The previous weekend gave typical results for Six Nations games. Ireland typically does poorly when they open the tournament against Italy, and they are being dubbed as "flat" for a 13 point victory. Ireland still played well enough, with a few passages of very good passing and running. However, the typically fantastic Rob Kearney was mediocre at best, and he is very often involved in Irish scores. Tommy Bowe got little ball, although he was very solid in defense. Brian O'Driscoll was also good, but it seemed that Gordon D'Arcy was the key offensive weapon (with the exception of Ronan O'Gara's boot). Italy looked very good defensively, but relatively poor and boring offensively. Except for a breaking run from Mirco Bergamasco, the Italian backline was sluggish. Robertson did pounce on a mistake from Kearney for the Italians' only try, but nothing was self-created.
France, on the other hand, used their beefy center of Bastareaud to subdue Scotland. Scotland typically has to ride the points from their golden boot, Chris Paterson, who just didn't get enough opportunities to pile up points. It is good to see Euan Murray coming back next weekend, but Scotland really lacks the strength in the backline to score many tries. France, on the other hand, have all the power and finesse to score try after try and it was really a slight underperformance from France in the fact that only two tries were scored.
England's winning margin was flattered by a Welsh yellow card, earned by Alun Wyn Jones, who has received harsh criticism. Very harsh, actually. Even the Welsh coach, Warren Gatland, hung him out to dry. England did score a heavy amount of points while up a man, and they should be able to pile on the points against Italy. Jonny Wilkinson was very strong in both attack and defense as well as with the boot and should keep up the good performance.
Round 2
Wales v. Scotland
Despite the poor opening weekend, Wales should be able to defeat the Scots. Scotland relies too heavily on Chris Paterson for points and the Welsh youngster, Leigh Halfpenny, is being given a start. Halfpenny is not only a good backup kicker, but he adds some needed speed to the team. Last weekend, the Welsh looked slow. Of all players, James Hook had the most energy and was even playing out of position at outside center. His try was very well worked and well deserved.
Wales to win.
France v. Ireland
This is one of, if not the most important match of the tournament. In many years past, the Ireland/France game has decided the Championship. The only downside: its in France. Ireland has not managed to beat France since 2000 when playing away from home. The two lonely victories came in Dublin. The key to an Irish victory will be early points. France has a knack for scoring late, so Ireland needs to get the score running early. However, the French crowd has a huge impact on their team, and if there are too many mistakes, they will turn on the players. Ireland must try to work for this advantage. Yet, the French were the best team of the past weekend and they have the historical advantage over the Irish.
France to win, with the difference within reach of a kick.
Italy v. England
England will want to pile on the points against the Italians. The only upside for Italy this year is that Mauro Bergamasco will be starting at flanker, not scrum half. Last year's terrible mistake gave the English a big advantage on the score table, but look for it to be less this year. Jonny Wilkinson knows how to get his backline moving, but he can only be as good as his team. Monye was quiet, Armitage was quiet. Tait was the great player that England has skipped over time and time again, and Flutey was injured. Still, Italy has no chance.
England to win
~Tyler
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