England stride on on a bad day for the the Celts

Two tries in the opening 15 minutes were enough for England to see off a brave and resourceful Irish challenge today at Esher - but not without the loss of their clean sheet as Ireland came back at them hard. In what sounds like a game dominated by forwards (full report on ScrumQueens - who also provided the photograph right), the Irish seem to have done remarkably well against a much bigger English pack. Third place - or even runners-up - is still a real possibility for the Irish who will take a lot of positives away from today's game.

Ireland's next game in two weeks time is at home to Wales, who had a shocking game today against France (WRU report) , failing to capitalise on their chances in the first half before fading badly in the second and eventually losing 15-3. The Welsh coach was clearly not happy -"It was a poor performance and everyone is understandably disappointed. We need to be beating sides like that if we are where we think we are in the world game."

Finally Scotland's roller-coaster Six Nations continued as they snatched a draw - the first in their history - in Italy, coming back from 6-0 down at half-time to finish 6-6 (Scrumqueens report).

France now jump into second place on four points - but they have yet to play England and so cannot expect to finish on more than six points. On the other hand Ireland and Wales have both played the English, so whoever wins in Ashbourne can expect to finish level on points with the French. Based on recent performances that really could be the Irish, which will be a great boost for the World Cup.

Position	Nation	Games				Points				Table points
		Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Difference	Tries
1	England	3	3	0	0	94	5	89	16	6
2	France	3	2	0	1	42	22	20	6	4
3	Scotland	3	1	1	1	28	42	-14	4	3
4	Ireland	3	1	0	2	36	46	-10	4	2
5	Wales	3	1	0	2	31	55	-27	4	2
6	Italy	3	0	1	2	11	69	-58	1	1