Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
I’ll start with Sunday’s fixture. This was by far the most exciting game of the weekend, France and Italy both went into this match with real heart and passion (something that seems to be lacking from all the other Northern hemisphere teams). This game was always going to be a French win (46-20), but the Italians continued to battle for the full eighty minutes. The French really performed, it was simply outstanding and demonstrated just how seriously they are taking this championship. Their strength in depth is becoming increasingly evident and this team appears to have just clicked. There is now no doubt in my mind that next week they will emphatically secure the Grand Slam.
It’s about time somebody admitted it. The standard of all the home nations has dropped (significantly) since last year (except perhaps Scotland). None of these teams are playing at the level they should be. This became incredibly evident in the first game of the weekend. In previous years, a clash between Wales and Ireland would have been exciting. This year - nothing of the sort. Both teams gave very uninspiring performances, with Ireland just having that clinical edge which allowed them to score all the game’s three tries and come away with the win (27-12). Ireland weren’t entirely terrible, (although playing against a pathetic Wales side did only make them look better) Tomas O’Leary was on seriously good form, and just after half time I (correctly) predicted that he would be named Man of the Match.
Last week, I said that England versus Scotland at Murrayfield would not be boring. I have to concede, I was completely wrong. This turned out to be one of the most dull rugby matches I’ve ever seen, ending in a 15-15 draw. Scotland, at least, appeared to have the intention of playing an attacking game with width. England showed barely any ambition at all. Surely the need for change must have become obvious to Martin Johnson. England have got do something about their negative play!
So the 2010 Six Nations tournament is coming to a close. Next Saturday is full of games, beginning at 2.30pm with Italy vs. Wales, then Ireland vs. Scotland (5.00pm) and ending with France vs. England (07.45pm). I see the French securing the Grand Slam in a clear victory over England, I think the Azzurri might just beat a poor Wales side and I expect Ireland to win the Triple Crown with a close victory over Scotland. It looks set to be a good day for rugby, don’t miss it!
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