rugby. It certainly was interesting to watch, but the game never kicked off and 80 000 or so, both French and travelling Irish, were left wondering what on earth was going on.
Referee Dave Pearson took to the field a few minutes earlier and after doing all they can, it was decided that the field simply wasn’t safe enough for the game to go on. It was after 9pm in winter in Paris, with temperatures below freezing.
“Player welfare and safety is the primary concern for the IRB and its match officials. Having witnessed and assessed the rapid deterioration of the playing surface between the final pitch inspection and the scheduled kick-off time, and following consultation with the match official team, both coaches and championship organisers, Pearson deemed the pitch unplayable on player welfare grounds,” said statement from the IRB.
The challenge now is to find the best date for the game, with it looking likely that it will be the first weekend of March. While those who attended are able to return with their tickets, it’s probably scant consolation considering the costs involved from both Ireland and the south of France.Â
“Further to a meeting of the Six Nations Council today, we can confirm that the postponed RBS 6 Nations France versus Ireland match will not take place this weekend (Feb 17/18/19),” they said in a statement on Monday.
“A further meeting of the Council will take place tomorrow to hopefully resolve the issues of rescheduling and ticket policy. There are very significant logistical issues arising from this situation, and we would wish to be in a position to give a comprehensive clarification following the meeting.”
If it’s played on March 3rd, it would mean France and Ireland would have to play four successive games. There’s also the issue of the Top 14 clubs wanting their players back for that weekend, with some big fixtures lined up, including Clermont Auvergne vs Toulouse.
A decision confirming the date of the replay will be made today, earliest. It was the first time a Six Nations game has been called off because of weather conditions in over 25 years.
Below is a twenty minute video that takes you through the scenes in Paris as they happened, including some interesting discussions on the fiasco. If you were at the Stade De France, or know someone who was, please share your thoughts on what went on as a comment below.Â
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O2 Inside Line – Six Nations 2012, episode 2
England head to Rome this weekend to face a pumped up Italian side that still have a lot to prove in this Six Nations. In today’s O2 Inside Line we catch up with some of the England players ahead of the game.
While Italy’s loss to France last weekend looked fairly convincing on the scoreboard, it wasn’t quite that way as the side now coached under Jacques Brunel showed plenty of promise.
It’s a new regime, as with France, but Italy still have some familiar old faces that can give any side in the world a headache on their day. They’ve also recalled Marco Bortolami and Gonzalo Canale, adding to the experience in an already formiddable forward pack.
England on the other hand have left things exactly the same, with coach Stuart Lancaster naming an unchanged squad from the side that beat Scotland to win the Calcutta Cup last weekend.
“We have decided to leave the starting team the same to allow them more time to gel together and we are expecting our bench to come on and make an impact as they did last week,” Lancaster said.
“Italy will be a very difficult challenge with nearly 700 caps in their starting line-up and it promises to be an outstanding occasion at the sold-out Stadio Olimpico.”
On this week’s O2 Inside Line Austin and Abi chat to Dylan Hartley and Phil Dowson, some of the players have a snowball fight, and Ben Youngs explains the difference between backs and forwards.
To get the inside scoop on the squad, as well as fun features, match analysis and up to the minute player interviews with presenters Austin Healey and Abi Griffiths, sign up for alerts and watch O2 Inside Line on RFU TV at O2InsideLine.com / #O2InsideLine
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Davies suspended for Six Nations
Wales lock Bradley Davies is banned for seven weeks and will miss the rest of the Six Nations Championship.
BBC Sport – Rugby Union
Wales seal victory with late kick in Six Nations thriller against Ireland
Leigh Halfpenny was the man of the hour for Wales on the weekend, slotting a last minute penalty to snatch a thrilling 23-21 win over Ireland in a dramatic Six Nations match in Dublin on Sunday.
In what was a passionate encounter, tempers were clearly at the fore for each side as the home team looked to avenge their defeat to the Welsh in the world cup last year.
Yet Wales played with an energy that Ireland failed to match, and two tries by centre Jonathon Davies and one from George North provided the platform for this impressive result.
Both sides exchanged scores in the first half, but Wales were made to rue fly-half Rhy Priestlandâs wayward goal kicking as he missed several attempts at the sticks, allowing the Irish to go in at half time 10-3 up, courtesy of a try from hooker Rory Best and 5 points from Johnny Sexton.
Wales returned after the interval without their talismanic captain Sam Warburton – who picked up a dead leg â but showed strength and power in attack, typified through the impressive North who set-up another score for Davies.
However, Ireland found some spark of their own through Tommy Bowe who scored in the corner and at 21-15 with five minutes on the clock, looked to have the match; however, the Welsh had other plans and cut the lead to one-point with a try from North.
