Rugby Club Issue 89 | Page 5

Guinness Six Nations Guinness Six Nations The first Guinness Six Nations after a World Cup is always difficult to predict as sides choose how they are going to progress in the coming years. After four rounds of the tournament things are starting to take shape and with that in mind Rugby Club Magazine looks back at how the Home Nations have fared so far. England Ireland After losing the World Cup Final England missed the opportunity to bounce back when they were defeated by France in their opening fixture. However, since then they have bounced back well to record victories over Scotland, Ireland and most recently Wales to claim the Triple Crown and put themselves in with a great chance of winning the title. The weather made the Scotland match a unique affair but their wins over Ireland and Wales have established a pattern of physical defence, hard work and tactical kicking which are becoming the trademarks of Eddie Jones’ England. If they are able to add a little more creativity with ball in hand they will be in with a real chance of taking the final step towards being an elite team. Coming off the back of a disappointing World Cup Ireland have bounced back well to record wins over Scotland and Wales. Well they have been criticised this served to remind everyone that this is still a strong Ireland team and they are not far away from getting back on track. Their tournament has been derailed somewhat with there two other fixtures being abandoned but they are still in with a good chance of claiming the title whenever those matches are eventually played. www.rugbyclubmag.com 5