Northern View: Eddie drops the nonsense, France are the new ABs and Italy show 6N axing would be folly

England were the same lumpen lot of last week. Eddie drops the nonsense, France are the new ABs and Italy show 6N axing would be folly.

England beat Japan 52-13. Marcus Smith scored two tries and Freddie Steward a third. England had lost five of their nine Tests coming into this match. The team is now focused on the game in front of them and not on preparing for the World Cup. The jury is still out as to where England stand. They are coming to South Africa in two weeks. It is not a good idea to prepare for a tournament in the future. Rugby is a simple game. Winning matches in here and now is the best preparation for any tournament.

France won at the death against Australia last week. They are now the new New Zealand. France won 30-26 in Marseille on Saturday night. They believe in themselves and in the Grand French Project. This is new-age France. The team is favourites to win the World Cup on home soil. Italy show 6N axing would be folly.

There were two matches affected by early red cards issued for dangerous contact with an opponent's head. Lydia Thompson and Pieter-Steph du Toit were sent off in the women's World Cup final. Antoine Dupont was also later sent of for a reckless challenge. Rugby sends a clear message that the head is a no-go area.

Italy beat Australia 28-27 in Florence. It was the Azzurri's first-ever victory over Australia. The Aussies had a missed conversion that gave Italy the victory. Dave Rennie made a lot of changes. Georgia are not all-conquering contenders in the Six Nations.

After so much work has been done to get Italian rugby up to scratch it would be a disaster if they were to be relegated from the Six Nations. Italy deserve their status and standing.

The Women's World Cup final in Auckland was thrilling and memorable. New Zealand won 34-31. The tournament has been successful and has attracted huge audiences. It is a take-off moment for the sport. There was a 40,000 full house at Eden Park on Saturday. The Rugby Football Union has supported the women's game from a long while back. Now it is time for other unions to get on board. Some blokes splutter that it's not like men's rugby. Northern View: Eddie drops the nonsense, France are the new ABs and Italy show 6N axing would be folly.