Thursday 19 March 2015 17:55, UK
England could win the Six Nations but Stuart Lancaster has missed a trick in this tournament, says Dewi Morris...
England will want to round off the Six Nations with a good win over France but it won’t be the end of the world if we don’t win the championship.
Regardless of Saturday’s results, there are still a number of questions for Stuart Lancaster to answer. We’re only a little bit closer to knowing our starting 15 for the World Cup, and that’s mainly due to injuries.
It’s no surprise that Lancaster has only made the one change to his starting line-up. If he didn’t freshen things up against Scotland he’s wasn’t going to do it this week. Geoff Parling has come back in because the lineout has gone a bit awry. He is an experienced head, an excellent lineout caller and I don’t think it’s any reflection on Dave Attwood.
England can’t get caught up in thinking about points difference on Saturday against a fickle French side. Do Les Bleus have one good performance in them? I can’t see it coming to be honest. England are too organised, but I don’t think we’ll have the try fest that some people are expecting. England will win the game, and hopefully win it well.
Regardless of Saturday’s results, there are still a number of questions for Stuart Lancaster to answer. We’re only a little bit closer to knowing our starting 15 for the World Cup, and that’s mainly due to injuries.
I want to see a rousing performance from our forwards, who have been really good with the exception of the debacle in Ireland, but a Six Nations title won’t answer the questions I want asked. I think Lancaster has missed a trick by not putting in a few players, such as Henry Slade and Kyle Eastmond, while there’s still the issue of balance in the back row.
One of the few positives for France in the championship has been their defence. I’m sure Philippe Saint-Andre is under a tremendous amount of pressure to get a scalp. His job must be under threat ahead of the World Cup and a win over the English could grant him a stay of execution.
There’s a lot of bad news coming out of France regarding selection. It’s interesting that people are criticising the overseas players, complaining that they’re diluting the French talent coming forward. Well, that’s what happens when you let your domestic league run away from you and put in a wage cap that no one pays a blind bit of notice to. I certainly hope those problems don’t arise in the Aviva Premiership.
I think the Six Nations is still in Ireland’s hands. Scotland just aren’t performing and Ireland should beat them comfortably, while I don’t think Wales will score enough points in Rome. I’m going to stick my neck out and go with England though. They know the limitations of this French side so they won’t play into their hands. When they’re in the opposition 22, they’ll hopefully continue to create try-scoring chances like they did against Scotland, only finish them this time.
England U20s face decider
I’m down in Brighton on Friday night for the U20 Six Nations decider as England seek a fourth title in five years. France, who won the Grand Slam last year, stand in their way.
I was always a fan of the Saxons as it was a step up for players, but this U20 tournament is becoming so good you don’t really need it anymore. Most of England’s players have also had exposure to the Premiership and are loaned out on dual registrations.
It’s an incredible conveyor belt and it proves that the system is working very well, and credit has to go to John Callard and his coaching team. England have got incredible pace in the backs – Howard Packman from Northampton is lightning fast - and I’ve enjoyed the style of rugby they play. They’re big, strong and robust but there is plenty of offloading and galloping from this new breed of second rows and props.
It has been a pleasure covering their games this year and I think home advantage will swing Friday’s game in their favour.
After watching Saturday’s Six Nations action unfold, I’ll be at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday for the LV= Cup decider between Saracens and Exeter Chiefs. Many people would have been expecting an East Midlands derby but Saracens edged a game of two halves against Northampton, and the Chiefs came away from Welford Road with a fantastic victory.
Sarries are something of a surprise package because Northampton put out a pretty strong side at Allianz Park, but the collectiveness of their youngsters was pretty good. Exeter also overcame a Leicester side littered with internationals and I think that reflects the strength of the competition. It’s unfortunate it won’t be held next year because of the World Cup.
The Chiefs have the ability and belief that they can retain their title. I remember the scenes of jubilation at Sandy Park last year when they beat Northampton in the final. It was one of the biggest win in their history.
Sunday will probably come down to a kicking duel and it has been very interesting to see Ben Spencer’s development, not only as a scrum-half but also as a kicker, while Exeter have the experienced head in Ceri Sweeney. This could be a cracker.
