Revenge: A Dish Best Served Cold

What a difference a fortnight makes!

Saracens' fans didn't dare hope they might see such a turn around in their team's fortunes, but they were surprised and delighted with the guys' performance against the Ospreys at Vicarage Road.

It was one of the best games I have ever witnessed Saracens play, in my 4+ years of watching them. Everyone from 1 to 22 put their all into the game.

[Slippery Winger Shane Williams is tackled by ferocious Sarries defence. By closing him down so often, Sarries severely restricted the Ospreys' scoring ability]

The Ospreys started brightly enough, with James Hook slotting a penalty in the 2nd minute. Sarries' Glen Jackson replied with two of his own in the 10th and 15th minutes. By the half hour, Sarries had lost both Brent Russell (hamstring) and Andy Farrell (shoulder) to injury. That could have proved to be unsettling for the team, but subs Francicso Leonelli and Adam Powell slotted in with barely a stutter.

Just before half time, Paul Gustard made a break but was brought up within inches short of the line, the TMO having to decide, much to the disappointment of the home fans.

[Fly Half James Hook was far from his usual best. Another factor in the Ospreys losing the plot]

Leonelli scored a crucial try in the 2nd mintue of the new half, with Glen Jackson having no trouble with the wide out conversion. In the 57th minute, Sarries were all but home again when Osprey Lee Byrne knocked on deliberately in a desparate attempt at defence. The ref had no hesitation in sending him to the bin for 10 minutes for cynical play, and Jackson slotted the extras to take Sarries to a 16-3 lead.

[Scrum Half Justin Marshall clears from a ruck, but wasn't able to marshall his troops as well as his name suggests - or with quite the aplomb of injured Mike Phillips]

After a raft of subsitutions for both sides, Osprey replacement Paul James managed to burrow over from close range for a score in the 74th minute. That meant a nailbiling last 6 minutes for Sarries, with only a 6 point advantage.

[Nick Lloyd goes for a trot. To a man, the Sarries boys were popping up all over the pitch in defence and attack, where you least expected them]

The Black defensive line held firm, and they even went on the attack again. Working themselves into the opposition 22, and up towards the 10m line with 2 minutes to go, Glen Jackson kept a calm head and true aim with the boot to drop a goal and put Sarries 9 points up. It was then a case of keeping possession, defending to the death and ticking the clock down.

[right - Hugh Vyvyan clutches the ball like a man possessed, watched by muddy Winger Richard Haughton]

With the crowd counting down the seconds, Sarries regained possession of the ball, hoofed it into the stands and propelled themselves into an historic Heineken Cup Semi Final against Munster at the Ricoh Arena on 27th April.

The sellout home crowd went nuts, such success all too rare in important games at Vicarage Road. Richard Hill, a master all afternoon of the dark arts of defence and disruption, was Man of the Match. Let's hope the team can take him to greater heights in the next coupld of rounds, and perhaps see him lift the Heineken Cup before he retires at the end of the season. That would indeed be a fitting end to the great man's career. Allez Les Noirs!

See more photos from the game.

Saracens Demolish Leeds

After last week's debacle at the Millennium Stadium, Sarries fans were looking for a decent performance from their team for the visit of Premiership whipping boys, Leeds. They have won a couple of games, but are basically deep in relegation territory and heading for the drop next season.

[Paul Gustard is tackled by the Leeds defence, but it doesn't make a lot of difference]

[Tom Ryder amid a sea of yellow jerseys, hangs onto the ball]

[left, Brent Russell is scragged by Kearnan Myall]. Saracens put some decent runs of play together. The midfield were running some good lines, and the tries kept coming. Eleven in all, for the Men In Black, and a consolation try for Leeds' Captain Stuart Hooper from an intercepted pass late in the game. Sarries put the norhterners to the sword to the tune of 66-7. And although Leeds have been beaten by most of the other sides in the Premiership this season, no-one has put that many points over them so far. At last, The Gaffers' words must be sinking in for Sarries.

The team and fans know that the team visiting next week, Wales' Ospreys, will be a different prospect and much harder to beat. But the win today must have given the boys a welcome confidence boost for the next crucial match. See more photos from the game.

Ospreys Humiliate Sarries

EDF Semi-Final 2 - Ospreys vs Saracens (30-3)

The second semi final was a painful thing to watch for the Saracens faithful, many of whom had travelled through sleet and snow in London to make their way to Cardiff for the game. I, for one, wondered why I'd bothered.

To be fair, the first half was pretty tight, with only Shane Williams' unconverted try and a penalty from James Hook giving the Ospreys an 8-0 advantage at the break. We also had a 10-minute spell of snow, leaving the supporters and players to rue the decision to leave the flaming roof open!

[Some idiot left the roof open... hadn't they heard the forecast for snow?]

I don't know who had done the team talk for Sarries at half time, but I think it was the same bloke who made the one against Newcastle just after Christmas! Please stop already!

[Kris Chesney goes for Mike Phillips in the loose, as the snow falls]

Basically, the floodgates opened. Sarries buckled and the Ospreys made light work of scoring 3 tries and a total of 22 points to Sarries' 3! NOT a good day at the office for the Men In Black, nor their supporters who trudged back to their buses in a dejected manner for the return trip down the M4. [right] Osprey Jonathan Thomas dominant in the lineout, just as the rest of his team were dominant elsewhere on the pitch.

