The first round of the six nations was as expected, with victories for France, Scotland and Ireland. But I thought the action was, in general, first class.
Here are five things that I noticed in the first weekend of the 2025 championship …
Wales is in deep problems …
France beating Wales in the first game was not a surprise. But the score scale and the fact that the Wesses failed to obtain a single point was the confirmation that a proud nation of rugby has hit the skates.
Not scoring at all in a game of the six nations is humiliating. Wales does not have the bearers of the physical ball to cross the line of gain and, as a result, his attack is predictable.
They simply have to find a different way of playing and understanding that you can still win even if you know that you can't win the Battle of Gainline. His game with Italy on Saturday is absolutely huge.
I hope to be wrong, because I like Wales and Warren Gatland, but in the evidence of the game in Paris, I can't see them win. Italy are the firm favorites.
Wales was at the receiving end of a 43-0 defeat when they faced France
Do not score at all in a game of the six nations is humiliating for Warren Gatland's Wales team
France will upload a march for England …
Les Bleus didn't even need to hit the maximum effort to hammer Wales. But you can bet on your lower dollar, they will be at full speed for England on Twickenham on Saturday.
The last time France arrived in London, they put 50 points in England in one of the best exhibitions of the six nations of recent memory. It will be a great game. Steve Borthwick's side has his work cut.
France will be scheduled to be without the suspended Romain after being sent to Wales and how stupid you should feel this morning!
But a player as good as ntamack, the in -depth force of France will mean that they should not be too affected. Wait that Thomas Ramos begins at NO 10. Twickenham will be a great place to be Saturday.
Italy is a different beast now …
I know that Italy lost in Scotland. But now it is clear that they are no longer children who hit the six nations. In the past, we have seen that Azzurri is struck regularly. That doesn't happen so often now.
When Italy quickly fell 14-0 in Edinburgh on Saturday, they could have thrown into the towel. That is what the previous sides of Azzurri would have done. Instead, Italy returned to 19-19 and time, I thought there was a discomfort.
Italy must trust in winning Wales and its central match of Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello is excellent.
Steve Borthwick's England team has its work cut when they face France
Italy lost against Scotland, but now it is clear that there are no longer six nations whipping children
Possible Scottish lions …
This six nations is the main audition for players to put their hand as part of Andy Farrell's lions team for Australia's summer tour. There are so many contestants.
But I thought that Scotland's backs really raised their hands for the selection against Italy. Scotland players have been marginalized in recent Lions tours, but I think 2025 will be different. The Huw Jones center stood out with a hat-trick.
But I also liked Wing Darcy Graham's performance and for me, Blair Kinghorn in full-back is a shoe in selection.
Play for Toulouse, the best team in the planet. Finn Russell is a certainty of the lions in half the flight. It was far from being the best possible in the first round, but it is still the outstanding half of the fly in the tournament.
England must fight fire with fire …
England could have lost for little once again in Dublin. But I think the rhythm of his game was better than in autumn.
And his defense was also an improvement in the last campaign. You can bet that your lower dollar will go to leather hell next to Borthwick on Twickenham.
England cannot be intimidated by that. They have to play with both rhythm and France, if not faster, to succeed. I think a possible classic is in the store.