The Saturday of the 2nd 6 Nations weekend has been an odd one.

Firstly, the cancelled game. France hosted Ireland. Or rather, they didn’t. Irish fans were turned away in a bizarre turn of events due it being “too cold” and having a “frozen pitch”. Despite England playing in the snow earlier in the day. The match is most likely to be replayed next wee end in the scheduled “break”.

As for the match that went ahead, well that was a cracker. England were victorious eventually, 15 – 19. However, they were 15 – 6 down at half time after two quick fire tries from the Italians just before the break.

A kick that rebounded widely before finding an Italian a yard from the line saw England’s heads dropped. They had their chins on the floor when a breakaway just before the break saw them shockingly behind at the break.

The hero was the same as last week. Hodgson charged down another kick, his second in 2 games, and fell over the line. Farrell kicked beautifully all game, something that could not be said of the Italians.

England won, just. Their chances of the Grand Slam seemed less likely. England have bigger tests to come. And each time they step on the pitch, they seem like they’ll fail them.