Fight for Position: Review

The Six Nations might be over, but the analysis isn't, yet, in fact, it's going to be referenced all the way till September. Before the tournament began, I wrote an article focusing on the position each team had to resolve ahead of the World Cup - ideally by the end of the Six Nations. So it's time to review how each team did. Did they find the man to fill the jersey for Japan, or are they still searching?

Alun Wyn Jones won Player of the Tournament, but who stepped up to stake a claim for the World Cup?

England - Centres (Success)
The midfield has been a bit of nightmare for the English for a decade, between injuries and failure to step up to Test rugby. It seems finally their luck has turned, or more specifically Manu Tuliagi's luck, the big rampaging centre managed to successfully play in all five 6 Nations matches for the first time in his career, a stat that seems frankly

Tuliagi and Slade were a chief reason for England's
success in this years tournament.

unbelievable for a player of his standing.

Never the less, he was a lynchpin in the new Eddie Jones offence, barrelling into defences with glee and getting his teammates on the front foot. An effort in concert with the likes of Sinckler, Vunipola, and Wilson, which catapulted England to some stunning wins during the championship. Outside him, Henry Slade seemed to glide around the pitch with class, looking like a modern-day Will Greenwood at times. Smooth crisp passing - including some delightful offloads - intelligent kicks, and strong defence to boot. Put them together formed a well balanced partnership that could lead England well in the World Cup.

There are still kinks to sort out, at times the connection between Farrell and Slade wasn't quite perfect, leading to some basic errors. Also, neither Tuliagi nor Slade possess the leadership ability to help Farrell out when the pressure mounts. A few more games under their belt, in the warm ups, and they'll be in good shape.

France - Fly Half (Half-success)
Lopez started against Wales and England, showcasing his usual comfort at an international level. A calm presence if lacking any particular flair. Then Ntamack happened. Given the reins when all seemed lost for France, he bamboozled a disappointing Scotland team in Paris. Strutting around the field like a rooster, he tore the Scots apart. France were a different team in attack with Ntamack at the wheel - and his fellow youngster Dupont at nine - unleashing some true French style to finish fourth in the championship.

It's worth noting Ntamack is not the finished article, however, if France want to be a credible threat at the World Cup he should remain at fly-half. France don't have a proper attacking structure at all, too reliant on individual moments of brilliance to score them tries. If that's the game plan, then it's something that Ntamack provides in spades. His game management could still use work, something that will only come with experience and game time, if he is given it.

France have been blessed with two rising stars at half-back, can their nurture them to their full potential though?

Ireland - Second Row (No Clearer)
It was a disappointing tournament for Ireland, the failure to win the trophy is a bitter pill, but the performances against England and Wales were the hardest to swallow. What didn't help was the on/off nature of injuries throughout the championship, especially in the second row. Schmidt was unable to field the same lock partnership at any point. Which meant he could never really study how a player would function alongside James Ryan.

James Ryan is world class, but still looking for his
partner in the boiler house.

Toner started the opener against England, with both Beirne and Henderson injured, who upon their return played well but not well enough to cement their selection. Schmidt knows what each of them brings to the table as a speciality, but he needs to find out if they're the complete package.

Ireland are struggling a bit for form at the minute, and the misfiring engine room cannot be helping. It's great to be able to pick from depth, but when it comes to knockout rugby you need to know who your first choice is.


Italy - Scrum Half (Success)
As an Ospreys fan, I've never really been a fan of Tito Tebaldi, however I think most Italian fans would disagree with me. He was a fighter to the end for the Azzuri, constantly striving to drag his team forwards. His performance against Ireland was an eye-opener, he was a live-wire at the breakdown making a real nuisance of himself and winning a number of turnovers. And against

Tebaldi was a constant threat in every game, but needs
to learn some restraint and calmness.

France, he seemed to be the only back not trying to lose the game.

His try gave the Italians the best opportunity they've had in years to win the Six Nations, but he was let down by those around him. He refuses to give up like a small terrier determined to hold onto a frisbee. He's not perfect, occasionally panics under pressure, and his box-kicking is a little erratic. This could be an issue further down the line, in games that require a bit more control, especially with both South Africa and New Zealand sitting in their World Cup group.

Scotland - No. 8 (Still in the air)
Ultimately disappointing, despite some moments of sheer brilliance from Finn Russell. Despite the results, there is something that can be taken from the tournament, the injury crisis which crushed all hopes of a real title bid could be a blessing in disguise. Townsend now knows more about the depth of his squad and has found some players he knows can step up to fill the shirt, if required.

And yet at No. 8 there are still a few question marks over exactly who is the incumbent. Josh Strauss put in some solid performances, while Ryan Wilson was decent against Italy, and Magnus Bradbury put in the most exciting display against England. It's a confusing mix of performances, decent enough not to lose the shirt, but not strong enough to hold on to it. There is still Adam Ashe who could make a late run with Glasgow. It's a critical position for Scotland to sort out, ball carrying is crucial to allow the magic of Russell to sparkle.

For the World Cup they're in good shape in terms of a squad of players, but they need to cement their first choice, everyone else can provide huge impact from the bench easily.

Magnus Bradbury made a late push for contention with an eye-catching display against England. He'll be
hoping to continue his form for Edinburgh until the end of the season.

Wales - Scrum Half (No closer)

While Gatland cycles through his options,
Rhys Webb is locked out while in France.

Not often you can say a team that wins a Grand Slam has "work to do", but Wales still don't seem convinced by their options at scrum-half. My pick for the role, Tomos Williams, was given a chance against France but struggled along with the rest of the team. Aled Davies provided capable cover and an able support to Dan Biggar's game management from the bench. Gareth Davies looks like the one with the most claim to the jersey, putting in some truly outstanding displays in defence, but when Wales have the ball he remains unconvincing with questionable kicking ability, and often slow getting the ball away from the ruck.

It's wide open between the three of them heading into the warm-up matches in the summer. Meanwhile, the looming spectre of Rhys Webb exists across the channel, with rumours aplenty that the 60 cap rule could be out the window before too long. Tomos Williams will probably be given the best opportunity to stake a claim across the games in the summer, Gatland knows what the other two provide and does seem to be a fan of the Cardiff-man. Gatland is a fan of World Cup bolters storming into a starting role in time for the tournament, Priestland in 2011 a prime example, it'll be interesting to see if it happens again in 2019.


So it seems a lot of teams have some work to do still before September rolls around. Coaches will be watching league games with interest in the next few months, before beginning the World Cup preparations in earnest in June. Who else caught your eye in this year's championship? Is there a position in your nation's team that you think looks a little off? Let me know on social media.