Hi

I was out all week-end watching football matches so I missed the rugby live.

Just watched on my recordings -:

England v Italy game I found entertaining in an odd curious way !!
As expected Italy were very strong in the scrums and at first England struggled here. As the game progressed England began to get better ball from the set pieces but failed to put it to any constructive use.

A mad few minutes just before half time we gifted the Italians two tries.

Two substitutions including the hapless Ben Youngs improved the speed and penetration in the second half. I think England just about deserved to win despite Italy missing some easy penalty chances.

The test will come in a fortnight with Wales at Twickers.

Wales V Scotland

A good game to watch - in the first half with both sides trying to attack but both defences very sound it was very even but the Welsh three-quarters always looking more dangerous.

Two sin-bins made the difference when Wales punished Scotland heavily for their misdomeanours.

To their credit Scotland did not cave in and even managed a try and were still threatening at the end.

I have watched the "knock-on try" many times in slo-mo and I can't agree with the TV referees. That was a try !! When even the usually biased Johnathon Davies says it was a try then it must have been !!

It looks as though the Scotland v Italy game will determine the wooden spoon but I can't decide at this stage who will be Champions.

Cheers

Mike

PS By the way Arthur all the players afterwards said that the Italian pitch was perfectly playable even in the "snowy" areas. Soft under foot with no frost there.