Rugby 6 Nations Aftermath

This weekend saw the end of the 2011 Rugby 6 Nations, with England winning the trophy but missing out on the Grand Slam at the final hurdle.

'Missing out' is probably too light a sentiment to describe the degree that England were outplayed in Dublin. Ireland were very good, inspired by the ever green Brian O'Driscoll and the fiercely snarling Paul O'Connell. From what has leaked to the press, POC fired up the boys in Green with a diatribe of anti-English rhetoric, enough to insight hatred into even the most tranquil Irishman.

But it's not just that England were defeated by an Irish side who were showing a return to form, in front of a rediscovered 'Landsdowne/Aviva' home-crowd roar. Yes Ireland were very good, better than they have been for a couple of years. But England were poor. A Foden sliced clearance, a Flood restart that doesn't go 10, penalties at the scrum, Haskell held in contact and turned. And then there was the ridiculous moment where Youngs ended his 6 Nations by flinging the ball behind his back into the crowd and being sent to the bin.

England just weren't able to impose themselves on the Irish, who looked wise to their game-plan. England did rally slightly in the 2nd half with Steve Thompson running in an interception and Wilkinson marshaling the backline in a way that Flood, until now excellent throughout the tournament, had been incapable. But by then, the game was lost. Both sides knew it, and with the rain battering down, England's mistakes rose as they tried to force opportunities that weren't there.

So, should we be surprised? Should we be disappointed? This is clearly an England side in development. Would you take any of this starting team over any of the starters of the last English 6 Nations & Grand Slam winners? No, these aren't close to being on the same level as England's golden 2003 generation and World Cup winners. But remember, that team would fall at the final hurdle not once but three times before they were strong enough to beat them all. Those bruises and scars molded the team into world beater.

In the starting team on Saturday, only Easter, Palmer, Cueto & Hape are over 30, with Deacon 30, and thus unlikely to be involved in RWC 2015 in England (unless they are as ageless as Simon Shaw). Of the other 10, not a single one is older than 25. In the wings, there is Lawes & Croft, again both under 25, and the hulking mass of Andrew Sheridan to return. Growing depth then and plenty of time to develop and grow as a team. And don't forget, despite all the criticism, this England team has won the 6 nations trophy for the first time since 2003.

I'm pleased to see the England team disappointed, wanting to win more. They should find reason to celebrate, though the players will find it difficult so soon after such a mauling. In the last 12 months there have been real highs. The wins at home against Australia and France, and in the cauldron of the Millennium Stadium against the Welsh. Over 5 rounds, England were the most consistent side. They had the best points difference. Players like Ben Youngs, Toby Flood, Chris Ashton, Tom Wood & Dan Cole have shown that we have the makings of a world class backbone to the team. And lets not forget, the under 20s did achieve their grand-slam, showing there is more potential to come.

So, the end of an exciting tournament with Scotland finally scoring a try at home, Italy defeating France, and England and Ireland showing they can turn in world class performances. However, no team from this 6 Nations will have had the Southern Hemisphere trio shaking in their boots. Only Ireland, in their win on Saturday, looked a team of World Beaters. But to win a World Cup needs that sort of performance more than once.

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