WeeK 5 Review
England & Italy's win over Ireland and Scotland respectively ensured that each match had something riding on it coming into this final weekend of 6 Nations Rugby (dubbed "Super Saturday"). We had potentially 3 mouthwatering fixtures to look forward to.
So, here we go with my review (for what it's worth):
Wales v Italy - Mathieu Raynal
Italy have finished last for the past 9 years but, the win against Scotland had moved them 4 points clear of Wales and could actually finish as high as 3rd place (other results pending) which would be their best ever finish whilst Wales had not finished in the wooden spoon position since 2003. The odd's were always against Gatland's side here after a winless campaign to date.
In effect, if Italy win or draw - Wales would finish bottom. Even if Italy lost with a losing bonus point, Wales would need to score 4 try's and overturn the points difference. If Italy lost with no bonus point, the Welsh would still need to overcome the points difference.
This wooden spoon decider had the added emotion of George North's decision to retire from international competition earlier this week.
Let's be honest, this wasn't the greatest match of the tournament in terms of quality. I have to say Wales were so poor in the first half (as they were against Scotland), with just too many errors, whilst Italy completely dominated and went into the break deservedly ahead. I get that this is a re-building job, BUT, you can't play so poorly for 70 minutes and expect to overturn deficits. In reality, the Welsh played rugby for a 10 minute period and the actual result flattered them. Italy were far the better side and deserved the victory which is great for the 6 Nations as a whole!
So pleased for the Italians - they have been the most improved side during the tournament!!
I understand Gatland's resignation afterwards was rejected by the WRU, my goodness, he has a hell of a job turning this team around!
For Mathieu Raynal, this appointment was an interesting one for me. If I'm honest, I would have expected the WC QF referee to have got a let's say "bigger appointment" on paper (no disrespect to both teams). The fact that it was on the final weekend may have had some impact when the appointments were made by WR initially.
None the less, he still had a job to do and to be fair it was a relatively quiet afternoon for the Frenchman. He controlled the game well with no real issues. A competent performance shall we say.
As we continue to say on this forum, we are not going to agree with every decision the referee makes and this was the case for me. It was highlighted for me in the 14th minute when Joy Neville intervened to overturn the Welsh penalty in favour of the Italians for obstruction - a harsh call!
I also thought that some penalties at the scrum should have gone the other way.
I did however feel the correct decision was made in the 63rd minute to over-turn the original "no-try" call by Raynal for Wales.
Overall, this unassuming approach worked well for Mathieu - a solid match for France's number 1 whistleblower.
Ireland v Scotland - Matthew Carley
Ireland may not have been able to claim back-to-back Grand Slams however, heading into this game, the were the clear favourites to retain the title. Bonus points and points difference could also come into play too along with the even more ludicrous scenario of winning less matches whilst still capturing the championship.
The Scot's could still mathematically win their first 6 Nations with the more realistic goal of potentially winning the triple crown (something they haven't achieved since 1990).
This match was always going to be interesting to see how they reacted after losses the previous week and had the making of being an absolute cracker!
Well, what a gift to Ireland for their first try by the Scot's with total lack of concentration. After 40 minutes though, we could well have been on for an upset after an evenly contested and cagey first half. A completely different story in the second period though. After some unforced errors and brave Scottish defence, Ireland took control and eventually outplayed/dominated Townsend's men deservedly winning this fixture and with it the title!
Whilst congratulations are in order for Andy Farrell and his side, as the tournament progressed, they certainly weren't the team that finished how they started the tournament with a fabulous display against the French in round 1. At times they looked rattled and uncomfortable in their subsequent matches (credit to their opposition I guess).
I'm also going to be quite harsh on the Scot's. There is no question they are a decent side. The fact of the matter remains for the 3rd straight year they have only won 3 matches and I actually don't see any progression moving forward. The question has to be asked - Has Gregor done all that he can for this team?
Ultimately, they must be disappointed with this campaign yet again!!
Matthew Carley got the nod from WR in this appointment - I think a decent appointment too giving this was always going to be a decisive fixture. I also felt that he needed to deliver a stellar performance to challenge Luke & Karl for the battle of England's number 1 referee.
And, to be fair I thought that's exactly what he did! He has been criticised on this forum before for being robotic and I believe he is a no-nonsense referee that at times may not relate to the players. However, I thought he was clear, cool, calm and delivered a polished performance.
As always, there are talking points: There were a couple of "no-try" decisions for Marius Jonker to assist with and I think on balance probably got them correct. The Scottish yellow card was also the right one in the 64th minute. The other main talking point was the yellow card in the 75th minute for Harry Byrne. Carley followed the protocol and issued the yellow with a review which remained yellow. For me, there is an argument that a red card could have been issued as this is exactly the kind of head contact WR want to remove from the game. Ultimately, that was the decision and I'm sure this would be discussed in the follow up meeting.
Overall, Matt should be pleased with his showing in what was the title deciding match.
France v England - Angus Gardner
England's slim hopes of snatching the title away from Ireland were dashed with the result of the game in Dublin. So, this match was being played for pride and placing. Both teams were riding high after wins in their previous outing. We had to save the best game of the weekend for last - and boy did we get it!
What a belter of a match - particularly in the second half and of course the drama right at the death! Have to say, what an atmosphere too!!
The French dominated the first period in the main with a distinctly average England performance. The Lawrence try at the end of that first period really spurred Borthwick's side who were a completely different team in the opening 15 minutes of the second half (what a contrast) as they exploded into gear with some unbelievable try's. The French were all over the place.
I just don't understand what happened after the Smith try - England just stopped playing which let the French back in again. This was one hell of a ding-dong battle! Ramos quite literally saved the home-side with some superb kicking ability!
Then, the drama - The try, the 79th minute penalty, the converted kick and France snatched runner's up spot, just incredible! Fair play to the French, they just about deserved it!!
Couldn't ask for more in a pulsating match that had everyone on the edge of their seats!!
As for Angus Gardner - Well, after I applauded his officiating in his first appointment a week earlier, I have to say, I enjoyed his performance again this week!
I mentioned earlier, we are just not going to agree with everything. Let's start with that 79th minute penalty. Some pundits are saying it's a soft penalty, but it is a penalty and I think he's got it right! Also , there could well have been an off-side too during that phase. On balance a penalty is the right decision.
Have to say, earlier on I thought Freeman was very lucky not to receive a yellow card for that knock-on and who knows what could have happened there.
It's a game of margins and on balance I thought Angus refereed the match really well. He's continued his good form and should be really pleased with how he's handled both matches of the tournament. He's established himself as a top top referee - Good job!
Ultimately, for both teams, I think they will be pleased how they have ended this tournament and both sides have shown improvement as the 6 Nations have progressed. They are not perfect by any stretch but, they are getting there!
Have to say - Again decent refereeing performances all round. A solid job by the officials this week!
Another good weekend of rugby (not on the same level as last weekend), the drama in that last match encases what this 6 Nations is all about. There is nothing quite like it!