The Ospreys are due at Vicarage Road in a fortnight for the Heineken Cup Quarterfinal against Saracens. Let's hope they don't get such an easy ride next time!

Two casualties of the game were Osprey Mike Phillips who sustained a cruciate knee ligament injury and will be out for up to six months. And Sarries' Kiwi Lock Chris Jack who's hand injury rules him out for the rest of the season. He will certainly be missed, on and off the pitch.

The Ospreys are now set for their EDF Final against the Tigers. And Sarries fans are praying The Gaffer can undo the damage to morale for the team. See more match photos from the game.

Semi Detatched

EDF Semi-Final 1 - Leicester Tigers vs London Wasps (34-24)

As a neutral watching the game, it was a very entertaining 80 minutes, with the lead changing hands several times, often against the run of play.

I had travelled to the Millennium Stadium with the Saraacens supporters. We had seats in the East stand, about 4 rows back. Good in theory, but pretty bad for the first 40 minutes on a sunny afternoon with the roof open - couldn't see a thing with the sun straight in our eyes. Eventually it dipped below the stadium roof, and I was able to get some half-decent photos. Paul Sackey scored a great try in the first half, and the teams went in 13-12 at half time.

[Paul Sackey is enveloped by Andy Goode and Harry Ellis, looking sharp for the Leicester defence]

Things opened up a little in the second half, with the Tigers putting more points on the board than Wasps. Sackey managed another touchdown in the second half, along with team mate Danny Cipriani. Whilst for the Tigers, Seru Rabeni, Dan Hipkiss and Martin Castrogiovanni all crossed. No-one was more surprised than the Prop himself, when Castrogiovanni found himself in space, ball in hand and the line 20m away. He lumbered forward and no-one was at home to defend. He did the most exuberant belly-flop to get his try that I've ever witnessed. Didn't realised Props bounce quite that well!

[Martin Castrogiovanni belly-flops his way to a try]

In the end, Leicester were the deserved winners, and will go into the final with confidence after that performance. See more match photos from the game.

Grand Slam For Wales

Six Nations Game 15 - Wales vs France (29-12)

Wales made their intentions clear from the start, and were pressing the French lines within five minutes. Then their opponents killed the ball, and James Hook [right] stepped up to take the penatly. First blood to the Welsh, 3-0. Hook had another go at goal in the 14th minute, which saile just wide of the posts.

The French were committing a lot of players to rucks, while Wales only used the minimum. David Skrela's kicking was pretty awful too - including one restart which actually went backwards!

The Welsh made a break in the 18th minute and Les Bleus found themselves offside. Hook stepped up for another punt which went plumb through the middle, 6-0 up.

In the next minute, Wales themselves were penalised, France took the penalty by Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, and they were back in it at 6-3. They gave it away again a few minutes later when Julien Bonnaire was caught monumentally offside at a ruck, Hook made it 9-3.

On the half hour, France made decent inroads into the Welsh half. They recycled several times, inching their way upfield. 10,000 French supporters chanted "Allez Les Bleus!" but they couldn't turn possession into points.

Just before half time, Gavin Henson [left] was pinged for a high tackle on Fulgence Ouedraogo and went to the bin. The penalty kick from Elissalde was easy, and so Wales went in 9-6 at the break, but with the prospect of starting the second half with only 14 men.

The French came out with all guns blazing, but tried to play too much rugby. They gave away a penalty very close to their own line. Hook took the kick from out wide; it wasn't quite on target.

Then Les Bleus were making ground again, but ferocious Welsh tackling kept their line firm. Gethin Jenkins clashed heads with a Frenchman and France won another penalty - Elisslade levelled the score at 9-9.

Henson returned a minute or tow later, much to the relief of the crowd. The Welsh were desperate for some possession in order to make headway. Shane Williams broke away, passed to Martyn Williams and worked upfield. France regained after a Welsh chip ahead.

In the 60th minute, the stadium erupted when France spilled the ball, and Shane Williams fell onto the ball just under the posts. It was his 41st try for Wales, making him the all-time try scorer for his country. The conversion by Stephen Jones [left] was a foregone conclusion - and Wales were 16-9 up.

The Welsh were fired up now, three minutes later they won a penalty 37m out from the posts. Jones' kick was good again and Wales were 19-9 up.

France's Vincent Clerc made a break and the Welsh fumbled their defence. France got the put in at a 10m scrum. But the Welsh forwards weren't buckling - they won the scrum against the head.

With almost 10 minute left, Wales gave away another penalty; Dmitri Yachvili on as a replacement, kicked the three points and it was 19-12. Not long after, Stephen Jones eroded the difference again with another penalty and Wales clawed back their 10 point advantage, 22-12.

The final nail in the French coffin came with only 5 minutes left on the clock. Mark Jones broke away and flew up the pitch to within 1m of the French line. France scrambled the defence, a bit of ping-pong, then Lee Byrne caught a phenomenal up-and-under. Martyn Williams [right] did the honours with a 20m run to slide under the posts. Stephen Jones conversion were a formality. Wales 29-12.

The last three minutes were filled with noise from their supporters. A well-deserved victory for Wales, and a great achievement to win the Grand Slam again. They have played some excellent rugby throughout the tournament and fully deserve their title. Remarkably, they only conceded 2 tries in their 5 matches this year. And what a turnaround from their lacklustre World Cup campaign a few months ago.

The ref blew up for full time and the stadium roof almost lifted off with the noise. Well done Wales.