Stephen Ferris was then sin-binned for a dangerous tackle on Ian Evans and Halfpenny held his nerve to slot over the last-gasp penalty and condemn the Irish to their first defeat in the opening game of the Six Nations for eight years.
Following the match, Ireland Coach Declan Kidney was left to rue his sideâs missed chances:
“It is extremely disappointing. We had a lead early in the second half but we did not build on it. When we do press ahead we have to go for the jugular. We are going to have to look at being more ruthless,” he said.
It was a classic match with many talking points, so feel free to discuss below.
Longer highlights will replace these ones shortly
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O2 Inside Line – Six Nations 2012, episode 1
As we head into Six Nations weekend O2 Inside returns with previews for tomorrow’s Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland, and a look behind the scenes with the England camp at Pennyhill Park.
During the Rugby World Cup Haskell Cam was a popular feature that gave us all a look at what goes on while on tour with the England team. This year O2 Inside Line is back with it’s usualy variety, and no doubt a few others controlling that infamous handycam.
Austin Healey and Abi Griffiths are joined by debutant Owen Farrell, who it seems will take control of the kicking duties, and fullback Mike Brown. Farrell will be joined in midfield by Brad Barritt, another debutant who has come a long way since making his debut for the Sharks in Super Rugby aged 19 many moons ago.
“Itâs what you play rugby for, to enjoy those moments,” said Farrell, himself still only 20. “It doesnât change for me whether Iâm playing in front of 80,000 or 6,000. Once you step over that whitewash it is the same as every other game. I’ve heard bagpipes before.”
Interim coach Stuart Lancaster has selected a changed side, handing debuts to three players in total, with Phil Dowson another who, at the age of 30, will get his first taste of Test rugby. Just six players remain from the World Cup quarter final defeat by France.
Kick off at Murrayfield is at 17:00 GMT
England team:
Ben Foden, Chris Ashton, Brad Barritt, Owen Farrell, David Strettle, Charlie Hodgson, Ben Youngs, Alex Corbisiero, Dylan Hartley, Dan Cole, Mouritz Botha, Tom Palmer, Tom Croft, Chris Robshaw (captain), Phil Dowson.
Replacements: Rob Webber, Matt Stevens, Geoff Parling, Ben Morgan, Lee Dickson, Jordan Turner-Hall, Mike Brown.
Scotland team: Rory Lamont, Lee Jones, Nick De Luca, Sean Lamont, Max Evans, Dan Parks, Chris Cusiter, David Denton, Ross Rennie, Alasdair Strokosch, Jim Hamilton, Richie Gray, Euan Murray, Ross Ford (captain), Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements: Scott Lawson, Geoff Cross, Alastair Kellock, John Barclay, Mike Blair, Greig Laidlaw, Graeme Morrison.
Below is the first episode of this years O2 Inside Line, where you can see behind the scenes footage of England in the gym, coaching junior rugby, and some of the players have a chat.
To get the inside scoop on the squad, as well as fun features, match analysis and up to the minute player interviews with presenters Austin Healey and Abi Griffiths, sign up for alerts and watch O2 Inside Line on RFU TV at O2InsideLine.com / #O2InsideLine
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Hook wants Six Nations redemption
James Hook insists his World Cup troubles are behind him as he could return to the fly-half role for Wales’ Six Nations opener in Ireland.
BBC Sport – Rugby Union
Saxons pair in Six Nations squad
England bring Thomas Waldrom and Matt Banahan into their squad ahead of Saturday’s opening Six Nations match against Scotland.
BBC Sport | Rugby Union | UK Edition
Tindall dumped for Six Nations
England boss Stuart Lancaster drops former captain Mike Tindall and picks nine uncapped players in a 32-man squad for the Six Nations.
FOXSPORTS.com.au | Rugby Union
England drop Care for Six Nations
England drop scrum-half Danny Care from their Six Nations campaign following his drink-driving charge.
BBC Sport | Rugby Union | UK Edition
Lawes in Six Nations fitness race
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder says that England lock Courtney Lawes will be out injured for a few weeks but should be fit for the Six Nations.
BBC Sport | Rugby Union | UK Edition
Charteris to sit out Six Nations
Luke Charteris will miss the Six Nations with a wrist injury, while fellow Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones remains a doubt.
BBC Sport | Rugby Union | UK Edition
O’Driscoll will miss Six Nations
Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll is set to miss next year’s Six Nations after being ruled out for up to six months with a shoulder injury.
BBC Sport | Rugby Union | UK Edition
Rugbydump fans feature in Rugby Nations 2011 mobile game
A while back we ran a contest with our friends Distinctive Developments for you to win a chance to get your name in the game, the game being their latest mobile offering, Rugby Nations 2011. Today we’ll take a closer look at the game itself.
