Humphreys - guided Ireland home.
ENGLAND GO OFF THE RAILS
By Dave Ord
For 20 minutes against Italy at Twickenham on Sunday England were simply magnificent. Rampant up front, incisive in the backs, journalists were clambering for the record books as they posted over 30 points on these hapless visitors inside the opening quarter. From that point though the wheels rather came off - huge credit for which must go to Italy. They gradually fought their way back into the game, disrputed England at the scrum and line-out and monopolised possession for the rest of the game. They may only have grabbed a Mirco Bergamasco try for their efforts, but John Kirwan's side had forced their hosts to retreat to the style which had seen them stumble past Wales and France in their first two games. Injuries to Jonny Wilkinson and Charlie Hodgson did not help Clive Woodward's side, nor did a constant barrage of second-half substitutions.
But the fact remains that they still do not look at their fluent best. Following their defeat of Wales on Saturday, Scotland may well be sniffing a Calcutta Cup surprise when the two teams meet in the next round of fixtures. That is unlikely though as Ian McGeechan's side lack the quality in key areas to trouble the favourites. Ireland do though - and for all the talk of Woodward and co being on target for a Grand Slam, are we not forgetting something? They need to go to Lansdowne Road for the final round of fixtures and there is every chance the home side will be chasing the exact same goal on the day. Their defeat of France was workmanlike, but conditions did not favour the expansive game we have seen from Eddie O'Sullivan's men of late. Instead they kept it tight and allowed David Humphreys to kick them safely home. It will be some clash come the final round and as things stand, I would narrowly favour the home side to come out on top. The improvement shown by Italy on Sunday was in stark contrast to the Welsh performance at Murrayfield 24 hours later. The revival in the Valleys still seems a world away and the wooden spoon awaits.
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