England Convince Against Ireland

Six Nations Game 14 - England vs Ireland (33-10)

After poor performances from both sides last week, it was crunch time for England and Ireland's last game of the Championship.

Ireland struck first with a try from Rob Kearney in the 4th minute - just the start that English fans at Twickenham didn't want! Ronan O'Gara added the extras without a hitch, and the hosts were down 0-7. England were caught holding on a few minutes later, and O'Gara punished them with another kick. 0-10 down and it wasn't looking good for England.

In the 12th minute, Danny Cipriani [right] replied with a penalty of his own, clawing back 3 points. A few minutes later, Paul Sackey scored a wonderful try in the corner. Cipriani converted to bring the scores level at 10-all.

Toby Flood chipped ahead and gathered himself, and Irish hands were caught in the subsequent ruck. Another three points for Ciprirani, and England went ahead 13-10. There the score remained for the rest of the first half.

In the second period, England opened the floodgates. Despite an early Irish attack, it came to nothing. Lesley Vainikolo got a bit of a run in the 43rd minute, and England were pressuring the Irish defence. The men in green were caught playing on the ground again, Cipriani added another 3 to his total and England were 16-10 ahead.

Another Irish attack in the 46th minute came to nothing after a knock-on. At 55 minutes, old hand Jonny Wilkinson came on to the park. Then Iain Balshaw flew up the wing, who passed to Matthew Tait [left] to cross in the corner. The extras brought it to 23-10.

In the 70th minute, Jamie Noon broke through the Irish defence in the left corner, juggling the ball in mid air, but keeping control long enough to score by the flag. Another conversion and the Red Rose boys were leading by 20 points, at 30-10.

With 8 minutes left on the clock, the Irish were caught once again, playing the ball in a ruck. The resulting penalty was true from Cipriani and the hosts were 33-10 up.

The last couple of minutes saw Ireland pushing for the line, but they knocked on and England ran a move up into the Irish half. They couldn't make another score, but at least they looked much more convincing this week.

Danny Cipriani's full England debut was impressive - Jonny needs to watch his back if he's not to be overshadowed by the young buck.

Italy End On A High

Six Nations Game 13 - Italy vs Scotland (23-20)

The Italians managed first blood when their pack were scrummaging well, and the Scots half collapsed - ref Nigel Owens gave a penalty try on 12 minutes and the conversion was good.

In the 20th minute, Scot Ally Hogg managed a try, his 10th for Scotland, from a great offload in the tackle, just reward for a long period of possession. Only the Scots 2nd try of the championship. Chris Paterson managed his 31st kick at goal with no trouble, to take the scores level at 7-7.

Italy infringed at a ruck in the 25th minute, and up stepped Dan Parks [right] for a huge 43m penalty to take the Scots ahead, 7-10. The just before half time, the Italians drew level once more through a penalty kick. A tense time for both teams, and interesting watching for neutrals.

Scottish Captain Mike Blair broke away from traffic to touch down between the posts just on the stroke of half time. Paterson converted to give them the advantage at the break, 10-17.

The Italians missed a chance for a penalty in the 48th minute. There were a few breaks and half breaks, with Scotland missing some important tackles. The Italian scrum was looking convincing as it had at the start of the first half. Both teams were throwing it around and whilst it was entertaining, there were alos plenty of errors and knock-ons.

The Azzurri turned over a Scottish attack when they intercepted a poor Dan Parks pass. Sergio Parisse flew down the pitch, passed in field to Gonzalo Canale who dived over between the posts. The conversion made it level pegging, 17-all with 20 minutes to go. The Roman crowd went mad, yelling "ITALIA" at the top of their lungs.

Andrea Marcato [left] kicked the home side in front at 70 minutes when Scotland were caught offside. 20-17 up, and the Stadio Flaminio went into overdrive. A couple of minutes later, Scotland levelled it again when Chris Paterson took a penalty, making is 32nd successfull kick in a row. 20-20 with eight minutes left.

In the 77th minute, Italy had an attacking lineout on the Scottish 10m line. The forwards went mauling and then it went to the backs, through several phases. More pick and drive, the clock ticking down. Canale was stopped a couple of metres short of the line. The Italians were chanting in the crowd and the Scottish defence was working overtime. Then it came back to Marcato, in the pocket for a sweet drop goal in the last minute. Italy 23 Scotland 20. The time ticked away, and an Italian boot kicked it out to touch. Once again, the Stadio Flaminio went nuts.

So, Italy won the game, and the Wooden Spoon, but that didn't seem to matter. And what an entertaining game - always nail-biting, even for a neutral to watch. The Azzurri's grins said it all.

Sarries Overcome Sale

Saracens won an important victory against Sale to keep their Guinness Premiership playoff hopes alive.

The Men In Black went ahead by 21 points to 0 initially. Ben Skirving managed a try, as did Prop Cencus Johnston, who scored from a remarkable 20-metre run, evading three tackles to cross the line. Glen Jackson added five kicks to the score too.

[Sebastien Chabal, looking like Neanderthal Man]

[Richard Haughton makes a try-saving tackle]

Sale's very own Neanderthal Man Sebastien Chabal scored a try, as did Oriel Ripol, but Richard Haughton managed to save another with this tackle above. The final score was 24-20. See more photos from this match.

