There has been a company formed in South Africa called ‘Win By One’ and the Springboks have turned this margin of result into an art form. England may start to follow suit if this carries on. International rugby has become cagey enough between the top nations that staying in the fight until the last 20 almost dictates a close finish.  Such drama at the death and Scotland may well agonise over this defeat more than France will have done, who took out their frustrations on a bewildered Italy in the Olympic stadium. Scottish profligacy in the first half was extreme but again England’s scramble defence was on show. This is a big positive.

In a weekend when all 3 away sides should have triumphed, I loved the way in which the wingers came to dominate. Ellis Mee (from Nottingham Rugby please note) made a great debut for Wales and with Blair Murray gave the men in red plenty of hope from a zero base, while Bielle-Biarry is a rare and wonderful talent. Any side that can afford unblinkingly to leave out Damian Penaud and produce such an incredible display of offloading and support running has earnt its redemption. At least 30 of those points should have been scored at Twickenham. This Italy side smelled an upset and their stellar anthem possibly overdosed them with emotion but in reality no one could have coped, not even Ireland I suspect?..

At Twickenham, the best wing in the world was on show, all due respect to Cheslin Kolbe. Van de Merwe could well be a world class centre too, his offloading and creative strength in the tackle took him to new heights. Tommy Freeman may join him if he were ever to get the ball, but his impact is undeniable and he may also move from wing to centre as widely predicted. I can see that – I went in the other direction in 1990 – but it is still a fact that the dearth of choice in the midfield is an embarrassment for England. Since I made noises about Max Ojomoh he has had some airtime and making strides and Will Joseph has emerged from Harlequin’s petticoats to join free running Gloucester. It is a start but I would now pick Oscar Beard for the Italy game because we simply have to build some depth and he is receiving plenty of public interest.

What we are all praying for is a classic in Dublin and if Ireland really is a grand slam side in the making let us see it and let them earn it against a French team who realise they cannot just turn up to win an International match. Meanwhile the wonderful twist of England’s two unlikely wins means that they lurk in the background as a potential candidate for ‘glory’ if France or Ireland slip up. The belated presence of ‘hwyl’ which seemed to have reduced the Irish to quivering jelly may not be enough to see Wales threaten England in the last match at Cardiff but it has happened before!

As for Lions hunters, not much has changed but my original view about Scotland stands. Russell is far and away the best stand off in Europe and the way he made the unheralded McDowell and Jordan look so impressive through his exceptional passing and vision speaks volumes. However, I remember Neil Jenkins of Wales holding a Lions place for his goalkicking only and do not forget that Kinghorn can kick, for me he is a shoe in at 15. Jones on form is the best centre out there, while Fin Smith and Lawrence could come into the mix if the box-kicking focus led by a reluctant Mitchell is brought to an end.

So much to play for individually but national team tactics may dictate and it is up to each individual to outperform whatever the scenario. It’s hotting up!

Hallers