TACKLING CONCUSSION HEAD ON

With rugby introducing contact at U9 age group level onwards, there are valid concerns regards player welfare around injuries like concussion, especially for players of such a young age. I have many friends and family, who have been knocked out cold, or experienced a head injury, playing the beautiful game - one of which had to retire before he left school. As a captain or coach, I always made sure that a parent, friend or wife of any player experiencing a knock to the head was made aware of the incident, and that they were closely monitored that afternoon or evening (and in the morning once the hangover had worn off). The governance around such injuries is much better than 20 years ago, with mandatory return to play protocols in place to allow the brain to recover. This now takes the decision away from the coach or parent, who, under pressure from victim, were always faced with the awkward dilemma of rushing them back too quickly.

So where do I stand on banning contact from rugby at mini or youth level? It's quite straightforward really. Both my lads played football when they were young (not very well it has to be said) as they did not engage with tag rugby, preferring to start playing once contact was introduced from U9 onwards. This did mean their hand catch, passing and game understanding were behind their peers, but their tackling technique was ahead. This was because I had invested time in the lounge at home from a very young age showing them how to tackle properly (cheek on cheek), and having learnt young, it became a real strength of theirs on the field (and helped minimise injury). If players only learn how to tackle as an adult, I am not sure this would mitigate the risk, as most senior players are 90kg+, so the cost of getting your head in the wrong position could be severe. I do agree that the "body wrap" tackle, that has come in recently from rugby league to prevent the offload, could be reviewed. This just rewards the "gym monkeys" who don't have the flexibility or technique to get down to ankle level to "cut the tree" like Joe Worsley used to for Wasps and England.

Interesting and important issue to debate, and one that (like Forrest Gump) will run and run...

MARLER V HASKELL ROUND 1

Nothing like a bit of handbags to get me back on the horse.

To be honest, since the Lions series, have been a bit disillusioned with the game, with NZ hammering everyone, England Premiership being reduced to a series of gym monkeys picking and flopping, Pro 14 inexplicably going global and the amateur game dying on its backside as big clubs struggle to field a 2nd team.

However, James Haskell and Joe Marler engaging in handbags has got me excited - wrestling, pulling off scrum caps, spraying water and grabbing by the throat - all pointless nonsense, resulting in a yellow for Haskell, who then pushes and shoves anyone blocking his exit from the pitch :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVlMmUcP6o8

ENGLAND FALL AT FINAL HURDLE

Just as with the England v Scotland game, after 5 minutes, you could sense it was not going to be the away team's day. Ireland were aggressive, ruthless, England were average, overawed, New Zealand were relaxed, smiling.

The Six Nations is a great tournament, 2017 was especially, with every team losing at least one game, offering supporters of all sides (except Italy) their day in the sun (or on the beer), and 3 teams on 14 points a few behind England, the rightly winners. But, no matter how impressive England were against Scotland (who were awful), they struggled against the rest, winning ugly against Wales, France and Italy, and looking second best against a weakened yet proud Ireland.

The 6N Championship but no Slam

Yes, an improving Scotland, a decent Ireland and Wales, plus a record equalling England should in theory create the recipe for the strongest Lions squad in many years. And, yes (again) Warren Gatland has tough choices to make across most positions (even in the starting XV), but the problem is they are not playing a re-building SA or a lightweight Australia, they are playing a brutal, skilful NZ at home, with two tests in the fortress, that is Eden Park, Auckland.

NZ's Super 18 Rugby franchises make up the top 3 places in the Australasian league, with Chiefs and Crusaders unbeaten, and Hurricanes having lost just one game. Anyone who has started their weekends watching Super 18 rugby games will know what the Lions are up against. If England had convincingly beaten Ireland in their own backyard, overtaken NZ's record, they would have laid down an important marker for Northern Hemisphere rugby, and the Kiwis would rightly be feeling nervous. As it is, they fell at that all important final hurdle, and that will mean the Lions starting the tour as firm underdogs.

SCOTLAND SEE COTTER OFF IN STYLE

Yes, Italy are poor, yes, Italy butchered at least two tries, yes, Scotland were at home, BUT, considering this game has been a potential banana skin for them over the last few years, winning 4 tries to nil was a GOOD result.