France Edge Out Italy

Six Nations Game 12 - France vs Italy (25-13)

Despite Italy's persistance, France managed to pick up a vital victory at the Stade de France to keep their Six Nations title hopes alive.

Marc Lievremont rang the changes once more, with several new caps. But the gamble paid off, to keep the Gallic side in the running for a showdown next week with their Celtic rivals Wales.

The French were only just in front at half time, partly thanks to a try from new boy Anthony Floch's [right] try. Initially, Captain Lionel Nallet thought he had scored, but the ref judged he's not taken a tap-and-go penalty correctly. The French pack were dominant for at a maul, and then Francois Trinh-Duc put a lovely chip for Julien Malzieu who collected and fed Floch for his first try.

Minutes later, after an Italian penalty brought the score to 7-3, the Azzurri looked like scoring until Gonzalo Canale spilled the ball with the line beckoning. Then Dmitri Yachvili took another penalty to bring the score to 13-6 at half time.

In the second half, Yannick Jauzion [right] scored a lovely try from Yachvili's chip ahead, to put France further in the lead. But France weren't getting it all their own way. Italy won a lineout from a corner penalty, and the powerful Italian pack drove Leicester prop Martin Castrogiovanni over the line for a touchdown. The conversion made it 18-13 and the Azzurri were chasing Les Bleus all the way.

Aurelien Rougerie almost had another try, were it not for Mirco Bergamasco's try-saving tackle, holding up the Frenchman's arm over the line, the video ref having to be consulted before no-try was given.

Rougerie made amends moments later, when he took an excellent pass from Damien Traille and touched down safely, taking the French safely away from the Italians. An entertaining game, France were the victors at 25-13.

England A Shambles At Murrayfield

Six Nations Game 11 - Scotland vs England (15-9)

An early penalty for Scotland was an early reward, with Chris Paterson accurately kicking his 27th consecutive goal kick! The heavy mud and deluging rain can't have been easy. At the end of the first quarter, England Fullback Iain Balshaw and Rory Lamont slid to collect a ball. Instead, Balshaw's knee connected with Lamont's head, and there was a lengthy delay as the Scot was stretchered off, out cold. Later reports say he's OK but has gone to hospitals for checkups. He'll have a sore head, for sure.

The play was quite scrappy generally as the conditions continued to play their part. But Jonny Wilkinson [right] became Rugby Union's highest points scorer when he punted over another penalty, bringing the scores level at 3-3.

Andrew Sheridan gave away a silly penatly on the half hour - Paterson made it 28 kicks in a row and the Scots went ahead again 6-3.

The rain let up briefly, but then started again in earnest just before half time. So they played kicking ping pong for a while. With three minutes to go to the break, Jonny kicked his next penalty just short. In the last minute, Simon Shaw gave away another penalty, the Paterson kicking machine was on song and Scotland went in at half time 9-3 up.

The Scots got the perfect start to the second half with another penalty and England seemed to fall apart - they lost a couple of lineouts, they knocked on and kept infringing at rucks. The wheels came off the chariot. Whatever happened to the spark they showed in Paris? They were full of stodge.

Then Dan Parks [above] had a go for a long-range penalty which he punted over with confidence. At 15-3 down, England were definitely in trouble. Eventually they had a chance at goal in the 49th minute. Jonny's aim was good, and it was 15-6. Still trailing heavily, there didn't seem to be any creativity or ambition from the England squad, and the Scots took their chances where they could. Three minutes later, another 3 points for Jonny, gradually eroding the deficit to 15-9.

Going into the final quarter, England had a lineout in Scottish territory and made a bit of headway up the pitch. But then they threw a forward pass. A series of scrums went first one way, then the other. It was a dour old game, probably more interesting to watch paint dry.

In the 65th minute, England finally strung a few phases together in the Scottish half. But it was far from pretty. Scotland pinched the ball. Then won a penalty. And England's chances slipped away again.

Brian Ashton decided it was time to bring on the cavalry and it was all change from the bench. Scotland put together a decent bit of play, and Dan Parks looked like he was going for a drop goal, but it was charged down and England gained possession. Then Jonny was subbed by Charlie Hodgson [right] - it's a while since we've seen him in an England shirt!

With ten minutes to go, and a converted try required for England to snatch victory, England finally had a lineout in the Scottish half. But yet again, they couldn't string together a decent run of play.

So the game ended at 15-9, Scottish fans celebrated their Calcutta Cup victory and English fans are left wondering what sort of game they will witness next week in the final round against Ireland. Let's just hope it doesn't get any worse!

Wales Take Triple Crown

Six Nations Game 10 - Ireland vs Wales (12-16)

Ireland started well with a couple of penalties against the men in red, but eventually the Welsh were able to claw one back for themselves and the score stood t 6-3 at half time. Welsh scrum half Mike Philips [right] spent ten iminutes in the bin either side of the break for a professional foul.

But despite having a specialist player out for his sins, Wales managed to hang on to their hats with Shane Williams filling in at No. 9. They even managed to take another penalty off Ireland to bring the scores level.

With Philips back on, Wales got fired up again and Shane Williams saw a miniscule gap in the Irish defence, broke through and scored his 40th try for Wales in 55 tests. Stephen Jones' conversion brought the score to 13-6!

Soon after, Martyn Williams took out Eoin Reddan with a naughty trip, and spent time in the sin-bin. Ronan O'Gara slotted the penalty for that offence, and another a little while later to bring the Irish to within 1 score of salvaging the game.

