Six Nations Wrap Up
Freshly finished after Super Saturday, but here is the (eagerly awaited?) MR thoughts.
Firstly, another brilliant tournament. Going into the last day with 3 potential winners is the sign of a fantastic tournament. It never ever fails to deliver. Geography is certainly one of the things that makes it, in my view, the best annual international tournament that exists (in any sport), but it's not the only one. It's close, it's competitive and very few games are sure things. The rugby isn't always the quality of the atmosphere, but it doesn't need to be. 30,000 Paddies in Italy today, just unreal.
France
Best team in the tournament and the rightful winners. They will spend many hours looking at what happened in Twickenham to stop the Grand Slam, but they will rarely reflect that winning at Twickenham has never been an easy feat. Brilliant team, brilliant to watch with some generational players. Wish they didn't buy into the "bomb squad" bullshit though.
England
Not sure many will argue that they ended up higher than expected given the games and expectations. But they aren't a bad team, they just aren't a great team. Losing to Ireland at the moment is no disgrace but they certainly didn't look like winners of any of the Slam, 6N or Triple Crown. So in some ways, they out performed?
Ireland
Only one loss, but what a loss. The game where the French got it together, and properly. No disgrace there, but on the whole they are starting to look little bit old, and in my view, a little bit big. Seem to have chosen power over pace in every position. Thats easily exploitable by a team like France.
Scotland
Hmm, they didn't play bad, but they didn't really play amazing either. Certainly the biggest under performers, which is odd as I didn't think they really played bad. On the days though, they just didn't do enough to get past their opposition. Ultimately, thats all that counts.
Italy
They had their moments, but they still don't show anything which suggests they really belong in this competition. Harsh, but realistic. Yes, they beat Wales (more about them below), but it does feel like they play out of their skin to achieve a close loss. Infuriating to watch, as they infringe (and get caught) in so many good situations.
Wales
Fucking awful. Under Gatland they literally had nothing. So they sacked him off. Then in the next two games they showed some real heart, but had nothing to show for it. But vs England ... wow. Awful. Truly, fucking awful.
Awards
Same Rule For All Awards: Would the plays going to Dupont injury have been so scrutinised/viewed as controversial if it was the number 22 for Italy that had been injured? We all know the answer.
More Things Change Award: I've lived in Pomgolia for over 10 years and I support the Football team passionately, the Cricket team against most and I try to warm to their rugby team. But I HATE their media so much. I like Marcus Smith, he's like Carlos. Has his weaknesses, but is a real talent. Anyway, Fin Smith gets a shot at 10, goes ok (not amazing) and all pundits given him at least 8/10 with words of "finally can move away from Marcus". It's just wrong. I genuinely think they are not independent as they take one eyed views as a pack (Itoje?) and never move away from them. Drives me up the wall.
Your Too Big Awards: Kiwi exports. Aki & Lowe, what happened? Both of you are at least 10kg heavier than when you left, and I'm not sure it's really helping you. Oh and Lowe, this goes to your mouth as well. Just STFU ok?
One That Got Away: Van Der Merwe is a beast. Jaapies can say what they want, but he'd be starting for South Africa no question. Failed a bit on the big stage in the last game, but otherwise, superb.
Could have been POTT, but you play for England: Curry was superb all tournament. Probably the number 2 player in the whole thing, but I doubt you'll read that anywhere else ...
Your Time Has Come, But Not In A Good Way: Retirement of the 3 Irish legends was due. Not going to dwell too much, but I do feel words for Peter O'Mahony are due. Probably the closest any other player has gotten to be built with the same concrete as Kaino. Hard. As. Nails. Respect.
Game of the tournament: England vs France. Incredible game, incredible result. France are looking like an all time great team, England are not. They needed some luck, but almost every match has luck at some point. No need to hold back.
Player of the tournament: Louis Bielle-Biarrey. Absolute pleasure to watch this kid play. Unreal pace, unreal skill and a breath of fresh air in the current world of bigger is better.. Hope he sticks around for a while. I'm not on the Dupont train as much as many others, but I am with this bloke.