Fitness and substitutes give under par England the edge
A 15th successive win is an all-time record for England and another undefeated grand slam campaign would enable them to overtake New Zealand’s world record for Tier One nations of 18 straight victories. They will have to improve significantly on this display to extend their unprecedented run but their fitness levels and bench reserves are making them a tough bunch to overcome in the final quarter of games. If they can start as well as they finish, they will fancy notching up victory number 16 in Cardiff on Saturday. Robert Kitson
France’s spine beginning to emerge
Les Bleus have still not managed a Six Nations win at Twickenham since 2005 but this was a far more encouraging display. There is a quality spine emerging within their team, with Guilhem Guirado, Seb Vahaamahina, Louis Picamoles, Baptiste Serin, Camille Lopez and Scott Spedding all enhancing their reputations at Twickenham. Their next game against Scotland in Paris has the makings of an absolute cracker, always assuming the pitch is in half-decent shape. And did you spot this French side’s other distinguishing feature? Has there ever been a Test 23 containing more bearded players? RK
Scotland’s pack show the side’s new composure
For Zander Fagerson to play 80 minutes at tighthead prop at the age of 21 is a considerable feat, not least because Ireland marmalised Scotland’s scrum early on. That Vern Cotter’s side were able to counter and restore parity, despite losing Fraser Brown to injury, is to their credit. Cotter spoke of how the forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys had identified what was wrong and how making early changes would have been defeatist. It is a measure of the composure that Scotland now have. Gerard Meagher
Sexton’s absence was not the problem for Ireland
Considering that Paddy Jackson grew in stature as the game wore on, any temptation to blame Ireland’s defeat on Johnny Sexton’s absence must be resisted. Their back row was expected to dominate the breakdown, instead Scotland comfortably won that duel and Conor Murray was feeding off scraps until after the break. Whenever Sexton does return he will of course give Ireland a lift but if they are to have any chance of reclaiming the championship they cannot start like they this again. GM
Italy must look within before turning on the referee
Conor O’Shea wasn’t a happy man after defeat by Wales. The former Harlequins coach hit out at referee JP Doyle’s interpretation of the breakdown. Italy conceded 16 penalties to the visitors’ five and in some cases, O’Shea had a right to be annoyed. But unless the Azzurri retain the ability to play for a full 80 minutes and stay cool under pressure, they won’t win games of Test match rugby on a regular basis, regardless of the officials. Alex Bywater
Injury doubts give Wales a headache before England
Wales were too much for Italy in Rome, but a six-day turnaround and injury concerns leave them up against it to follow that result with victory over England in Cardiff. Dan Biggar and George North suffered rib and thigh problems respectively at the Stadio Olimpico, while Rob Howley was unable to confirm whether Luke Charteris and Taulupe Faletau, neither of whom travelled to Rome, would be fit to face Eddie Jones’ men. While Wales will hope for good news from their medical team in the days ahead, the potential loss of all four players would be a huge blow to head coach Howley. AB
