A tale of two matches

This morning (my time) saw the Crusaders and the Western Force meet in Perth (in their evening). The match was an object lesson in what the ELVs are trying to achieve. It was fast, it was exciting. Attacking flair was rewarded. Good defense was rewarded too. Mistakes weren't always punished, but it was usually close. People played positively in the main, there was certainly no tendency to dive over the ball and mess about and kill it. Until the very last pass went into touch either side could have won, and although I'm biased I think most neutrals would say that the 'Saders deserved to win. Oh, and there were nine tries to keep everyone happy, some from driving forward play, some from the backs. There are few rugby matches I'll watch twice, but this one is one of them. I watched it live, had a nap and got up. It was on again... and I watched it again, quite happily.

That was more of a contrast to yesterday's boredom in Murrayfield.

France v Italy was interesting. Italy have vastly improved over this tournament - particularly at number 10. You wouldn't say he was world-class yet, but he no longer looks like a rabbit in the headlights. But, their number 13 needs catching practice. Two fluffed tries in two games will not look good on the c.v. (though he did do some other good stuff). France? It's hard to know what to say about France. They mixed and matched again. This mix of youth and experience worked, albeit against far less streetwise opposition that last time. The older heads made it look far easier than the younger heads had - no real surprises there, since they came on late in the game when the gaps were starting to appear and experience helps exploit gaps on the rugby field (unless you're English or Scottish). But, the young heads didn't look lost and hopeless, nor hapless. Who knows what next week's French side will look like. Wales, however, could well do the grand slam, they have self-belief and players playing well in all the positions. If Gatland can keep this up, the Wales summer tour will be the one to watch.


Lievremont will be happier than Mallet. Both will be happier than Ashton.

Next week? Ireland without O'Driscoll - dare we say they might improve again? England to curl up and die. Wales to do the Grand Slam. Too much self-belief and enough flair to cope with the French. Italy might just beat the Scots. It will be in Rome after all, and Italy keep on getting better. On a better pitch under better conditions, Italy at least look able to (and did) score tries, Scotland still can't.