After round 4 of the Six Nations here is the roundup of the weekends action and answering all the important questions.
After round 4 of the Six Nations here is the roundup of the weekends action and answering all the important questions.
Who- In a weekend that saw one of, if not the greatest Scottish performances, it would seem mad to not to have one of them as the best player this weekend. But there is one Italian who tops them all in Tomaso Menocello. He was gladiatorial in his performance and stepped up in the biggest moments for his side to help his nation’s first victory over England. In his first try burst through the line and rounded Daly to score from 40 metres out to get Italy on the scoreboard. Then, the moment that helped secure victory, Marin’s try at the end comes from some immense physicality after receiving the offload from Ioane to accelerate at that pace into and through Daly in the 71st minute and then to spin around and still continue to accelerate away from Roebuck before giving it inside. He is a gladiator for this Italian side, he is at the centre of everything they do well and has been this whole tournament, and for me is the best centre in the competition and is putting his name into contention for best player.
What- Rhys Carre, the 139kg loosehead prop. Not one you’d expect to see make an outside break and score a try from 2o metres out. But on Friday night, he did just that in one of the tries of the tournament. One of those moments as a rugby fan no matter who you are supporting, you can’t help but smile. Going outside Furlong before pushing away Balacoune, then putting the ball in one hand in springing away from the winger and full back in Osborne to score. All with a beaming smile on his face, moments like that are what make kids pick up a rugby ball on a Sunday morning.
Where- Murrayfield was the place to be in terms of what an atmosphere, but also what a game of rugby to watch in the sun on a Saturday afternoon. 90 points scored in a Six Nations match is mental. The atmosphere in that third quarter, as Scotland scored try after try, was just amazing to see, and then the anthem always gives goosebumps. An honourable mention to the reaction to the final whistle at the Stadio Olympico, as the fans went crazy
When- From the 43rd minute to the 62nd of the Scotland-France game as the Scottish scored four tries in under 20 minutes through Ben White, Kyle Steyn, Darcy Graham and Tom Jordan. The French just capitulated with Dupont throwing a dodgy pass that Steyn intercepted, Nouchi getting a yellow carded and the final madness of a forward pass in his own dead-ball line from Dupont, which then saw Jordan score from the scrum. Watching the game, you just found yourself thinking what on earth is happening. But that crazy 2o minutes is what makes the Six Nations so special.
Why- do England refuse to play rugby? There are decisions from referees or coaches, but this is all I can seem to think about this round. England have players who play attacking rugby week in week out for their clubs in the Premiership, going through the phases and attacking edges. But then Borthwick decides they should all play a kick-first style. In that last 20 minutes, they refused to play once they went down to 14 and then 13. Box-kicking even in the opposition’s half, this is something they did all game, yes it gives them success but it invites pressure on them as well. Borthwick has them playing within themselves and in a pragmatic approach, that is not how you win games at the highest level in the current state of test rugby. Yes, the kicking game is vital, but you need to have attacking shape and the ability to play and cause your opponents problems. Something England have not done enough or at all in the last three games.