Well, that was a game of two very unclinical sides giving each other every chance to score tries. England seemed far better than in the Autumn - thanks mainly to a much better balanced back row, an excellent game from the halfbacks, and some glimpses of dynamism in the backs. Wales on the other hand look to be going nowhere fast. They have some great players, all of whom are going slightly over the hill/ injured/ off form. Which meant today they had no one who looked like changing the game - one which they didn't deserve to win, but should have won.
As far as player ratings:
Tim Payne - 4. Was the better part of a very poor scrummaging unit, but missed a basic tackle for Hook's try, and made errors in the loose.
Dylan Hartley - 4. Good throwing in, but went backwards in posession, and part of a rubbish scrum.
David Wilson - 3. A very poor day at the office for a tighthead.
Simon Shaw - 5. Effective as usual, but gave away a lot of silly penalties as usual.
Steve Borthwick - 8. Cracking game. Ruined Wales' lineout in the 1st half, and popped up usefully in the loose. May not be world class but is by far the best lineout 2nd row in England.
James Haskell - 8. Played it hard, fast and physical, and seems to have eradicated the idiocy from his game.
Lewis Moody - 6. Useful contribution, but outplayed by Williams as he was by Holah and will always be by proper fetchers.
Nick Easter - 9. My man of the match. Great handling, dynamic carries - what the pack have missed of late.
Danny Care - 8. Best performance for England so far. Sniping, quick, and caused Wales lots of problems. Should grow into a very good 9.
Jonny Wilkinson - 7. Perfect off the tee, and much better out of hand. Managed the game well.
Ugo Monye - 7. Looked a threat when he had the ball, and much better in defence.
Toby Flood - 7. Complemented Wilkinson nicely.
Matthew Tait - 7. At times looked a little lightweight, but offers more spark than anyone wearing 13 for England has done since he last played here. Superb offload for the 3rd try,
Mark Cueto - 8. Fantastic defensive game, much needed considering Armitage's performance.
Delon Armitage - 4. Badly out of form, dropped about 5 high balls, kicked poorly and missed a bad tackle. Redeems himself slightly with his interception.
I won't rate the Wales team, but Paul James, Adam Jones, Martyn Williams and Ryan Jones can all be pleased with their performances. Alun-Wyn Jones should shoot himself for that stupid trip; Powell gave away too many penalties; Cooper was abysmal; the centres very quiet and Tom James & Byrne were also poor.
For the Italy game:
1. I'd pick Mullan at loosehead, though Payne will keep his place. Dan Cole and Steve Thompson really stabilized the scrum when they came on, and should start.
2. Flutey should be coming back, which means that Flood will go back to the bench. Id' still rather Flood than Wilkinson, but those goals he kicks are invaluble.
3. Armitage will be lucky to keep his place. I think he will, but it means he really needs a stormer to prove to people why he was so highly rated last year.
4. Please lets have Lawes on the bench.