Scotland's home form this year has been impressive, beating Ireland, Wales and Italy, scoring 9 tries in the process, demonstrating the strides they have made under Vern Cotter. Even in Paris, despite the physical battering they took against France, they still got themselves in a winning position with Swinson's try - if only Russell had converted it, putting them 5 points in front, France might have gone for the big score rater than the penalties which won them the game. England was a bad day. Still they scored 14 tries in total, level with Ireland and only 2 behind England, who scored 7 of those in one game.

Au revoir Vern...bonne chance

They also have more strength in depth than in previous seasons, as, having lost Strauss, Laidlaw, Maitland and Hardie in Paris, replacements like Barclay, Price, Visser and Wilson really stepped up and help the team beat Wales. A sign of how the times has changed is sensible rugby people nominating Seymour, Russell, Watson and Jonny Gray for the Lions squad alongside the immortal Hogg. If Strauss, Laidlaw and Nel weren't injured there may have been more names in the hat.

So Vern is off to Montpelier (in tears), having moved Scotland from 8th to 5th in the world rankings (their highest ever) and improved their basic skills, game management and mental toughness. It is now down to Gregor Townsend to fulfil this side's potential, and take Scotland to the next level by beating a Top 6 side away (France in Paris would be nice), and making a World Cup semi-final.

FRANCE TAKE HONOURS IN LE FARCE

OATH roving reporter "Mark Jones" watched the France v Wales game on Saturday.

An uneventful 80 mins which Wales won, but "oops" forgot about the last 20. Which I think is best described as chaos and farcical. On the whole both teams are, I think, at about same level both well behind NZ and England (and probably Ireland) now.

Thank god, we can now let the England game kick off....

After 15 mins I thought France were going to blow us away at 10-0 but Wales finally woke up and at last took the points and got the scoreboard on their side. However our attack still looks blunt and we dropped too many balls. Slick passing was something neither side could do. But into last few minutes and Wales solid defence looked good and we just about deserved the win. But down came chaos and suddenly a French prop became injured, although he told Wayne Barnes he was not, but luckily a passing Frenchman with a high vis jacket was there to tell him he had a head injury and had to go off to allow their best scrummager (who had been warming up for 10 mins beforehand) to re-appear.

There followed a farce of a scrum x 9, a returning yellow card issued in injury time, an alleged bite and, oh yes, after 100 minutes of play, the inevitable winning French try. 

Well 6 nations is over, and it is clear Wales have some work to do. Bring on next year :)

DOES DOG GATE TELL US ANYTHING?

Does Eddie "mind games" Jones' press conference tell us anything about the pressure the England squad are feeling about the prospect of equalling NZ's record of 18 consecutive wins, or, was he grumpy because his best player (and the best player in Northern hemisphere) was injured, "allegedly" by his dog, and may not be fit for the Scotland game.

Dog trips man

Either way, Vern "stern" Cotter won't care, he is a Kiwi, used to Eddie's deflection tactics and spin. He knows where England are strong (front five, wings, bench) and where they are vulnerable, especially against Scotland (back row at breakdown, half backs, back three). Scotland will strive to start fast, keep the ball in play, create organised chaos and target Ford in the 10 channel. England will want as many scrums and lineouts as possible, and will aim to convert pressure into points, so keeping scoreboard ticking over and making Scotland chase the game. Even if Scotland are in the game after 60 mins, Eddie will empty the bench, bring on his finishers and grind out another close victory.

Hopefully Ireland can win in the Principality Stadium on Friday night, so even if England do beat Scotland on Saturday, the Six Nations will go all the way to the final weekend, and everyone can enjoy the Dublin finale. A fitting end to a great tournament.

My tip is Ireland by 7, England by 10, France by 17 ... enjoy!

POOR ENGLAND NEED TO STUDY THE LAWS

Eddie Jones is canny, he knew his England team had underperformed massively on Sunday, so got on the front foot to create a distraction, and attacked Italy for doing a "Trevor Chappell", in essence, exhibiting unsportsmanlike behaviour. Italy did nothing of the sort and were deservedly 10-5 ahead at half time.

