Hastings 1066 – Agincourt 1415 – Bayonne 2022.
Stirring occasions in the rivalry between France and England. The fields of Bayonne will echo with the passion of English desire and French flair. A place in history for the victors.
Will Johnson or Macron open the champagne?
England 69 v Ireland 0
England’s 69-0 hammering of Ireland in front of a record crowd of 15,836 has set the stage for a thrilling finale to the Women’s TikTok Six Nations.
England’s celebrations were also complimented by one of the women’s game’s legend, Emily Scarratt, receiving her 100th cap.
“Me thinks many will watch on big screens around the ground, and on small screens around Europe. Red wine will flow for the winners, such is the flavour of Women’s Tik Tok Six Nations rugby.” – Shakespeare.
Only the occasion and nervousness can stop England. Quite simply they are too powerful in all areas. But this is the Six Nations and, as with the men’s competition there is no certainty.
Winning away in Cardiff, Twickenham, Dublin, and Edinburgh is never easy.
Winning in Bayonne will not be easy, but the reward will reverberate around the globe and set the stage for a thrilling Women’s World cup in NZ later this year.
Wales 5 France 33
France cruised through this match as though preparing for the big clash with England in Bayonne.
Their game has variety in attack, purposeful kicking, aggressive defence and players with pace and footwork. The score was never in doubt.
In Sansus and Tremouliere they have players at the top of their game. Confident performers who attack the line, much in common with Dupont and Ntamack, arguably the best combination in men’s rugby.
The entré has been served; we await the main course at Bayonne’s’ Stade Jean Dauger Stadium.
Italy 20 v Scotland 13
Italy secure their first win and Scotland descend to the bottom of the championship.
As with the men’s side, Scotland flattered to deceive. Quality execution is needed. Aggression and determination only gets you so far; correct technique is the icing on the cake.
Italy’s roots are embedded in passion and flair, they will always compete and if you are not on your game they will find you out, as the men’s team did against Wales.
Italy travel to Wales and Scotland to Ireland for the final games of this championship.
A win for either would be an achievement.
Mike Penistone
www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com
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Coaching thought: “Remember the basics have got you where you are, don’t turn your back on them.”