It has been quite a while since I can recall being so consistently content. I am sure there will be dark dog days but I have to say that the medicine is working. All of which is a tad surprising when you consider what a mess the world seems to be in. You don't need me to tell you but, in no particular order, Trump continues to thrive, Starmer prevaricates, Sunak flounders, the Middle East wallows in warfare, environmentalists gleefully inform us that fun should be outlawed. I could go on - stick with the project long enough and I no doubt will.
But despite all of this, Big Fat Pig has decided to be happy. And shall I tell you the main reason why? Well yes I shall. Family - mine is bloody wonderful. But beyond blood ties there is the wider family - my school, my friends, my university, the rugby club. As the world at large goes to hell in a handcart, all these continue merrily on their way. I don't know anyone who seriously doubts that the world picture is bleak, but I have nothing but love for all of those who determinedly plough on with selective optimism.
It's about time I inflict upon you some views on the evidence of the first couple of weeks of the Six Nations. Let's start with England. They scraped past Italy (actually that match was not as close as the final score suggested) and past a predictably fired-up Wales. The doom-mongers have not been slow to condemn what they have seen but I think there are some reasons for optimism. Borthwick is a cautious coach but his revamped coaching staff are trying to bed-in a new defensive scheme. I like this but would have to concede that it is pretty alarming when it goes wrong. I don't think the situation is aided when Borthwick persists with Elliot Daly on the wing. Yes, I know he's got a cannon left boot and pace, but he is and always has been a defensive liability. And, by the way, if I'd been refereeing the Italy match I'd have sent him off for that trip on his opposite number. Heinous offence and bloody dangerous.
Scotland are England's next opponents and I marginally favour the Scots, provided, of course, that it is the Scotland from the first half of their match against Wales who turn up and not the disjointed rabble who ceded the second half to a neophyte Welsh team. If, as one suspects he will do, Borthwick brings back Tuilagi, it will be worth the price of admission just to watch Tuilaga and the excellent Tuipulotu career into each other.
France. Wherefor France? They got manhandled by the brilliant Irish in their opening game and then were supine against Scotland. As for the disallowed Scotland try at the conclusion of the match - the video official bottled it, plain and simple. All of which was rather a pity for the on-field official, Nic Berry, who had, in all other respects, a fine game. This was in stark contrast to James Doleman who handled the England v Wales fixture. He was uniformly dreadful albeit in an impeccably unbiased manner.
What to say of Ireland, other than that they appear streets ahead of all others. As for Italy, please let them win a game, not that I would stake anything on it.
I've got a new pair of running shoes. Tomorrow I will risk the dodgy calf muscles and give them their first outing. Report to follow.
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