Blaming the blazers

Six Nations’ rugby resumes this weekend. Still all to play for. The first two rounds of the tournament, which ends on 18 March, produced a generally grey show of unforced errors and a glum lack of daring. Only the briefest shaft of sunlight has penetrated. BBC television’s overly enthusiastic blanket coverage, welcome in some ways, has been too desperately schizoid in its execution; the live play’s coherence interrupted by so many muttering ex-player experts dotted around all over, alongside comely, bland-questioning blondes. The refereeing has been as blinkered as much of the play. England have won both their matches, yet with neither flair nor all-court conviction. The outstanding team performance to raise rafters and cheer spirits was Scotland’s against France. Both the Welsh and Irish — each won one/lost one — have overdosed on anxiety and Celtic insecurities, and while Italy may be without a victory, the skilfully hearty brio which they put about in close-quarters hand-to-hand combat makes them appealingly watchable.