ESPN’s final take a look at grading the Six Nations, simply weeks in the past, turned out fairly completely different. Forward of Spherical 4, Eire had been unbeaten and on observe for a historic third straight title. France had been nonetheless reeling from an error-strewn defeat to England. Wales had been on the foot of the desk.
But, by the tip, it was France who had been topped champions in Paris, leaving Eire to complete in third place behind England.
Wales capped proceedings off with a devastating 68-14 defeat. Perhaps not every thing modified.
ESPN writers Tom Hamilton and James Regan take a renewed take a look at the match and grade both sides.
Soar to:
England | Eire | Wales
Scotland | France | Italy
England
1:52
Regan: Jamie George ‘has to go’ on the Lions tour
James Regan believes that Jamie George “deserves” to be chosen for the Lions tour in Australia this summer season.
Grade: A-
Within the moments after England’s Spherical 1 loss to Eire, there was a well-known feeling in Dublin.
England had performed nicely in elements however nonetheless got here second greatest. It was the story of their autumn internationals and was changing into a repetitive chorus. However over the subsequent 4 rounds, Steve Borthwick was daring in choice, unafraid to push the bounds of the workforce and picked progressive groups which bought the job performed in opposition to France, Scotland, Italy after which Wales.
The wins over France and Scotland had been by a single level, and England rode their luck then, however they deserved that after falling on the flawed facet far too many instances in 2024.
The win over Italy was a practical victory, however they blew the doorways off Wales in Cardiff on the ultimate day, profitable with a landslide 68-14. You are seeing the brand new backbone of the workforce coming by, with Fin Smith having fun with a outstanding match whereas he is additionally improved some mainstays like Will Stuart.
General, this has been a contest the place England have moved ahead. — Tom Hamilton
Eire
1:41
Which fly-halfs stood out for Lions choice?
Ruairi Ward and James Regan talk about which fly-halfs had one of the best Six Nations marketing campaign to warrant choice for the Lions tour in Australia.
Grade: B+
The optimism across the Irish workforce after three rounds appears as if it is from a distinct competitors.
Eire had been spectacular in opposition to England, bought the job performed in opposition to Scotland after which beat Wales with a much-changed facet. All was nicely. Then got here the chastening actuality test vs. France in Spherical 4 and so they had been sloppy in opposition to Italy in Rome.
4 wins from 5 is to not be sniffed at, however you are feeling we’re beginning to see a interval of Irish transition.
They bid farewell to a few generational gamers Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray and it is time for the subsequent group to come back by. James Lowe and Jamison Gibson-Park loved good tournaments, whereas Sam Prendergast got here by to nail his colors to the No.10 mast.
The recollections which can linger from this match had been the ultimate two rounds, fairly than the opening three. That is recency bias however the brutal nature of the game. — Hamilton
Scotland
1:19
Who begins on the precise wing for the Lions?
James Regan and Ruairi Ward talk about who ought to play proper wing on the Lions tour in Australia this summer season.
Grade: C+
On one hand, it feels harsh to guage Scotland an excessive amount of given their accidents, however on the opposite, they nonetheless had a bunch of star gamers accessible. But, they could not shut out a win which they need to have in opposition to England and failed to fireside a shot in opposition to Eire.
Sione Tuipulotu was a giant loss earlier than a ball was kicked, however Gregor Townsend’s facet nonetheless boasted a raft of gamers who will likely be on the British & Irish Lions’ radar. Ought to followers anticipate extra from a so-called golden technology even with some accidents?
It is laborious to see the place this facet goes subsequent yr. Their inconsistency is so limiting and places them a degree beneath France and Eire, with England taking steps ahead this yr.
What number of extra alternatives will this group have to assert some silverware?
France
1:33
Is that this the best French workforce ever?
Tom Hamilton and James Regan talk about the place this present French workforce sits amongst the greats of French rugby.
Grade: A
It was simply the hiccup in opposition to England which prevented the Grand Slam, but it surely was an excellent match from France.
There will likely be a tinge of disappointment with Antoine Dupont sidelined till a minimum of the tip of the season with an ACL harm, however his presence within the squad turned their lucky round from final yr. He’s undeniably — and probably by fairly a distance — one of the best participant on this planet.
Nonetheless, it was promising to see them shut out the match in opposition to Eire and win in opposition to Scotland with out him. Maxime Lucu was a succesful alternative and Romain Ntamack stepped up at fly-half. Louis Bielle-Biarrey gave us a few of the most memorable moments of the match and guarantees to supply extra for years to come back.
This facet is so thrilling and is totally deserving of the title. — Regan
Wales
1:03
How England made historical past in Six Nations thrashing of Wales
Take a look at how historical past was made in England’s 68-14 win over Wales within the Six Nations.
Grade: E
Wales are in pressing want of a wholescale reset.
Within the subsequent couple of weeks, Wales ought to appoint a brand new director of rugby and a head coach. The id of each positions will likely be fascinating.
There are causes for optimism. Jac Morgan was distinctive, whereas Dewi Lake is a Take a look at hooker for the subsequent decade. Blair Murray impressed at fullback whereas Ellis Lee took to worldwide rugby with ease. They do have another distinctive gamers like Tomos Williams, however its their depth which stays a giant subject.
They merely haven’t got competitors for locations, and the category to again issues up. In order that leaves Wales in a predicament and with the ever-growing weight of this shedding file.
They’re 17 Checks and not using a win. There was quiet optimism this run could be snapped in opposition to England on Saturday. However Borthwick’s males had different concepts, as a substitute racking up a file victory. That leaves Wales within the doldrums, and the picket spoon for a second consecutive yr.
It is a grim state of affairs.
Wales’ subsequent probability to cease that shedding run will likely be once they face Japan in July. They merely should cease it then and start their reset. — Hamilton
Italy
1:00
Italy safe historic win over Eire
Relive three basic Six Nations video games between Eire and Italy forward of the ultimate spherical of fixtures this weekend.
Grade: F
Italy trudged to an underwhelming win over the worst Wales sides in historical past and will hardly land a punch in opposition to anybody else.
On their twenty fifth anniversary of being within the competitors, there was a lot pre-tournament hype round this facet and so they didn’t reside as much as it.
The gamers are so gifted and present glimpses of brilliance, however they could not pull it collectively for a full 80 minutes. You’ll hope it was simply not their yr and a season of studying.
Some robust questions will likely be requested of their key gamers and rightfully so, however we anticipated a lot extra from Italy this yr.
– Lions watch: Does Freeman deserve beginning spot?
– Overreactions: Itoje for Lions captain? Wales will not win once more this yr?
– Tom Hamilton from Cardiff: England’s drubbing of Wales reveals progress
– WATCH: Relive a few of Six Nations’ basic video games
– Six Nations and Girls’s Six Nations: Full fixture record
– British & Irish Lions fixtures for Australia tour
