All Blacks have little to fear from Europe's best

Strong Scottish defence frustrates the Irish

Ireland were overwhelming favourites to win the encounter in Edinburgh and this may have made the Scottish crowd gloomy in anticipation of a thrashing. Certainly through most of the match it was the travelling Irish fans who made the most noise with the Scots only briefly to be heard during the few Scotland attacks. It was a shame that the Scottish supporters were so morose for most of the time as their side acquitted themselves pretty well. The much vaunted Ireland backs were only once able to cross the Scottish line - and that came from a charge down of a poor kick by Parks. Ronan O'Gara took this chnace well and deservedly scored - but for the rest of the match the Scottish defence held impressively firm. The problem for Scotland was that they never once looked like scoring a try themselves. After the humiliation of the home defeat to Italy it was understandable that Scottish coach Frank Hadden had concentrated on shoring up the defence play. But there was little creativity to be seen in attack and all Scotland's points came from the reliable boot of Chris Paterson. On this showing Scotland will not be a pushover in the World Cup - especially at Murrayfield where they have three home ties, including one against the All Blacks.

Ireland win was unconvincing

Ireland had demolished England in their last match and most of their supporters must have anticipated an easy win against a Scotland side that had itself been taken apart earlier in the series by the English. Ireland were lively through most of the match but curiously, given the presence of a full strength back line and lead by the inspirational Simon O'Driscoll, they could not cut through. Indeed all of Ireland's points were gifted to them - some Scottish indiscipline leading to kickable penalties and a try from a charge down. Ireland may be the best team in Europe at the moment - but they need far greater consistency and confidence to threaten the Southern Hemisphere sides in France come September.

England's inspirational win at Twickenham

To bounce back after the debacle of Croke Park (where England, in their last match, lost by 30 points to Ireland) and beat the fancied French at Twickenham was a fine performance. Of the four teams I saw over the weekend the English were by some measure the most creative and exciting to watch. It was a stirring afternoon for the huge crowd who must have been pleased not just by the win but also by the manner of the victory. England's pack pushed the French forwards back for much of the match and the backs, marshalled well by veteran Captain Mike Catt, were lively and clever in their passing and running. Toby Flood had an excellent match at Fly Half until having to leave the field with a quarter of the match remaining. His replacement Shane Geraghty was quite sensational and the scything 50 metre run down the middle of the pitch which made England's second try was one of the finest plays ever seen at Twickenham. Ireland will rue having let Geraghty (whose father is from County Mao and who appeared for them at youth level) slip through their fingers! England must now build on this success by winning away for the first time for a while in Cardiff next Saturday. Unless there are surprises elsewhere this won't win them the 6 Nations outright, but with four wins out of five they will be happy - and deservedly so.

France surprised by England's resilience and imagination

There is an old rugby cliché that you never know which French side will turn up for any match. On their day are as capable of beating anyone anywhere - when they are good they are very, very good. But when they are bad - well sacre bleu! In fact the French were pretty good for much of the match and nobody can criticise their effort or commitment. But they could not break through some solid English defence and although the place kicking of Skrela and Yachvili was impeccable these points (gifted to them by England's occasional indiscipline and some odd refereeing decisions) were insufficient in the face of England's two tries.

France, Ireland and England Europe's best chance

So on the evidence of this year's 6 nations France, Ireland and England are the three best European sides - but there is not a huge gap and Scotland and (particularly) Italy have had their moments. Welsh rugby is at low ebb - although a win against England next Saturday would give them the boost they need. But even the best Northern Hemisphere team playing at their very best are unlikely to rattle either of New Zealand's remarkable two teams - the All Blacks' current odds of 2-1 on to win the World Cup look quite generous!