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Six Nations 2014: Keys to Success for Every Side
Published: February 7, 2014
The Six Nations made a thrilling and fascinating return last weekend, and the story of the first-round was England's narrow loss to France after Gael Fickou's dramatic late try in Paris.
Scotland were well beaten in Dublin, while Wales saw off a fighting performance by Italy, who threatened to win only their second away match in championship history. So what now is the key for each team as the next battle approaches?
England
The major concern coming into the Six Nations was England's back division. Injuries to Marland Yarde and Christian Wade had left Stuart Lancaster light on the wings and a solid centre-partnership was never established during the Autumn internationals, with mixed performances from Billy Twelvetrees in particular.
But the head coach can feel vindicated in fielding a young and inexperienced back line against France after an impressive second-half that showed a mental toughness to recover as much as their quality with ball in hand.
As Gavin Mairs noted in The Telegraph, the average age from positions nine to 15 in Paris was just over 24, each averaging 13 caps. The performance was by no means perfect—debutant wing Jack Nowell's first touch was a knock on—but if Lancaster can bring that second-half momentum into the Calcutta Cup and beyond then his side will have a genuine shot at winning the championship, despite their losing start.
France
More than anything, France now need consistency. Their disastrous 2013 Six Nations culminated in the wooden spoon but no such indignity appears due this time around after a roller-coaster victory over England in Paris was sealed with a fabulous try that started in their own half.
Two scores from right-winger Yoann Huget, coupled with the sheer pace of diminutive full-back Brice Dulin, illustrate the qualities of a back-three bettered onl...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union
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