Round two and our player watch continues with first up and a cracking game at Murrayfield saw the Scots scoring but mainly thanks to Italy either leaving holes or gifting possession. Johnnie Beattie had another massive game and contributed tremendously to the Scots winning their fair share of the ball in both the tight and loose. For Italy Masi played his part, though with the defence patterns they run Italy had him out of position and thus unable to stop two of the tries.
A cracking game played at pace and good win for Scotland. So 7/10 for Johnnie Beattie and 8/10 for Masi who was one of the better of the Italian backs on the day.
France Wales and not the best of spectacles. There is no doubt the French cannot play by numbers and until they find their flair again they will continue to get beaten. Wesley Fofana for France was wasted on the wing again and had little or no impact on the game, apart from a couple of early touch’s but without any space. It could be so different with him and Bastareaud in the centres. Though they need a play maker at ten. Andrew Coombs had another busy afternoon for Wales including a crunching tackle on Bastareaud so all in all a good day at the office for Wales could this be the start of a resurgence? Points for our boys, 6/10 for Fofana and 7/10 for Coombs.
Last up and young England took on the experience of Ireland and much to everyones surprise it was the English who produced a mature performance in atrocious conditions. Yet again we had a pitch which cut up seems funny seeing guys with forks trying to put it back. Not sure why but this seems to be a new problem. As for the rugby for many of us this was an intriguing game full of passion and thunder plus loads of errors. Through all this Owen Farrell kept his head along with the rest of the young team to take a brave win. It was a shame and bad luck for Simon Zebo that he was injured before he could have an impact and we wish him well in his recovery. Joe Launchbury had forty seven minutes and did a lot of good work in that time, not so much on show but down and dirty. Cannot give points for Simon, but 7/10 for Joe.
Week off now and then we have Italy versus Wales, this should be a cracker, but unless Italy find their 10 again it will go to Wales. England France, this will be a lot harder for England but they have enough now to take the win in what will be a tight affair with the French playing much better than in the last two games. Last up Scotland Ireland, another tough one to call but we will go with an away win as the Irish get back on the horse and have too much for the Scotland pack.
Any other views on the player comments or our predictions?