Six Nations weekend two is well underway and from where I’m sitting the levels of disappointment have risen high.

I’m not just talking about Wales’ very sad display yesterday; England too showed signs of reverting to their former sorry form. In fact I’d have to say I thought Brian Ashton looked rather more pissed off than Gareth Jenkins.

The Boy’s Own return of Jonny Wilkinson against Scotland was overshadowed by a mediocre at best performance against Italy yesterday. In fact I thought several of the England side under-performed yesterday, but the win means their challenge rumbles on. The side looks very disjointed though.

Italy, who looked so hapless last week against France performed far better yesterday against England. If only the Azzurri had an outside-half with any nouse they’d be a side with direction, though they’d still lack bite. Still they’d be more of a match for the rest of the home nations.

Scotland seem to have stood still. Their performance against England lacked invention and their indiscipline cost them dear. Much the same against Wales yesterday I thought; lots of possession and territorial advantage, but little penetration.

Wales have, if anything, gone backwards. I wasn’t in the least surprised by their loss to Ireland last weekend, but they did seem to have some clue about the game. By contrast yesterday they seemed completely out of sorts and appeared to have no clue where they were going. I'd go as far as to say it was one of the worst performances I've seen from Wales for some time and that includes the wilderness years. Very poor.

And that brings me to what should be the highlight of this weekend; Ireland v France at Croke Park this afternoon.

Both these sides have the armoury to win this year’s championship, but the French tend not to travel well so in many ways this afternoon’s clash will depend which French XV turn up! Nevertheless the game has the potential of being an absolute cracker, so I for one am crossing my fingers and hoping for an afternoon’s great entertainment. Roll on 3:00pm - come on guys, restore my faith in the Fraternity of the Ovoid!