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!