After their doughty performance against France last week, I fully expected Scotland to see off Wales without too much difficulty, but it was not to be. Instead, the Welsh came back from their lacklustre display against England to make the Scots look second-rate at best.
Scotland rarely threatened the Welsh try line, while Wales took their chances, built a lead and maintained it; even when reduced to 13 men, they held out and conceded only 3 points. This was a decent performance from Wales but a very disappointing one from Scotland; the final score of 24-6 tells the story.
Sunday's match with Ireland taking on France was also a bit of a change from last week. Ireland were a different side from that which turned out against Italy and put real prssure on France. Conceding penalties was their problem and the French took full advantage, but rarely threatened otherwise. When Ireland scored their second try, it looked very promising for the home side.
In the second half, Ireland continued to be the more determined side but another penalty, given away needlessly, saw the visitors draw level after 50 minutes and then take the lead with their only really threatening movement leading to a try. More penalties followed though Ireland came back with another try and a great conversion from O'Gara, but bridging the final 3 point gap proved a step too far. France came away with the win, 25-22, after being 2nd best for much of the match. This was a mach that Ireland should have won and it raises serious questions about the strength of the French; Twickenham on 26th February now has real significance.
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