But it was not to be, and Ireland finished on the wrong end of 1 12-16 defeat at home. The Welsh fans were in fine voice at Croke Park as Captain Ryan Jones [left] lifted the Triple Crown, tied with red ribbons flying about, above his head. So only France now stand in the way of a possible Welsh Grand Slam.

England Turn Over France

Six Nations Game 9 - France vs England (13-24)

England got the perfect start, despite France running the ball. In the first five minutes, Jamie Noon put a huge hit on Cédric Heymans who spilled the ball. Paul Sackey [right] was on hand to chase the loose ball, chip ahead and fall on the ball over the line. Jonny Wilkinson added the extras to take a 0-7 lead.

The French then gave away silly penalties, and Jonny kicked another three points for 0-10 after 15 minutes. Damien Traille had the opportunity to claw back 3 after an England infringement but he pulled it wide.

James Haskell had to retire with an ankle injury, on came Tom Croft for his first cap. England's lineout was looking a bit shakey with overthrows, some of which were tidied up by white shirts, some blue.

At 25 minutes, Sackey was pinged for going in from the side of a ruck, Damien Traille's [left] boot downfield was huge, France's lineout was solid and the team worked a good pushover try to the right of the posts. Traille's conversion was on song this time, pulling back to 7-10.

The French were caught offside close to the half hour; Jonny attempted a penalty from way out wide and it sailed plumb through the middle, making it 13-7. Just after the half hour, England won a lineout close to the French line. A ruck was set up, England had to inch their way up the pitch. But then France got a penalty, white hands not releasing the ball.

Ian Balshaw missed a huge kick from the French, Paul Sackey covering the mistake. Brian Moore's classic comment on the TV commentary: "he was so far away from it, he might as well have been in Croydon"! Quite.

On 35 minutes, England gave away another penalty in their own half; Traille's kick rebounded off the woodwork to give England a 22m dropout. With minutes to go before half time, England were back in the French half. Several phases of play took them across field and up to the 22, but Tom Croft knocked on. The scrum was a bit of a mess, but then the whistle went for half time.

A great first half, all the English supporters were praying that the second half collapse wasn't going to happen again this week. There was more exciting action from both sides, but no scores until Mark Regan [left] gave away a silly penalty: France's 19-year old Scrum Half Parra took the kick and it went straight over. Regan was immediately subbed by Lee Mears.

France were back in the game at 10-13, and looked to be playing the best rugby. Please not another England collapse...

At least Mearsey's first lineout was a goodun. Then France were penalised at an England scrum. Wilkinson's long-range attempt was pulled wide. He got another chance in the 58th minute, it was on target but too short.

England put a nice passage of play together, which hopefully steadied the nerves. Then they had a decent bit of field position and a lineout, the ball going to Jonny for a drop goal, making the score 10-16. Still a nervous time, with 16 minutes to go. The England scrum was demolishing their French counterparts. They won yet another penalty from it on the half way line. Wilko finally got the line and the length - and England pulled 9 points ahead, 10-19.

England gained possession at the restart, the English fans were Swinging Low and the French fans were relatively quiet. Then with 10 minutes to go, Sheridan was subbed for Matt Stevens. As the clock ticked on, I for one, was feeling rather nervous, hoping the boys could hang on to their lead for the last few minutes.

The 9 point lead was eroded to 6 when France won a penalty near the England 22. Dmitri Yachvili booted it over, 13-19 with 6 minutes to go. The restart was secured by France, but England kept defending and inching them towards the French line. Then the French knocked on giving England a 5m scrum. Les Bleus' scrum was still creaking.

England did the pick and drive, running down the clock, the war of attrition between white and blue. The forwards kept going, phase by phase. Hookers, props, second row, flankers all involved. Left, right, tick, tick, Richard Wigglesworth [right] wriggled over! I screamed. I hope the neighbours didn't mind. Jonny's kick finally sailed wide, but it didn't matter. 13-24, France turned over in their back yard by England again. Phew.

England's second half wobbled slightly during the first 20 minutes, but they settled and took the French apart. Wigglesworth had a cracking debut, looking sharp in all areas of his game. The English defence held firm. And thank God they kept up some decent play for the whole 80 minutes.

Croke Park Cracker

Six Nations Game 8 - Ireland vs Scotland (34-13)

The first few minutes presented Scotland with a penalty chance, but Chris Paterson opted not to take the 3 points, insted going for a bigger pirze. Unfortunately, Ireland weren't letting the Scots through their defence and the chance for any points went begging.

The first 20 minutes saw Scotland showing plenty of endeavour, but no points on the board. But with so little territory, Ireland made the most of their time on Scottish soil, and David Wallace broke from the back o f a close-range scrum, then snuck over the line right under the posts. Ronan O'Gara added the conversion and Ireland took a 7-0 lead.

In the 24th minute, Scotland got themselves on the board when Paterson kicked a long penalty, trailing by 4 points 7-3. But minutes later, Ireland cut through the Scots when Ronan O'Gara picked up from a ruck, passed to Brian O'Driscoll [right] who floated a long pass out to Rob Kearney on the wing, who scored his first try for Ireland. O'Gara had no problem with the conversion, and Ireland pulled away at 14-3. Paterson kicked another penalty to nibble back three points, 14-6.

