Eloise's Thoughts and Fancies

In Wales the news is that Gatland has walked away, head high, and we have a temporary coach (Matt Sherratt, from Cardiff, but going back) for the rest of the 6N. He’s torn chunks out of Gatland's teamsheets and we’re hoping for brighter things while facing the Irish. Ouch. In England, the media seem to believe that beating the French was due to English brilliance rather than poor French handling and a second Hammering of the Scots is due. I’m doubtful. France are out for redemption in Italy. Match Reviews Wales v Ireland If I told you before the match that Wales would dominate at scrum time, virtually milking penalties at will, and would be winning the lineout battle too I would have doubted my own sanity. Add to that Hymns and Arias ringing around the Principality Stadium as Wales looked to secure a halftime lead and you could have sectioned me. But when Morgan grounded it by the posts with the clock red at the end of the first half, the roof lifted, both there and here, as Wale...

Generally, even if I don’t review them here as religiously as I should, I like a lot of Apple TV's tv shows ( Slow Horses, Silo and Severance in particular, but others too) but I’ve been less impressed by their film output. The Gorge changes that for me. Let me be clear, this is not a great piece of art. It’s unlikely to change your life on a deep, emotional level. I’ve seen a review that says “there are so many plot holes in The Gorge that…” and this might be true, but it’s missing the point. This is monster-slaying fun, very much in the mould of The Mummy , the one with Rachel Weisz in it. Both of them have plot, but that’s not really important, there’s just enough that as things bounce along the switches and changes have something to hang on, if you care. I paid enough attention to notice them, but I’d have been happy enough if they weren’t there. I need to say, before going on, this film is very dark. Maybe not Daredevil dark, but approaching it. Often it feels appropria...

Some big matches this week: the likely wooden spoon decider, an always nervy trip for France to London and a test of Scotland’s ambition at home against the Irish. Italy v Wales This match was played in the pouring rain and that certainly affected things. Adams missed two chances and, whilst you couldn’t say either of them were gold-plated, if it were dry you’d have expected him to get both of them. Equally Adams charged up, put a lot of pressure on Brex who gave Capuozzo a terrible pass. The Italian winger might have caught it despite the wet ball, but his feet went out from under him on the slippery surface and there was no chance. If he’d caught it, he would probably have scored. Both sides made mistakes down to the weather. That’s forgivable. Setting those aside, the battle up front was pretty close. Italy edged scrum penalties but overall the scrums were very close, edge to Italy. Lineouts, and mauls after lineout were definitely advantage Wales. Breakdowns were close, defensive...

It’s Sixmas! At the top of the table the heavyweights of France and Ireland are favourites at the bookies. Personally I lean towards France, expecting Ireland to continue their decline, but we shall see. Scotland are, as has become pretty normal for them, lurking as dark horses. Lower down, everyone is wondering whether Italy can build on last year’s successes, whether (and when) Wales will break their record losing streak and exactly what the new look England will produce. We’ve been promised a reworked defence and a freer attack, so who knows? Before I Start On The Matches I just want to begin by saying I thought the referees in all three matches were excellent. Odd little decisions that I’m not going to highlight that I thought could have been different but none that I thought were dramatically, clearly wrong. I know that will not be popular with a body of Welsh online trolls and probably others - I’ve seen an England fan’s YouTube review and he wasn’t happy about several decisio...