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...