Scotland pressured the Irish line with five minutes to go - they got to the line but were held up: the resulting scrum saw Ireland give a huge shove, and the Scots had to marshall themselves again from the 10m line. They got themselves up to the corner flag again. Initially, Scotland won a penalty, but Nathan Hines swung an arm at an Irish head, and the penalty was reversed.

The Irish got the perfect start to the second half, winning the restart kick and O'Gara punted the ball into the corner to find Marcus Horan - a prop - waiting on the wing to roll over. With the conversion clean, they pulled away to 19-6. They made it 22-6 in the 49th minute with another penalty from O'Gara. Ireland were looking comfortable.

Complacency is a gangerous thing - Simon Webster [left] took a flat pass from Paterson and ran in for a try, with Paterson adding the extras - Scotland were back in the game at 22-13.

Scotland went on the attack in the 61st minute, but the Irish intercepted, O'Gara did a wonderful reverse flick pass and it went through hands to Tommy Bowe [right] on the wing, who just had the reach to stretch over for a try as he was tackled. Again, O'Gara added the extras and Ireland stretched their lead to 29-13.

The Irish bench got some exercise with a raft of subsitutions. Then with five minutes to go, Scots substitute Jim Hamilton was stretchered off with a splint on his leg. Not confirmed, but it definitely looked like a break. It will be a big blow for Scotland in forthcoming matches if he's out for any length of time. Euan Murray also limped off, and Ross Ford had to come back on as a prop, so the next scrums were played uncontested.

The dying minutes seemed all blown out, but Tommy Bowe jinked over for a second try after the Scots fumbled a pass, the ball picked up by Andrew Trimble and then passed to Shane Horgan and out to the winger. The final score ended up 34-13 and Ireland looked very much more in control than they have over their last two games.

Welsh Rout Italians

Six Nations Game 7 - Wales vs Italy (47-2)

The Italians have been slow to start their last two games, and they intended to try better this time round. But they gave away two silly penatlies in the first few minutes, to take Wales into a 6-0 lead.

In the 12th minute, Wales stuffed up their own lineout deep in their own half; Italian prop Martin Castrogiovanni caught the overthrow and dived for the line for a try. Unfortunately, Andrea Marcato's conversion hit the woodwork. But all of a sudden, Italy were only trailing by one point. They spilled another try-scoring performance around 20 minutes, when Ezio Galon passed to Gonzalo Canale, who knocked on within inches of the line. Kiwi Coach Nick Mallett was literally hopping mad in the stands!

In the 28th minute, Wales hit back with a lovely team-engineered try from Lee Byrne [left], who dived over in the corner. Stephen Jones' conversion was good, giving the Welsh a 13-5 lead.

Plenty more endeavour, but no more scores until just before the final whistle for half time. Italy's forwards were pushing hard against the Welsh defence; they had the line in site with pick and drive moves, Wales infringed and Marcato's kick for 3 points was clean, even from a tight angle. So the Azzurri would be happy to go in 13-8 down at the break.

Wales struck a killer blow two minutes in to the second half, when Andrea Masi threw a terrible pass which was intercepted by Tom Shanklin [right], who ran in under the posts from half way. Jones' conversion was simple. And Shanklin will be celebrating his 50th Cap with a great try, taking his team to a 20-8 lead.

Within another minute, Dwayne Peel went off with blurred vision after an earlier knock, Mike Philips came on for him, and made a blistering break up the wing. He passed out of a tackle but the receiver couldn't quite finish it off. The Welsh won a lineout close to the Italian line, and the Azzurri infringed, so Jones took another three points, 23-8.

Mirco Bergamasco was sin-binned for killing the ball, so spent 10 minutes of his birthday in disgrace. Stephen Jones kicked another penalty to make the score 26-8.

Wales managed to gather another of their own overthrown lineouts, and it passed through hands until the last man on the wing was Shane Williams [left] - who scored a lovely try in the corner, his 38th in the red jersey. Stephen Jones made it 7 out of 7 kicks, Wales romping away at 33-8.

The rout continued in the 67th minute when Lee Byrne scythed through the Italian defensive line and ran in from the half way line. Tired Italian legs could do nothing to stop him. James Hook, on for Stephen Jones, took the extras and Wales were up for a 40-8 lead.

Turning the screws further, Shane Williams cut through the Azzurri's defence, swerved past several tackles and made a blistering run to finish off his second try. Hook made it 47-8, the final score, and another win under Welsh belts. They march on next week to a possible Triple Crown if they can beat Ireland.

England Scrape Past Italy

Six Nations Game 6 - Italy vs England (19-23)

England fans can be forgiven for thinking there was a certain amount of déjà vu this weekend. For the second game running, the Red Rose boys looked promising, even impressive in the first 40 minutes, but seemed to go to pieces in the second half. Thankfully this time the result was different.

Jonny Wilkinson [right] initially appeared to be on song when he made a lovely chip ahead, caught a kind bounce and flipped a pass out of the back of his hand to Paul Sackey, who ran in for a score in the first couple of minutes. Wilkinson added the extras in England were ahead 0-7. Italy replied after five minutes with a penatly struck by David Bortolussi, and another at 12 minutes, pulling the hosts back to 6-7.

Around the quarter hour, Jamie Noon charged down a Bortolussi kick, passed to Wilkinson who offloaded to Toby Flood, who took a flamboyant dive in the corner. The all-newcastle midfield were firing well together. Jonny's conversion took him to 1,000 points in an England shirt and England to a 6-14 lead.

