Thu 26 Feb 2015 | 08:57
Six Nations 2015: The Journalists' Midterm Report

11
Comments

Before the Six Nations started we posted a Journalists preview piece that proved fairly popular, so here is a follow up, as some of the top UK and Ireland rugby writers discuss which teams have impressed, and how things are poised ahead of this coming weekend.

There is a specific focus on each individual team as we approach the mid-point of the tournament, so if you're from one of the six nations, you may be interested to hear their thoughts. For the neutral, as said at the end of the video, it should be a fascinating weekend.

On Scotland's meeting with Italy at Murrayfield, the feeling is that the hosts should take it.

"They are going to be a really interesting team by the time the world cup comes around," said the Evening Standard's Chris Jones, while the Daily Mirror's Alex Spink felt Scotland should have beaten Wales, rather than narrowly lose 26-23. "The look on Vern Cotter's face at the final whistle suggested he won't put up with that again," he said.


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On the big Ireland vs England clash, feelings were mixed but they all felt it would be a tight contest.

"I think we (Ireland) can outsmart them, but if it becomes a power-based game, we can't live with them unfortunately," said the Irish Times' Gavin Cummiskey.

On France and their potential, Chris Foy of the Daily Mail said: "They've got so much potential in there and it's just so sort of bizarre and unsettling for them that it's not coming out, and frankly, I'll be very surprised if they have a major say in how this title goes."

On Wales: "They've kept themselves in it with that win in Edinburgh, and they pulled that out late on, so that was impressive, but I think they're just short of Ireland and England this year," said Duncan Bech of the Press Association.

Your thoughts: How do you feel each team are placed going into the weekend, and at this midway point in the tournament? Let us know in the comments below

Thanks to RugbyMedia

11 Comments

  • drg
    2:13 PM 28/02/2015

    I guess I'm the odd one out, I've actually enjoyed a lot of the rugby.

    Although personally I've not found the England matches to be massively entertaining. They've played well and I really enjoy seeing the potential there, especially without Farrell, but it's not been as 'exciting' game by game. There is still of course some big big games to come.

    Btw, I still wasn't thrilled by the first England game, I think a lot of the criticisms down to it perhaps being their first game of the tournament.

    Scotland and Italy have played some thrilling stuff, even if they've been on the wrong end of the results.

    Ireland France game was good to watch.

  • flanker2712
    10:13 PM 27/02/2015

    I don't think you were ever ahead in this thread! Just put it down to a mind blank.

  • eddie-g
    5:10 PM 27/02/2015

    Oh shit. I should really quit while I'm ahead.

  • wickedsick
    5:05 PM 27/02/2015

    Damn, well they all look the same!

  • stroudos
    4:29 PM 27/02/2015

    * Ford

  • wickedsick
    10:32 AM 27/02/2015

    The fact that Farrell has been injured as helped England so much, I think with cip and burns England look so much better.

    I know Farrell is Andy Farrells son, but come on.... He isn't creative enough.

  • stroudos
    9:25 PM 26/02/2015

    Wk 1:
    Wales 16-21 England
    Italy 3-26 Ireland
    France 15-8 Scotland

    Wk 2:
    England 47-17 Italy
    Ireland 18-11 France
    Scotland 23-26 Wales

  • gamalam2
    9:13 PM 26/02/2015

    What? Haha, Ireland beat France, and it happened on week 2

  • eddie-g
    7:05 PM 26/02/2015

    So I forgot France beat Ireland in Week 1. Scuse my stupidity.

  • eddie-g
    3:39 PM 26/02/2015

    Rugby's been a bit disappointing overall, but England have been quite impressive, especially given their injury list.

    Fully the expect the Eng-Ire winner on Saturday to win the championship, but also have a feeling France will beat one of them in the final two weeks. Definitely will happen if St Andre somehow stumbles ass-backwards into selecting France's strongest starting XV.

  • prestwick
    2:57 PM 26/02/2015

    Dear GOD, Robert Kitson has a huge forehead.

    Does he just communicate using his mind? I think his mouth is now redundant thanks to that huge brain...