Rambling on about round one (of the Six Nations)

Plenty has happened in the 10 or so months since Rory Kockotttriumphantly leathered the ball into the Twickenham night to leave England just a score short of first title under Stuart Lancaster, whilst simultaneously giving Ireland their second title on the bounce. 

With the exception of Scotland, it is unlikely that any of the RBS six will have walked into their spring camp buoyed by events of the autumn. Sure, for some the Rugby World Cup was a tale of the valiant effort and could have beens. However, the lack of tangible return from the Northern Hemisphere's elite unions will put the 'brand' of rugby played in this season's Six Nations under the microscope. 

So, what of the first weekend?

First to Murrayfield, where the spotlight was on the new English regime,who, despite the World Cup shortcomings, entered the tournament as favourites; possibly due to punters choosing to back the new coach effect, which has seen success for Ireland and Wales in recent times.  

If Eddie Jones' selection of Dylan Hartley as captain was a statement of intent, his team selection for the opener was pragmatic. An experienced team went to Scotland, got on the front foot, largely though the stand out carrying of Billy Vunipola, and were far more accurate when it counted.

In terms of visible differences between England under Jones,compared with the Lancaster reign, were there many? Is analysis of coaching box behaviours clutching at straws? Jones, advisor to global investment bank, Goldman Sachs, looked far more City than School Master as he stood dressed in a suit, eyes transfixed on developments unfolding across his dual monitor. Conversely, Lancaster, always more of a tracksuit coach, found himself much maligned in the post World Cup expose for being too teacher-like in his approach to international rugby. The differences between the leadership styles of Jones and Lancaster are far more complex than a simple wardrobe comparison.But with only 80 minutes of rugby to go off, any judgement passed about Eddie's England would be well short on substance at this stage,. 

As for the Scots, they stood against Proud Eddie's army, but unfortunately for Stern Vern and his boys it was they who were sent homeward to think again. Granted, they were already at home. As for the thinking bit, well that will have been dominated by frustration. This time, not at a referee's pinball judgement call, but at their own inability to capitalise on the prominent positions manufactured through positive rugby. Yes, they are playing more positive rugby than a year ago, but Scotland's biggest work on must be to become more difficult to score against. If they hadn't shipped 5 scores against Australia they would have been World Cup semi finalists. If they hadn't allowed George Kruis to turn a rudimentary close range shunt into a five pointer, they may well have grabbed the points at Murrayfield. 

In Dublin, Ireland and Wales picked up from where they left it in Cardiff last March. Another engaging contest defined by the intensity of the collision and lung busting effort-on-effort during repeat defensive sets. That's my positive spin on it anyway. 

A Southern Hemisphere sceptic might tell you the above should come as standard and that, at the very top end, trading big punches will only ever take you to the precipice. It is the ability to identify the moment, calculate risk under intense pressure before delivering the knockout blow, which will take you over it. 

The challenge for these two unions is that both have established formulas for Six Nations success. And, in a results driven business, it would be extremely brave to attempt to implement a new strategy in Championship conditions. Particularly when up against your biggest rival in round one, on the back of just a couple of weeks in camp. If the expense of expansive rugby was defeat, I'm sure you would find that most fans, who are currently bemoaning the game plan of their respective coaches would rather a W delivered courtesy of Warren Ball or insert jargon for Joe Schmidt's style. Careful what you wish for and all that.

I fully anticipate that both Gatland and Schmitt will still be in charge come Japan 2019. It will be intriguing to see how they balance an expectation for results, with the need to evolve their style to a point where they are regularly beating the best. Make no mistake, this has to be the goal. That said, the selection of CJ Stander as MOM served as a firm reminder of the relentless strength of the player pools that will continue to make SANZAR a significant obstacle to overcome.

In terms of the game itself, both teams will have tucked into their post match Guinness (flavoured protein) disappointed. At 13 to zip, Ireland would have seen opportunity to replicate the dominance they showed after flying out the blocks two years back. For Wales, the pain was a familiar one, hard work done, 3 point lead, and then a failure to execute a simple play gifts Ireland a leveller. 

Sure, both teams will have been disheartened to see their Grand Slam ambitions dissolve. However, given that the last three titles have been decided by points differential, avoiding defeat may yet prove a nifty bit of business. 

I will reserve comment on France and Italy until I've had opportunity to observe them for a full eighty. I spent most of the 6 minute highlight package judging the new French away kit. Except in rugby it's not really an away kit. Nice enough anyway.