England managed another two penalties before the break, both from the boot of Wilkinson, giving them a 14-point cushion at 6-20. But as with last week, England lost the plot in the second half. Whatever Brian Ashton had said to them in the dressing room at half time, I wish he hadn't bothered!

Italy managed the lion's share of possession and territory in the second half, and two more pentalties for the Azzurri kept them in touch with England, 12-20. Then Ashton decided to bring on some replacements, and the team seemed to loose even more cohesion.

Richard Wigglesworth [left] was given his first cap at Scrum Half. And Danny Cipriani came on, only to have a clearance kick charged down by Simon Picone who then flew half way up the pitch to score under the posts - more or less uncontested by England's defence. Bortolussi added the extra two points, pulling Italy back to 19-23.

So England's fans were left with a couple of nervous minutes before the whistle blew, and Italy were still pushing and praying for a last-minute miracle. It was their best result against England in the 14 tests the two countries have played.

An England this sloppy will be put to the sword by France next time round, especially as the game is in Paris. They really must learn to play like they did in the first half - for the whole 80 minutes - or they will be heading for another pasting.

Late Irish Revival Can't Stop France

Six Nations Game 5 - France vs Ireland (26-21)

Ireland started brightly with quick ruck ball, camping in the French 22 for 2-3 minutes. But then just when they were expecting France to kick, Aurelian Rougerie steamed up the middle, the ruck formed and France had a chance of a penalty - which Elissalde pushed wide.

Bernard Jackman's first lineout was a disaster, going to French hands. Les Bleus worked the ball across the field one way, then the other, and if it wasn't for a forward pass, they would have scored.

Around 10 minutes, Ireland were looking for points in the French 22 after a lineout, with several phases well put together. Rucks, passes, pick and drive, until Eoin Reddan threw it wide, then back into midfield. Things only stopped when Ireland knocked on close to the line.

It was still tight until France turned over Irish ball, which was hacked ahead and Vincent Clerc [right] flew up the wing in his golden boots, gathered safely and slid over for a lovely try. David Skrela converted and the home side were 7-0 up.

Shortly after, France were caught infringing and Ronan O'Gara stepped up for three points, overtaking Neil Jenkins' Six Nations all-time points score, (with only Jonny Wilkinson still in front). That put Ireland on 7-3.

Then after the restart, Ireland were caught napping and Clerc did it again with another blistering run - this time Skrela missed the conversion but French tails were up, 12-3. In the 23rd minute, Ireland had an opportunity when they got an attacking lineout 5m out, but Lionel Nallet's challenge was excellent.

Just before the half hour, O'Gara punted over a penatly to bring them up to 12-6. But Clerc struck for a hat-trick, scored with a jubilant dive, just before half time and Ireland were left wondering what to do - I'd hate to think what Eddie O'Sullivan would have said at the break, going into the dressing room 19-6 down.

There was plenty of action but few points as the second half began. Then in the 49th minute, France had a scrum on the half way, the No. 8 broke away and it was kicked, partially charged down, and Cédric Heymans [left], another boy in golden boots, ran in for a try under the posts with the Irish defence in shreds. The conversion brought the score up to 26-6. The French fans were in good voice, with the Marseillaise ringing out around the stadium.

At 52 minutes, Ireland got another penalty and kicked to the corner. Their previous lineouts hadn't been doing well, with Jackman's throws more often than not arriving in French hands. This time they got possession and managed to work themselves up to within a couple of metres of the line, then recycled and drove again, crawling towards the line over several phases. Then the Irish won a Scrum V. It was reset a couple of times as the French went down once the drive was on. And a second time. Third time, the Irish front row scrummaged the French off the park and Ref Nigel Owens had no choice but to award a penalty try. O'Gara's conversion was easy, and the score was back at 26-13 with 22 minutes to go.

The Irish pack made a big drive after the catching restart. Then they spun it wide, chipped ahead but it was collected by Heymans instead of an Irish hand. Then Simon Best came on for Jackman after an injury, the Irish lineout was solid and the forwards drove on. David Wallace [right] was the man at the bottom of the heap and the TMO agreed the ball was grounded. But the conversion was missed, so the scores stood at 26-18. Suddenly, the Irish were playing to their strengths (forwards) rather than running.

In the 65th minute, Clerc went into touch as he caught a bouncer, and the Irish lineout was good again. Then the Irish pack had another opportunity and drove up, and passed out to the backs - but the pass to the wing was too long and it went into touch.

The Irish comeback continued point by point, when Ronan O'Gara punted another pentalty in the 75th minute, clawing it back to 26-21. Then crucially, Ireland won a penalty on the half way, and kicked for the corner. The lineout was taken and the Irish backs broke the French defensive line. They recycled again and made more ground. The forwards took it up from the 22, mauling and rucking for their lives. 7m short, it was flung wide, collected by a French hand and it went into touch - whistle blew.

So an incredible turnaround from the Irish in the second half, and they can be proud of themselves for that. France looked extremely dangerous, especially in the first half. Ironically, Vincent Clerc (Man of the Match with a hat-trick) was dropped from the French 22 earlier in the week, and only came back in after an injury to Julien Malzieu!

Wales March On

Six Nations Game 4 - Wales vs Scotland (30-15)

The game started with a furious first ten minutes, plenty of action but no points, until 12 mins when Wales caught with penalty and Dan Parks made it 0-3. A wayward Scottish kick 2 mins later landed in the large paws of Mike Philips, who made a great break, passed out to the wing for Shane Williams [left] to make a lovely sidestep and score. James Hook converted, Wales were ahead 7-3.

