Italy-Scotland game was good. Scotland lost their concentration and the Italians played wonderfully. There was great joy to the game. Both sides were very impressive.
England always looked the better side against Ireland and it seemed inevitable that they would pull it out. Pity really.
It does show one thing though - Ireland's weakness is flattery, it undermines our confidence.
It's a tactic that's deployed against us - remember how Schmidt floated around on the sideline prior to kick-off against NZ during the world cup? He was needling, not having a hearty time with the lads. That's what he was sent there to do. Flattery is an enemy and it's a last resort used against us by a less able side to unsettle our game.
There's only one thing to remember for the men in the green jersey - we're always underdogs, especially when we're told we'll walk it. All the soft soap is an effort to poison our game and should be considered an insult. The next time it happens they should just remember that the bastards are at it again and respond inch by inch.
The present Ireland team under Farrell is a credit to us. There'll be skin and hair on the green in Landsdowne road at the next game no doubt.