Ireland bring home the bacon - and save ours

So the Six Nations is over and we in Wales can get back to what we are really good at - squabbling amongst ourselves. Ireland just about managed to cling on to a victory in Paris and so won the championship on points difference. It’s probably just as well, as if things had turned out differently, they may as well not bothered with the next Rugby World Cup as the media would have been convincing us that England were certain winners.

It was very much a two tier Six Nations with Italy and Scotland somewhat off the pace. Ireland probably deserved to be the champions on the basis that they were the only team to record an away victory against a top tier nation. It is a fitting end to the illustrious career of Brian O’Driscoll.

So what of Wales? They looked a good team at home, particularly against France and Scotland. In yesterday’s rout of the Scots, the backs looked a potent force again - admittedly against 14 men. Away from home, Wales were dismal and were well beaten by Ireland and England. They seemed to go into their shell and their abject kicking game allowed their opponents time to get a head of steam up. We need to find the right combination at half back urgently.

As a Welshman, you always need to have a supply of excuses ready:

• The unsettling effect of the WRU and Regions constantly at each other’s throats.
• Players scattered over Wales, England and France and not playing together regularly for their clubs.
• An injury crisis at outside centre - a fully fit Jon Davies would have made all the difference.
• Playing England and Ireland away from home.
• Playing England on a Sunday afternoon when Welshmen should be curled up on the couch after a few pints and a large lunch.
• Wearing red shorts - did they allow Vincent Tan to choose the kit?
• Not being refereed by the best referee in the world because he’s Welsh.

If I gave it some thought I’m sure there are many more plausible excuses out there.

The most positive thing for Wales, I think, was the emergence of Jake Ball who looks to be an excellent addition to the squad.

Next for Wales is a jaunt to South Africa. We must be gluttons for punishment!

Next stop for me is Cardiff Metropolitan University and what should be an entertaining match for Pontypool. against the students.