Of All The Bars In All The World

I was in Prague last weekend for some decidedly anti-intellectual entertainment. The excuse was the stag do of my godson AW. Nothing need be said other than, if you have never seen a man in an inflatable pig costume chasing a dwarf then you have not lived as well as OG. For the record, Prague is really nice.

All of which explains how IW and I came to be comfortably stationed in an Irish bar to take in the Scotland v Ireland, and Italy v Wales fixtures on Staurday afternoon. We flew home earlyish on Sunday and I was in front of my own television for the final (England v France)  instalment of 6N Week 2. My predictions were correct as regards results but not so accurate relating to the manner of the victories.

Ireland were workmanlike against a Scotland team who have once again flattered to deceive. This game did give us our first Ronan O'Gara Gobshite Award of the season - Greig Laidlaw for criticising the referee in his post-match interview - it's not sodding soccer Greig, and even if it was, your sour observations were wide of the mark.

An unsuitably sour Scot

The Italy v Wales match taught us very little. Wales fielded a shadow side and won by a mediocre margin without it ever looking that poor old Italy might spring a surprise. Wales have much, much more to give. Josh Navidi is some player.

As for England, well the old adage is that you can only beat what's put in front of you, which in this case meant a French side who bordered on the embarrassing. And yet, they plainly have talent and pace, witness their lone try. England have thus far (to the admitted surprise of this delighted Englishman) carried all before them. The back-row unit of Wilson, Curry and Vunipola was particularly effective. Injuries to others (most notably Robshaw, Shields and Underhill) have paved the way for Curry and Wilson to show themselves off to pleasing effect. Vunipola we already knew about. Next comes Wales, at full strength and in front of their usual frenzied (borderline racist in unfortunate cases - we all have them I suppose) home support. Wales are odds against and that bet looks like value to me in a two horse race. Consider also the draw as a fun wager.