England - It would have been a supreme injustice had the English won via the backdoor. I just fear that more of the same is to come.
Scotland - Their defence is now their strong point and it has proved more than effective in the mugging of France (who were clearly expecting just to turn up to win) and the backs to the wall effort against England. Lack of tries is a concern but they have a dependable kicker in Paterson which can make all the difference in a tight match. The progress they have made under Hadden is extraordinary and if they can find a cutting edge they will be a very good team.
Ireland - In the end, they can't be disappointed with their Triple Crown, a just return for their efforts. Although O'Sullivan is by nature a conservative coach and in O'Gara they have a fly half whose natural instinct is to kick for field position rather than unleash his undoubtedly talented backs (who did not live up their billing), they proved an effective enough attacking force. Their lineout is very good and they are a challenge in the forwards, even though their scrum is a bit creaky. However, in the modern game the power scrummaging is generally robbed of its effectiveness by referees and so Horan and Hayes can survive. Their ref bribing skills are unmatched (heh).
France - Well, they but at the cost of development. Much like England, they turned to the old hands to get them through in a win at all costs mentality rather than concentrate on getting their players who are likely to be around for WC 2007 used to the Test arena. Unlike England, they at least have a 6N to show for it. Sporadically good, they have a problem at fly half in Michalak, who is either brilliant or rubbish.
Wales - Grand Slam Winners to avoiding the Wooden Spoon thanks to last minute Scottish efforts. On and off the field thwey have looked poor. Although they have suffered with injuries, if they have pretensions of mixing it regularly as a top team they must be able to take these in their stride. The "player power" revolution exposed that the WRU is still a band of incompetents led by nitwits and evoked the classic struggles of old. Wales have some very good players but also need to prove that their excellent 6N last year was more than a flash in the pan.
Italy - were much improved again, they were unlucky not to have beaten Wales (if they had a replacement for Pez I believe they would have beaten them) and come away with something from Scotland. They have improved dramatically and in Mirco Bergomasco they have a no 12 who wouldn't look out of place in any top team. A little more belief and continued exposure in the French Leagues for their top players and they are really going places.
Overall from a techical standpoint it was not good. No team has looked dominant at any stage and many matches were scrappy affairs settled by mistakes. The WC is heading south, I reckon. The excitement was great irrespective of the poor technical displays, this 6N was riveting viewing as no team ran away with it, everyone looked capable of either beating everyone else or at the very least making a good fist of it and with all to play for on the last day, thrills weren't in short supply.