Eddie was obviously trying to protect his players, especially the likes of Owen Farrell, who had a "shocker", from critical press headlines. How Dylan Hartley, James Haskell and the rest of the England elite are not able to think on their feet and play what's in front of them at their stages of their careers is astonishing. Australia have used the tactic, as have the Waikato Chiefs and Toulouse. The reason they don't use it all the time is that most decent teams work out quickly how to counteract it, but not England, the dream team just one win away from equalling New Zealand's record.

What do you mean "we have to work it out?"

Jones is now calling for World Rugby to change the laws (with apparent RFU support), which is an insult to all coaches at all levels. Give us a break, they should turn the tables and throw the book at him. The problem is that so many "Academy" professionals in the modern game are overcoached so can't react to a scenario like that - England, like many teams also lack true leaders capable of coping under pressure and adapting the game plan. Eddie should look at his own performance as he wasn't quick at getting an alternative strategy onto the pitch via a water boy.

If I was Scotland in two weeks time, I would repeat....repeat...repeat

SCOTLAND IN LA LA LAND

Scotland deservedly secured their second win of the 2017 Championship with a 29-13 victory over the Welsh at Murrayfield.

OATH roving reporter, Don "Troosers" Edwards sent us a review from his couch:

Scotland temporarily moved top of the Six Nations with their first win over Wales in 10 years.  Despite dominating in the scrum and in most of the physical confrontations, Wales only led by 13-9 at half-time, thanks to a wonderful try by Liam Williams. Just before the break, Leigh Halfpenny missed an important kick at goal, something that happens about as often as Gordon Reid gets a perm, which would have moved Wales ten points clear at the time. In contrast, Finn Russell kicked everything, with 7 from 7 kicks at goal in an impressive performance from Scotland’s stand-off and replacement kicker.  

After the break, Scotland changed their tactics, and negated the influence of the Welsh back row by taking contact earlier. They then dominated the second half, scoring 20 unanswered points including two excellent tries from their wingers, Tommy Seymour and Tim Visser, who had his best game in a Scotland shirt.  The Welsh scrum-half, Rhys Webb, was the best player on the pitch, and a real nuisance to Scotland throughout.  If his foot had not gone into touch a few milliseconds before touching down from an opportunistic break from the back of a Scottish scrum in the second half, the outcome may have been different.  

Oh crap, I may have to select some Scots to tour NZ

He was well-supported by the powerful Sam Warburton, and his back row colleague Justin Tipuric, who made an awesome try-saving tackle on Huw Jones towards the end of the first half.  For Scotland, Hamish Watson made an early appearance for yet another injury to John Hardie, this one ruling him out of the tournament. Watson was everywhere,  winning important turnovers, with fingers in more pies than a leper on a cookery course.  Wales will need to show more invention and cut back on their errors if they want to beat Ireland in their next match.  Scotland move on to Twickenham in two weeks’ time, with new found belief that they can win there for the first time since 1983.

An alternative match report was sent by Mark "Trebanos" Jones:

From a Welsh point another afternoon of disbelief. From the last few minutes of the first half Wales let the momentum change and fair dues, Scotland did not need to be asked twice. Scotland took control and dominated the second half. Unlike Wales they took their chances and ran out deserved winners. Whilst confused by a fair few referee calls this did not change who were the better team and deserved winners. Nor does it excuse the Welsh bluntness in attack. So back to drawing board for Wales against Ireland in a fortnight - nothing to lose now so maybe some selection changes.  But today Scotland stepped up again and deserve praise. My only question is why you are letting Vern Cotter go!!!!

Big Vern does smile after all...

SIX NATIONS 2017 WEEK 3: IRELAND v FRANCE REVIEW

Sexton fit for Irish which indicates that Joe Schmidt is going to take a risk and go all out to win the game and take that next step in setting up that Dublin Six Nations decider against England.

France have been forced to make a couple of changes after the Battle of Paris against Scotland a couple of weeks ago losing a back row and winger to injury. Anyone who thinks the Six Nations could be held over five weeks is an idiot or English (with their strength in depth).

France need to kick their goals and force Ireland into making lots of tackles in first 60 mins so their stronger bench has to come on earlier than planned. But if Ireland can win quick ball against the 900+ kg French pack then experience in back row/half back and home advantage should see them win by a score.

