Well, the drama of Super Saturday was not as it should have been due to the match offs and relative strengths driving results. But as in all the rounds this year, there was much to admire if the tension was not there, and always implications for Lions selection. The alternative tour to Longleat for non tourists has been doing the rounds which is cruel humour. Putting on that shirt is the pinnacle of most careers and some will be missing out because the competition is intense as always. Selection is also tricky because current form will turn Andy Farrell’s head as much as known capabilities or past history. One thing Australian teams will have are reserves of fitness and athleticism. Old stagers could struggle!

Meantime, didn’t England rub it in at the home of Welsh Rugby. Absent the ever present skills of Blair Murray who has been a revelation, Wales were blown away by Borthwick’s selection and a sense of his squad making up for lost time. Run and keep running, oh and a couple of indefensible ‘headed tries’  to help the scoreline! Very few people saw the magnitude of this win coming but if you imagine that hardly any of the Welsh team would threaten an England position you can see why. Invidious to single out players in such a team performance, but the Saints contingent had English supporters looking to the skies in thanks for the outpouring of pacey, gainline-breaking rugby. I like the attitude and approach which they bring to the squad through their positive approach and this matters going forward, also part of the Itoje culture it seems. He is a quietly impressive individual as well as through his consistent performances, yet another misread by the previous coach. Talking of the coach, Steve Borthwick can now relax a little in the job, some pressure removed and I am sure I spotted a post match smile or two. However, turning a team which is a flat track bully (cricketing term) into a serial winner against top nations is a different challenge.

One key change – the England forwards have started to run with the ball. Shock horror but this appears to be deliberate and adds a new dimension. Now that cat is out of the bag, let us see more of it. No doubt inspired by the Stuart side shuffle which must be on all video replays accompanied by roars of approval every time it shows.

I was fascinated to see how France would continue on their road to redemption after the travails at Twickenham, although let us not forget that England did actually go and win the game with a smart piece of execution (Finn Smith inspired). Alongside their flashes of expected brilliance to wrap up their well- deserved Championship, their opponents Scotland absolutely turned up. In fact they deserved a lot more than they took away on the day, their interplay and the pace of their forwards were startling. I maintain that they will have four starting Lions positions in the backs and if there is a better running front row forward that Zander Fagerson I am surprised.

I take a counter view to that which suggests Gregor Townend has run out of steam. The Scots use their resources better than almost anyone – whether the disappearance of the Borders clubs has helped or hindered is a moot point but they have precious few players to choose from. Compare this to the incredible depth in France and England who can and do absorb multiple injuries without impact and throw around their selection policy when it suits. Ironic that the Scottish backs were so impressive even with their Captain, the best centre in Europe, out of action.

The last Six Nations word is for France who should have been celebrating a Grand Slam, but how many times have we said that over the years about a side. It is ferociously difficult even in a year when two victories are taken for granted, ensuring this was not a vintage tournament. People will look back and credit Will Carling’s squad who achieved three in five years especially when it includes the ‘Grudge’ match of 1990 a blown Grand Slam game if ever there was one. However, we had to admire and frankly gaze in amazement at the supreme skills of the French all round the park, honed in the cauldron of their club rugby which stretches the limits of a player’s talent. Envious Administrators knock holes in the French club model in order to defend their own, but the evidence is clear and indisputable.

As for a favourite moment – Bielle Biarry’s outrageous cross kick on his own goal line under pressure to allow Penaud to make a clearing kick. Biggest disappointment – Ollie Lawrence injury just when he was set to make his impact on this England team and possibly the Lions.

How to summarise? The Irish and Italians flattered to deceive, for Wales the only way is up but will flatline first, Scotland have the best highlights reel, England have learnt how to win by a point (!) and now have momentum as well as a squad which can go places, France must now go on to contest at the top of the world which is where they should remain with the outrageous talent they possess as well as a hard edge courtesy of Shaun Edwards. Sending a B team to the Southern Hemisphere may seem a waste of that hard earned position, but they have depth and it is all that Rassie Erasmus has been doing these last few years, handing out vital experience to younger players for when they are needed. 2027 is not far away and the race is on to catch the undisputed world leaders in rugby, South Africa.

Hallers