There’s been a lot of focus and buzz surrounding the latest console and PC rugby games, with much speculation about which is best, and both being eagerly anticipated. There is another option though, especially if you’re a smartphone user who fancies playing on the go.
While Rugby Nations 2011 doesn’t have official player name licenses, we came up with a way to make things more interactive for RD users – offer you a chance to get your name in the game. Many entries were received, and the…
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The Wallabies take the Tri Nations in thriller at Suncorp Stadium
The Wallabies returned to the scene of the Reds’ famous Super Rugby win as they beat the All Blacks 25-20 in Brisbane, capturing the Tri Nations title for the first time in ten years. Here’s some quick highlights for now.
Australia outplayed the All Blacks in what was a frenetic first half at Suncorp Stadium, with the hosts smashing the Kiwis back, preventing them from getting front foot ball. In fact the name Dan Carter was barely mentioned in the first period.
A try by Will Genia and a brilliant solo effort by Radike Samo, as well as some good kicking by Quade Cooper, had the Wallabies heading into half time with a 20-3 lead.
The All Blacks came out a different side in the second half though, grinding their way back to bring…
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Wallabies announce Tri Nations team
Robbie Deans makes three changes to Wallabies starting team for Tri Nations decider against All Blacks.
FOXSPORTS.com.au | Rugby Union
Clarkie’s Tri Nations preview
Fox Sports rugby expert Greg Clark previews the decisive Tri Nations Test between the Wallabies and All Blacks.
FOXSPORTS.com.au | Rugby Union
Pacific Nations Cup 2011 wrap-up – Japan victorious
Last week the Pacific Nations Cup came to an exciting conclusion as Japan scored an injury time try against Fiji to secure their first ever title win. Here’s a quick wrap-up of what happened in the last two games.
Japan needed to beat Fiji with a bonus point to make sure they had a chance of winning the tournament, and things weren’t looking good at halftime as Fiji led the game. The home side had a lapse in discipline though and ended the match with 12 players on the field, allowing Japan to score a late try and pick up a 24-13 bonus point win.
Fiji had three yellow cards and two reds, and have since had two players suspended.
“It was Fiji’s indiscipline that helped us in the win,” said Japan coach John Kirwan. “However, I salute my…
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Fantasy Tri Nations – must haves
Foxsports.com.au takes a look at the must-have players for Fantasy Tri Nations. Get involved with the fun and challenge your mates now!
FOXSPORTS.com.au | Rugby Union
Samoa get off to a good start in the Pacific Nations Cup
The Pacific Nations Cup got under way this past weekend as in Tokyo defending champions Samoa beat Japan 34-15, at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Ground. Earlier in the day Tonga upset Fiji.
Samoa are building up nicely to the Rugby World Cup, with a few starts players in their ranks now that they’re able to all come together and prepare for the big event. Wing Alesana Tuilagi of Leicester Tigers is one of those, and he scored twice as Samoa took advantage of some fairly weak defensive efforts.
It looked as though Samoa were going to run away with it when their score beat the time on the clock, at 17-0 after 15 minutes, but Japan pulled together and avoided a complete hiding. Coach John Kirwan has plenty of work to do ahead of the World…
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Tonga beat Fiji convincingly in Pacific Nations Cup opener
Tonga got their Pacific Nations Cup campaign off to a strong start on Saturday with a 45-21 upset win over hosts Fiji in Lautoka It was their first win in the competition in three years.
Yesterday you saw highlights of Samoa’s win over Japan, but many would have expected this particular game, the tournament opener, to be a fair tighter affair. Instead it was Tonga that impressed with their strong defensive effort, and blistering speed out wide.
They scored five tries to two as the dangerous Fijian backs were prevented from cutting loose, while Tongan flyhalf Kurt Morath took his personal tally to 20 points with some good goal kicking, slotting four conversions and four penalties.
Fiji scored a brilliant try of their own though, a…
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Shontayne Hape ‘proud to be an Englishman’ after Six Nations call-up
Shontayne Hape ‘proud to be an Englishman’ after Six Nations call-up
Shontayne Hape has declared himself “proud to be an Englishman” after being called up by Martin Johnson for the Six Nations. Hape was born in New Zealand and won 14 rugby league caps for the Kiwis before switching to union in 2008, but has lived in England for seven years and received residency papers this month.
“I was brought up in New Zealand and I’m proud of where I come from but I’m proud to be an Englishman as well and have dual nationality,” Hape told the Bath Chronicle. “I was expecting a bit more resistance from friends and family, but they are all behind me 100%.”
The centre, who moved from Super League team Bradford Bulls to Bath 18 months ago, said he almost didn’t return Johnson’s call.