SIX NATIONS 2017 WEEK 3 : SCOTLAND v WALES REVIEW

Scotland v Wales 1425hrs Saturday 25th February

A game with a bit of edge, which we all love. Scotland, having not beaten Wales for a few years, would love to get one over their Celtic cousins. Some still remember recent encounters where Hogg was controversially red carded after tackling Biggar in the air, or Davies scoring a try from a clear forward pass (I do anyway). Both teams need a win to have any hope of putting pressure on England, with the loser facing another season of mediocrity.

Wales have announced their squad early:

Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon); George North (Northampton), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Liam Williams (Scarlets); Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, capt), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester).

Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Bath), Taulupe Faletau (Bath), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Sam Davies (Ospreys), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins)

Scotland, having lost Laidlaw and Strauss for the rest of the tournament, are still pontificating on scrum half and back row replacements (and captain) before announcing their squad.

The game will inevitably be won up front, with Wales appearing to have the edge in the front three over the fragile Scottish row, although Scotland did gain parity with Ireland in the second half of their game, and most teams will struggle up front against France's 900kg+ pack. 

At the breakdown, it could be titanic, with a re-vitalised Warburton and Tipuric against Barclay (the Scarlet) and Hamish Watson, who appears to have come of age in the tournament (and who BOD tipped to go on Lions tour). Out wide, Russell and Biggar will go (literally) head to head, very different styles but both effective and extremely tough competitors. 

Scotland's new centre pairing of Dunbar and Jones (the Stormer) is maturing nicely, but will be severely tested against Williams and Davies, and in the back three, there could be fireworks, with North, back fit again, alongside Halfpenny and Williams, coming up against Hogg, Seymour and Maitland.

My hunch is that Barclay will captain Scotland, the scrum halves will fight, Wyn Jones will have a stormer but that the home team will nick it by a score. It will be a great spectacle whatever the outcome...  

Update Saturday of game: 

Mmm, well got the captain right but not much else. Reid in for Dell to shore up front row, Hardie in for Watson, to bring a bit more physicality to back row. I saw Watson compete quite nicely up front and on the floor with the Irish back row so not sure I agree. Hardie not played much rugby and has a history of concussion like North. Anyway to have a guy on the bench in such great form is a plus. Wilson in for Strauss which will produce a titanic battle at 8 as although Wilson not as big as Moriarty he is nasty and has form. Finally Visser in for Maitland, which is not a bad swap but a shame for the Kilted Kiwi as he was in the form of his life. But why play first choice guys on their week off #thanksSarries it is just mind-boggling. Anyway awesome game in prospect and expect tries.

SCOTLAND EXPECTS...

After the most awesome final 10 minutes last weekend against Ireland, where the Scots, having given up a 21-5 lead, uncharacteristically put pressure on the opposition to force the errors and resulting penalties, that allowed them to squeeze ahead and secure a rare victory, the nation expects them to do it again today in Paris, where they have not won since 1999.

OATH roving reporter, Doylie, is there for us, and is ready to see history unfold...

Doylie en Paris avec son ami ... not sure where his right hand is

IRELAND BACK ON THE HORSE

OATH reporter Dan McGuinness watched the game from his couch and fed through his analysis of their thrashing of Italy yesterday.

CJ Stander, Irish record breaker, scores again

Ireland bus got there on time this week and restored morale with a big win against rugged Italy. Apart from 2 hat-tricks and bonus point win, Paddy Jackson kicked everything and linked up almost every move. Momentum back but not getting carried!

ONE POOR KICK, ONE AWESOME PASS

Is that what test match rugby has come down to? One awful clearance kick from Jonathan Davies, the wrong man in the wrong position off the wrong foot, and seconds later, having received the ball from Ford in midfield, Owen Farrell delivers the most awesome, accurate bullet pass to Daly, who never breaking stride, gets on the outside of Cuthbert to score in the corner to win a game that like last week, England should never have won.

Game, set and match...

OATH roving reporters, Mark Jones and Tony Harjette were there - what did they think?

