SIX NATIONS VERDICT: Wayne Pivac is right to be increasingly concerned

CHRIS FOY: Wayne Pivac is right to look concerned, Murrayfield needs urgent investment and Cameron Woki’s star only continues to rise… and NO Englishmen make my team of the weekend

  • Chris Foy delivers the biggest talking points after the Six Nations gets underway
  • Wayne Pivac’s body language said it all after Wales lost 29-7 to Ireland in Dublin
  • Scotland beat England on home turf but Murrayfield is showing signs of wear
  • Ireland continue to progress under Andy Farrell – a clash with France now awaits 

After each Six Nations weekend, Sportsmail rugby correspondent Chris Foy will round up the biggest talking points and name his Team of the Weekend.

Wayne is looking weary

The outlook is grim for Wales after their heavy loss to Ireland — as was quite apparent from head coach Wayne Pivac’s body language during the game. 

Wayne Pivac is right to look concerned following Wales’s 29-7 defeat by Ireland in Dublin

There is something about his demeanour which conveys a sense of impending doom, in contrast to predecessor Warren Gatland who mastered the art of remaining impassive. Pivac looks concerned and, in truth, he probably should be. 

Murrayfield’s outdated

If the Six Nations wants to remain a closed shop to protect commercial interests, perhaps it is time to introduce ‘Minimum Standards Criteria’ for venues. 

The 51,000 capacity at the Aviva Stadium is too limited and Murrayfield urgently needs investment. 

Facilities are outdated, with lines of portaloos for spectators using the soulless, gravel-covered ‘fan zone’, cramped seating and shaky WiFi — although the tram service is efficient. 

Farrell packing the power

Ireland’s recent progress under Andy Farrell has been hailed as a tactical liberation but it is founded on phenomenal clout — exemplified by the thunderous props Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong. 

James Ryan has powered-up after a career dip and Tadhg Beirne is a remarkable athlete, while Jack Conan punches above his weight. The clash with France’s giants on Saturday will be seismic.

Ireland continue to impress under Andy Farrell, who has moulded a strong, high energy side

Manu’s message of hope

The despondency in the England camp will have been alleviated slightly by the sight of Manu Tuilagi back in vintage mode on Sunday. 

Seconds into his latest comeback, the Sale centre dumped Harlequins’ previously unstoppable Andre Esterhuizen on his backside. 

His trademark grin was still apparent as he posed for photos with fans of both clubs after the game at The Stoop. He is still a box-office weapon of mass destruction.

That’s the wonder of Woki

France eventually put Italy away yesterday but it was a laboured effort from the title favourites. 

Some of them evidently needed game-time after recent Covid disruption, even the great Antoine Dupont. 

 France’s Cameron Woki (centre) could become the world’s best forward in the next few years

However, the contest in Paris provided more evidence that Bordeaux’s Cameron Woki can become the world’s best forward and showed that Italy have renewed fighting spirit again, after years of surrenders.

Team of the Weekend

Hugo Keenan (Ire), Damian Penaud (Fra), Garry Ringrose (Ire), Bundee Aki (Ire), Gabin Villiere (Fra), Finn Russell (Sco), Jamison Gibson-Park (Ire); Andrew Porter (Ire), Julien Marchand (Fra), Tadhg Furlong (Ire), Tadhg Beirne (Ire), Cameron Woki (Fra), Jamie Ritchie (Sco), Gregory Alldritt (Fra), Taine Basham (Wal).




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