CHRIS FOY’S SIX NATIONS VERDICT: Italy’s thumping defeat to Wales further dampens the tournament’s credibility while England’s win over France was a showcase for the sport
- The fourth round of the Six Nations is now over with plenty of talking points
- Wales comfortably beat Italy to further dampen the tournament’s credibility
- England’s narrow win over France was a fantastic showcase for the sport
- Sportsmail’s Chris Foy gives his verdict on the weekend’s Six Nations action
The fourth round of the Six Nations is now in the bag with plenty of talking points from all of the matches across Europe.
Wales booked a date with Grand Slam destiny in Paris next Saturday after a thumping seven-try victory over Italy, while England showed glimpses of their former glory with a tight win over France and Ireland edged out Scotland at Murrayfield.
Sportsmail’s Chris Foy gives his verdict on the weekend’s Six Nations action and also names his team of the week.
The fourth round of the Six Nations is now in the bag with plenty of talking points
Italy rewarded for failure
It’s a broken-record lament but Italy’s terrible run is a serious credibility issue for the championship.
They have lost 31 games in a row and the aggregate score in that time is… 409-1,250.
This is not supposed to be a development event. They should face a relegation play-off, but are instead receiving CVC money to solidify their place in the cosy club.
Italy’s terrible run is becoming a serious credibility issue for the Six Nations championship
Romain’s classic day
Sunday’s clash between Scotland and Ireland was a comedown after the heights of England-France, but there was plenty of entertainment involving Romain Poite.
The French referee was comically knocked over by Rory Sutherland, got a pat on the backside as he went to award a try, told Johnny Sexton ‘don’t be scared’ and broke his whistle.
Fixture mess leaves a stain
Wales face a daunting last leg of their Grand Slam crusade in Paris on Saturday, but if they can beat a superb France side, at least the tournament will have a fitting climax.
The wait goes on for confirmation that the postponed France-Scotland game will go ahead the following Friday, and it is unclear if both countries will be at full strength. What a mess.
Wales could have a nervous wait to find out their fate if they can’t beat France on Saturday
Gatland’s back-row glut
Warren Gatland was at Twickenham and Murrayfield, fine-tuning plans for the soon-to-be-approved Lions ‘tour’ of the UK — and possibly Ireland.
He may have concluded that Finn Russell is too much of a risk at No 10, but he witnessed several fine back-row auditions, with Hamish Watson (left) advancing his case again, Tadhg Beirne emerging fast, Billy Vunipola revived and Tom Curry nearing greatness.
Free-to-air is a no brainer
That England-France game was a great showcase for the sport, enjoyed by a vast terrestrial TV audience, just as officials are negotiating a new Six Nations broadcast rights deal.
There have been hints that the ‘suits’ may not be rushing to take the championship behind a paywall after all. Good. Don’t. The exposure at this time of year is priceless.
That England-France game was a great showcase for the sport and the Six Nations tournament
Team of the week
Backs: L Williams (Wales); A Watson (England), R Henshaw (Ireland), O Farrell (England), D Penaud (France); G Ford (England), A Dupont (France).
Forwards: M Vunipola (England), K Owens (Wales), K Sinckler (England); M Itoje (England), T Beirne (Ireland); T Curry (England), B Vunipola (England), H Watson (Scotland).