Mark Jones of Trebanos: So big day arrived and the usual buzz of Wales v England. The odd pre match comment of Wales employing daffodil throwing goats to frighten the English were not seen but the atmosphere was intense. The match was a gripping and when England pressure led to an 8-3 lead we feared the worst. But the Welsh fightback was awesome. With Wales back row dominant. England seemed shaken and Wales seemed in control only to lose it in then in a way which has become too common. An unfortunate kick in field and England cool heads took their chance. Ifs whats and maybes don't count but it is hard for a layman to understand why we did not take our kicks when offered or why we substituted players who were going well so early in second half. All in all a great game but frustrating to us Welsh. 

Did Wales lose it or England win it is a matter of some debate but the important point is who has most points after 80mins, and these games have never been predictable although we Welsh will need to lick our wounds and move on. At least we did not see a bank of daffodil throwing goats!!!

Tony of Harrow: The day started like a normal morning on a packed tube, except alcohol was being consumed and this train was full of Eddie Jones disciple's off to Cardiff.  The city a buzz, with the Welsh keen to reply to Sweet Chariots about putting it where the sun does not shine. 

However at the end of the day its about taking your chances and boy do this group know how to do that. The only unbeaten side after round two, come on boys.

Tony did send a pre-match photo of him and lots of excited English fans...well most anyway

English fans boost the Welsh economy in Cardiff

MORE IRISH WAKE THAN CRAIC

Marvellous game, wonderful atmosphere, spectacular opening 30 minutes from Scotland, a centre scoring from a lineout, amazing comeback from Ireland, need I go on?

Dunbar's cheeky try for Scotland

Luckily I was there, having given up my debenture at Twickenham, I decided to broaden horizons and head to Edinburgh with Doylie and Blakey, to catch up with Danny, an old buddy from Dublin. The day started well with first experience of tram service into town (I told you I have not been out much) and a swift trip to a tat shop on Princes Street to buy the compulsory "Jimmy Hat". We then had to wait for the Cafe Royal at end of Rose Street to open at 1100hrs, and Guinness frenzy commenced.

Cafe Royal: A beautiful place to be

Ireland weren't the only ones late to the ground, and having missed the anthems, we settled down to witness the best opening 30 minutes from a Scotland team since the 1999 side destroyed France in the Paris sun. The Scottish backs were ruthless in exploiting the space created by the back row's dominance at the breakdown - Wilson and Strauss have been described as journeymen, but, along with young Watson, they outmuscled and outsmarted their Irish counterparts. Hoggy got the ball over the line but the forwards won them the game. The Gray brothers were outstanding, whether carrying, tackling or stealing lineout ball, and young Fagerson played the full 80 mins against an experienced Irish front row. 

The Irish looked shellshocked, not just at half time, 21-5 down, but also in that final 10 minutes, having got themselves back in front, only to concede two soft penalties to lose the match. Laidlaw is a class act, kicking everything, and then showing ice in the brain, by kicking for the Irish corner at the death, when a shot at goal seemed the obvious choice. No wonder VC keeps him on, despite Ali Price playing out of his skin for Glasgow, and desperate to show what he could do.

The Scots emerged from Murrayfield to face a beautiful sunset accompanying their walk back to the town, with a spring in their step and that strange, unusual feeling of having won a "tight" test match - no longer the bridesmaids! The Irish on the other hand were devastated, this was meant to be the first easy hurdle on the way to greeting England to a Grand Slam decider at the Aviva in March. Some blamed the ref, some blamed players like Heaslip and Kearney, only a few praised Scotland for bringing an uncharacteristic intensity for the full 80 minutes. They weren't even up for a gag from their Scottish pals about the "wooden spoon" - more wake than craic...

I like Ireland, they have raised the bar on attacking rugby in the Northern hemisphere, and deservedly beat the Kiwis in the Autumn. However, they don't need someone like ROG increasing the tension between the two teams with an ill advised comment before the game, about Scots being "mouthy" and "not being able to back it up". He did apologise afterwards, whilst eating humble pie, but surprised he is even aware of the recent Munster-Glasgow incident regarding targeting of Conor Murray, as he has followed the euro gravy train to French rugby and the Top 14. Anyway, here is his "silly kick" in 2013 in same fixture putting hs team under great pressure ... enjoy!

Edinburgh was jumping regardless, as the nation released the frustration and disappointment of losing to Australia in the World Cup QF (and may other heroic Scottish defeats). France next Sunday in Paris is another challenge altogether, but for one night at least the heavy flowed.