“I didn’t know whether someone was playing a prank,” he said. “I definitely didn’t expect it. When I came to Bath 18 months ago it was all about learning the game. This is a big bonus and a great honour. I’m just humbled by it all. It still hasn’t sunk in that I’m in the squad. I’m made up.
“But it’s a first step. Being in the squad is one thing, actually playing international rugby is another. I’m looking forward to the challenge and it’s one that I’m going to relish.
“First, I’ve got to focus on doing things right at Bath over the next two weeks – for the club, my team and myself. It will really help me if I put in a couple of good performances before I go off to training camp with England in Portugal.”
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Stats Show Why Wales Are Falling Short – Six Nations 2010
Stats Show Why Wales Are Falling Short – Six Nations 2010
Rugby correspondent Simon Roberts crunches the numbers to find out why Wales are still searching for a winning formula
Wales are finding that out to their cost in this season’s Six Nations Championship.
But Wales find themselves fourth in the table after the first three games and three results could all have gone the other way. They should have beaten an ordinary England at Twickenham, were lucky to beat a well-drilled Scotland in Cardiff and were their own worst enemy against pragmatic France.
The Six Nations statistics released yesterday based on every game in the tournament after the first three rounds, tell their own story about Wales’ performances.
Wales are, quite simply, hurting themselves more than their opponents are at the moment.
Welsh ambition to play rugby, which should be applauded, is so at odds with what every other side in the tournament is doing.
Only Scotland, who languish at the bottom of the table without a win, have come close to matching the Welsh desire to play.
Wales have off-loaded in the tackle 37 times, more than any other side, and twice as many times as their next opponents Ireland.
All these statistics can be interpreted as Wales lacking a cutting edge to finish off the chances created, but what is undeniable is that it shows a willingness to move the ball.
Wales have scored seven tries, as many as France, and have two players â Shane Williams and Leigh Halfpenny with two apiece â in the top five try scorers. That is more than any other team.
But Wales’ try-scoring rate is negated by the fact they have conceded more tries and points than anyone else.
Wales have made 58 unenforced mistakes, 14 more than the next nation (France) and an incredible 34 more than safety-first England.
The fact Wales have conceded fewer penalties than any other side just reiterates the perceptions of a side battling with itself, rather than being put under stress or duress by opponents.
There is no question Wales are out of step with the other teams, apart from Scotland, but that doesn’t mean what they are doing is necessarily wrong.
It is, however, hurting them on the scoreboard. Wales have shaken off the shackles and avoided the traditional conservatism adopted by the sides above them in the table â France, England and Ireland.
England, for example, had 60% of the ball and passed it 140 times against Ireland at Twickenham but still lost the game.
That remark would have drawn a wry smile from Gatland, in particular, and there is no doubt Wales’ brand of rugby would probably be more at home in the Super 14 tournament Down Under.
Wales’ perceived defensive frailties have also been pinpointed as a new weakness but, apart from the first half against Scotland, this is not borne out by facts.
Wales have been the most effective side in the competition at clearing the ruck on their own ball and keeping possession.
But the turnover table is also revealing and evidence of a side struggling to make an impact in that area.
Wales have won only six turnovers, compared to France’s 15, and clearly haven’t perfected their own âcounter-rucking’ game.
Gatland will be under no illusions about that, but small things really do tip the balance at the highest level.
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Wales V Italy Hospitality
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Six Nations Tickets
Six Nations Tickets
Welcome to the RBS Six Nations Championships, which is Europe’s top Rugby competition? It will take place from Saturday 6th February 2010 and conclude on Saturday 20th March 2010. For rugby fans the Six Nations Championship warms up the winter months often with some of the most pulsating competitive matches imaginable.
Six Nations Rugby Champion Ships Played annually, the format of the Championship is simple: each team plays every other team once, with home field advantage alternating from one year to the next. Two points are awarded for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss. Unlike many other rugby union competitions the bonus point system is not used. France competes annually in the Six Nations Championship, which is played against five other European nations: England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. France first contested the tournament in 1910 when the Home Nations became the Five Nations. France were expelled from the tournament due to rumours of professionalism in the then-amateur sport in 1932, but rejoined in 1947. Rugby Union Five Nations Championship Grand Slams (including Triple Crown): 1925, 1984, 1990. Triple Crown: seven times winners.
The Scotland national rugby union team represent Scotland in international rugby union. Rugby union in Scotland is administered by the Scottish Rugby Union. Wales compete annually in the Six Nations Championship, which is played against five other European nations: England, France, Ireland, Italy, and Scotland. The Six Nations started as the Home Nations Championship in 1883, as a contest between the four component nations of the United Kingdom. England competes annually in the Six Nations Championship, which is played against five other European nations: France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. The Six Nations started out as the Home Nations Championship in 1883 which England won with a Triple Crown.
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