Nathan Hines was binned for a flail at Lee Byrne and the Scots lost one of their talismans for 10 minutes. Wales botched a scrum 5m out form the Scottlish line, Mike Blair disrupting to get the next feed. The Scots survived with 14 men without shipping any points, but their lineout was looking shakey with throws not straight.

Wales squandered another chance on 26 minutes, with Gavin Henson passing to Tom Shanklin, then Shane Williams, but Shanklin's pass was forward with the line backoning.

After Hines came back on, the Scots almost immediately gave away a penalty, Hook took the shot straight through for 10-3 lead. But just after the half hour, Chris Paterson punted over a penatly for himself, to claw back 3 points, 10-6, which is where they went in at half time.

As the second half began, Scotland started well, with Ally Hogg making a blistering run up the middle from lineout ball. John Barclay went to ground and Wales were penalised at the ruck, so Paterson punted another; 100% record, clawing back another three points, 10-9.

Then the Welsh woke up, got within 5 metres of the line via Jamie Roberts, and the recycled ball came back to James Hook who sidestepped two Scottish forwards and dived over for a score. He converted his own try to make it 17-9. The Welsh looked dangerous again, but were caught killing the ball during a Scottish attack; Paterson did the honours to bring them in touch at 17-12.

Then Martyn Williams broke up midfield and the Welsh were on the attack, but his pass to Mike Philips [right] was intercepted by a blue shirt and Scotland were out of danger for the moment. Ian Gough was pinged for shoulder charging in a tackle, so the metronomic boot of Paterson kicked again and they were back into the game at 17-15.

Despite playing well, Hook was subbed at 57 minutes by Stephen Jones, who's first touch of the ball was a forward pass! In the 64th minute, Wales were pushing the Scots line again, they got within 5 metres and Scotland gave away a penalty, so Jones redeemed himself a little with another 3 points straight in front of the posts, to pull ahead to 20-15.

The Welsh voices were on song again a few minutes later when Shane Williams blistered up the wing and just dabbed the ball down before hitting the corner flag - the video ref didn't take long to decide, but the commentators weren't 100% convinced as the slo-mo replay appeared to show his foot grazing the line before he touched down. Jones converted and Scotland were trailing by 12 points, 27-15.

With only nine minutes left, Wales went further ahead from Jones' boot, and they were up to 30-15. But with 2 minutes on the clock, Scotland won a scrum on the Welsh 22, and the forwards inched towards the line. A red line of defence held firm. As the seconds ticked down, the blue shirts were within a metre and the kept pushing, then Wales turned the ball over. The final few seconds gone, the clock went red and the whistle blew.

This week, the Welsh looked more convincing than last time round, Scotland less so. Progress for the boys in red, but Hadden's men must be wondering what they can do to improve. I suggest throwing some straight lineouts for a start!

French Renaissance

Six Nations Game 3 - Scotland vs France (6-27)

For the first time in years, the Scots started as favourites against France. They have a settled team whilst France have new faces in their team and a new coach - Marc Lievremont - after "Mad" Bernie Laporte's retirement from the job.

Scotland were the first to put points on the board with Dan Parks landing a good long-range drop goal in the 4th minute. France retaliated in the 13th minute when Vincent Clerc's try was deemed good, despite the possibility of a forward pass, prior to, and maybe a double movement to score. Andrew Henderson [left] was then lucky to stay on the park after a headbutt to a French player in the in-goal area. The conversion was good and Scotland were on the back foot at 3-7. They were punished again a few minutes later when Damien Traille punted a massive penalty to go 3-10 up.

Parks had a chance to pull a few back in the 22nd minute, but missed the posts. France took a quick tap and go a minute later, and Julien Malzieu [right] noticed no-one was at home at fullback, his lovely chip and chase and a kind bounce taking him over the touchline and under the posts. Scotland were struggling at 3-17.

The Scottish scrum was working well to begin with, even pushing the French off their own ball. Dan Parks was able to make amends for his previous penalty miss with a great kick at goal on the half hour, to claw 3 points back. Elissalde missed two chance of his own at goal a few minutes later.

There was plenty of errors, breaks and running from both sides in the second half, but it wasn't until the 50th minute that Scotland won a penalty - Dan Park's kick to touch failed to go out and France got the ball again. Damian Traille's [right] next kick for goal was accurate and France pulled further ahead 6-20 in the 55th minute.

Parks was substituted by Chris Paterson for the last 20 minutes, in the hope that he would be able to give Scotland a bit more shape. The Scots also lost Rory Lamont to injury around the same time, which can't have done their cause any good.

The French looked much more convincing that the Scots in the second half. Vincent Clerc [left] scored a second try after a kick ahead which he caught himself. David Skrela's conversion really nailed the game to take the visitors to a 6-27 lead. Clerc fully deserved his Man of the Match award.

Chris Paterson made a great hack ahead in the 69th minute and was caught inches from the line. Second phase was promising, but Chris Cusiter botched it, losing the ball as he tried to touch down. It seemd to typify of Scotland's whole game this time round.

The French looked like they would run the ball from anywhere on the pitch and even without some of their older heads, they look like a formiddable proposition for this year. M. Lievremont must be pleased with the result.