Thoughts on the Six Nations

An early sending off in any sporting encounter is always controversial.

Some say it ruins the spectacle. Others say the referee has to enforce the law and – in the case of soccer – the first five minutes was once open warfare as players felt assured enough to commit horrendous fouls as they knew they would not be dismissed.

In England v Ireland at RFU Twickenham yesterday Charlie Ewell the England lock was dismissed after 82 seconds for a high tackle.

He knows this is a red card offence.

My mind went back to the “spear” tackle by All Blacks Tana Umaga and hooker Keven Mealamu on Brain O’Driscoll just 42 seconds into the first British Lions v New Zealand Test match [25th June 2005] which could have paralysed him.

Rugby has cleaned up its act since then. In my opinion Ewels had to go.

England did play with considerable spirit after that with their front row especially tenacious.

However one must not forget that England were authors of their own misfortune. Again, I criticise Eddie Jones’ game management as Joe Launchbury, a replacement lock, should surely have been introduced earlier and Nowell is no flanker.

The hyped-up battle between the young pretender Marcus Smith and the old warhorse Johnny Sexton was unresolved. Smith generally kicked well and made a few trademark darting runs but he showed his Quins colours at a crucial moment by kicking for territory rather than 3 points on the board.

In the end Ireland ‘s numerical superiority told but it was a stirring match.

So was Wales v France the night before.

France are the best team in the Six Nations, probably the world, but Wales put up a great fight. This is not yer usual France – brilliant but unprofessional and prone to indiscipline.

They are super fit, kick their penalties and, in scrum half Dupont, possess the world’s best player.

I did not watch Italy v Scotland as I opted for Barnsley v Fulham.

Once again controversial penalty gave Barnsley an early lead but Fulham came back with a lovely strike from Harry Wilson.

Wilson then missed a sitter when he had a gaping goal to aim at with his header but put the ball wide.

I spoke to Alan Tanner after the England international. He spoke of an early foul by Peter Storey of Fulham on Ray Lewington in the 70s when he kicked him both up in the air and on the way down.

It received no red card.

He also recalled a victory by Jean Tigana’s Fulham over Graeme Souness’ Blackburn after Fulham were reduced to 10 men. So inequality on the pitch can enhance the spectacle, not spoil it.

Sadly rain spoiled play in the Players Championship and a lifeless pitch in Antigua produced a draw in a dull cricket Test.