 
GREGOR TOWNSEND
6 NATIONS 2007
It has been far from a classic Six Nations tournament – in fact there was precious little quality attacking play or consistency of performance from any team – but there has been plenty of drama over the past two months. From Vincent Clerc’s last minute try at Croke Park, Scotland’s nightmare start against Italy, referee Chris White upsetting the Welsh in Rome, and finally to ‘Super Saturday’ when both Ireland and France threw caution to the wind and scored heavily, it has been compelling viewing.
Having said that, probably every team except for Italy failed to live up to their own expectations. France deserved to be champions after winning the toughest match of the championship – away to Ireland. However, there inept display against England showed they have still a long way to go if they are to mount a serious challenge to win the World Cup on home soil. Likewise, Ireland struggled for fluency against Wales and Scotland and again missed out on the biggest prize. When they were good they were very good, but it was another frustrating watch for their coaches and supporters, when you look at the talent they have at their disposal. If they can marry the control they showed against England with the attacking flair from their courageous win in Italy, they might just make it all the way to the World Cup final.
For Italy, Wales, England and Scotland there were some highs and lows, and I think all four sides are of a similar level at the moment. The Italians made the most progress this season and now look a well-coached team who play for each other. They have a strong set-piece and some impressive ball-carriers, although their squad clearly lacks depth. When missing the likes of Mauro Bergamasco, Gonzalo Canale, Andrea Lo Cicero and Martin Castrogiovanni they couldn’t contain a rampant Ireland on the last day of the championship. They will, though, have gained a great deal of confidence over the last few weeks and have edged ahead of Scotland. It will be an extremely tough and important day for both sides when they meet in the World Cup at St Etienne later this year.
Although Wales finished strongly with a win over England, there will be much disappointment down in the valleys. The ‘Welsh Way’ is the belief that moving the ball wide and not committing many players to the breakdown will result in numerous phases that puts relentless pressure on the opposition. Sadly this looked to be the ‘Wrong Way’. Without any forward dominance Wales seemed to be setting up phase after phase, but going nowhere fast. Things were, admittedly, much better in their final match with Gareth Thomas and Tom Shanklin providing real thrust and direction to their attacking play. Also, the skill, temperament and ambition of James Hook lifted the team. It’s also good to finish a Six Nations on an upward curve. Maybe Wales will benefit the most from having a poor championship when it comes to the World Cup – it certainly worked for them in 2003.
It’s hard what to make of England’s championship. Their three home wins resulted from spirited but pretty uninspiring rugby and the away defeat in Ireland was one of the all-time worst performances by an English side. Nonetheless, coach Brian Ashton must be pleased with the composure and talent of the younger players he integrated into the team this year. Toby Flood, Shane Geraghty, Tom Rees and David Strettle look fantastic prospects. Others, such as Harry Ellis, Jason Robinson and Martin Corry are now certainties for the World Cup. England also tried to play a brand of dynamic rugby that might not bring them success in six months time, but will drive them back towards the top of world rankings over the next year or two.
Scotland went into this year’s championship with a number of key players either injured, or on their way back from injury. Any side would miss Jason White and Mike Blair – especially as both of them had been in tremendous form the previous season. However, with five defeats in the last six matches and ending up in last place in the Six Nations, it hasn’t been a memorable few months for Scottish rugby. Scoring tries is our biggest problem – we scored as many in the defeat to France than in the other four games put together. One reason for this is that we have struggled to create quick ball and haven’t been able to off-load the ball out of the tackle as much as the other teams.
Still, there were a few positives. Chris Paterson’s goal-kicking was once again outstanding and will be crucial come the Italian game in the World Cup. Simon Taylor and Kelly Brown played consistently well and, like others in the pack, put in a lot of unnoticed work at the breakdown and in the tackle. I was actually pleased with aspects of the heavy defeat in Paris – Sean Lamont, Johnny Beattie, Euan Murray and Ross Ford all looked good – and the team didn’t put themselves under unnecessary pressure as had been the case earlier that season at Murrayfield in that mad seven minutes against the Italians.
It was also great to see Chris Cusiter back in action. Apart from a couple of mistakes against Italy he was one of Scotland’s most influential players, which was a superb effort giving he had only played once in the previous three months. Rory Lawson looked very comfortable in his first start for Scotland. He is another real competitor and has clearly improved at Gloucester under the tutelage of Bryan Redpath. We seem to be blessed just now at no.9 - if only the picture was as encouraging elsewhere in the team.
There are definitely more questions concerning the make-up to the side than was the case at the start of the championship. This is largely because the game-plan hasn’t really functioned and a number of players haven’t played particularly well. The midfield combination was changed on four occasions and starting places there are still up for grabs. With two very hard Test matches before the World Cup – against South Africa and Ireland – our losing run might continue a wee bit longer. It’ll be worth it if we can find a side that has the firepower to make an impact at the World Cup. If Scotland display the endeavour and tactical nous they showed in the opening twenty minutes against the French, then I think we can have a strong showing.
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