Italy beat feable Scotland 18-15 on Saturday (Feb 7). I have long been an admirer of Italian rugby and have watched many Sunday-morning junior rugby sessions at various clubs. I love the natural flair and running ability. Those young players are now filtering through into senior clubs, while the Italian forward coach is the best in Europe.
Scotlands’ strategy focused on one-out passes to a forward running into defenders. Late in the game, they had opportunities to move the ball wide to create an overlap, with three British Lions in the back line, including Russell, Tuipulotu, and Jones. Quite simply it was pathetic and begs the question, what were they doing in preparation during the week?
Wales, meanwhile, couldn’t keep 15 players on the field! They resembled a pub team playing Sunday morning fun rugby. They didn’t look fit! Ill-disciplined throughout. A ticket refund would not be out of order.
England cruised to an easy 48-7 win. An England A team would have beaten Wales. England has depth, and that is a huge weapon in tough competitions and injury periods.
France demonstrated a style of support play and keeping the ball alive in their 36-14 win against a rudderless Ireland. It was exciting and invigorating to watch as passes were put into space knowing a player would accelerate onto the ball.
The pressure is mounting on Irish coach Andy Farrell. When an Irish crowd boos, the sword of Damocles is not far away. As an aside Irelands A team lost at home to England 52-14.
Redemption lies ahead this weekend as Ireland plays Italy in Dublin, Scotland face England at Murrayfield and Wales take on France in Cardiff.
Three home wins are essential, but I’m going for a draw in Dublin and away wins in Cardiff and Edinburgh.
Wherever you live, enjoy your rugby.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.