This weekend sees the final matches of the Six Nations Rugby tournament and England have only to defeat the Irish to record a Grand Slam for the first time since 2003 though after last week's matches, there is no such thing as a certainty.
Italy's superb victory over France was the most unexpected result of the championship and probably the most unexpected for several years. France were a disappointment, looking pretty lacklustre, but Italy gave their all and fully deserved their win. Coming back from 6-18 behind took tremendous courage and determination and Italy showed both in spades. Bergamasco's kicking, on his home ground, was a step up from previous displays and eventually proved the winning ingredient although Masi's try was perhaps the highspot of the Italian performance.
Wales defeated Ireland 19-13, courtesy of a try that should not have been allowed, while England laboured to victory over the Scots in the Calcutta Cup clash at Twickenham. I missed the all-Celtic game but did see England dominate without ever looking likely to score many points. This was a a scrappy match with more than a few penalties but not very much in the way of free-flowing rugby, particularly in the first half. England had much the best of both possession and territory, their scrum generally won the day, but they rarely threatened the Scottish line; the Scots threatened the English line hardly at all, other than for Max Evans' try. The final score of 22-16 was probably a fair reflection given the preponderance of English errors, but in no reflected their domination of the play.
For the final round of games, Scotland take on Italy in the battle for the wooden spoon and it will be no surprise if the Italians are triumphant. France play Wales in Paris and what will happen is anyone's guess. With the championship over for them, France may well be easy meat for the Welsh who still have hopes of overhauling England and taking the title; alternatively, the French may be out to extinguish the memory of last week's humiliation. Only time will tell which way this match will go.
England travel to Dublin in pursuit of a Grand Slam and really should win. Ireland are an aging side who have failed to shine at all this year, struggling to a one point victory over Italy, losing to France by 3 points and beating Scotland and Wales by 3 and 6 respectively. It's been a struggle for them and even home advantage should not be enough to beat an on-song England; the only question is whether or not England will be on-song. They will certainly have to play a lot better than against Scotland.
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