5 things we learned from this weekend’s Six Nations action
England have rediscovered the type of form that crushed Australia and New Zealand last autumn.
France were left as the only team still in Grand Slam contention after a dramatic round three of the Guinness Six Nations.
Here, the PA media agency examines five things we learned from the weekend’s action.
All aboard
Following Eddie Jones’ England is a roller coaster ride and on the evidence of Sunday, the cart is hurtling back to the summit. The expected post-World Cup procession through Europe immediately hit the skids in Paris, but having seen off Scotland in atrocious conditions, they have rediscovered the type of form that crushed Australia and New Zealand last autumn. On their day England are an unstoppable force as Ireland have found to their cost yet again, but there is always the fear that rapid climb can lurch into sharp descent at any moment.
Eddie’s Midas touch
Beyond England’s brilliant 24-12 victory over Ireland, the result is a personal triumph for Jones who entered the match having soaked up fierce criticism of his team selection led by one of his predecessors as England head coach, Sir Clive Woodward. Jonathan Joseph making his first start on the wing, Elliot Daly restored at full-back and five locks named in the 23 were the headline talking points but in each instance, Jones was vindicated. The debate over Tom Curry playing at number eight will continue, however.
Farrell looks inwards
Italy’s fight for survival
Each milestone reached turns up the volume on one of the most pressing issues of the Six Nations – for how much longer can Italy be granted their position among Europe’s elite? A 17-0 hiding by Scotland in Rome has extended their five-year winless run in the Championship to 25 Tests. It is hard to see how their ongoing presence can be justified, especially with Georgia pushing hard and ambitious plans to add South Africa to the tournament being hatched.
Infectious enthusiasm
