Six Nations teams admit there’s plenty to fix ahead of the next World Cup in less than 18 months.
The championship produced a record 211 tries, delivering a series of high-scoring thrillers and dramatic results.
But the attacking spectacle also highlighted defensive shortcomings across the tournament.
Champions France retained their title and equalled their own record by scoring 30 tries. However, they also conceded 19 – the most ever by a title-winning side.
France fullback Thomas Ramos admitted the team would need honest discussions about their defensive displays.
“At this level, we cannot concede 50, then more than 40, if we want to exist in major competitions,” he said. “If we concede so many tries, those will be won without us.”
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Coach Fabien Galthie suggested France would review their preparation.
“There will be many things to look at from a tactical point of view, technically, but also in the approach to the match, the performance,” Galthie said.
Defence coach Shaun Edwards was more relaxed.
“Another crazy game, a great one for the fans, rugby at the moment is phenomenal,” he said.
“If it was just your team conceding lots of points you would be worried – it’s frustrating, but that’s the way the game is going.”
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Ireland stood out defensively, conceding the fewest points and tries as they finished second.
Coach Andy Farrell praised his team’s response after an opening defeat to France.
“It’s something that we’re trying to make sure that we’re continuing to do: put pressure on ourselves and deliver when it matters to us,” he said after their 43-21 victory over Scotland landed a fourth Triple Crown in five years. “That was why we were able to put that type of performance in.”
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Meanwhile, England endured a difficult campaign but took encouragement from their attacking performance in the final-round defeat to France.
“The way we attacked is our blueprint. That’s what we have to take forward,” said scrumhalf Jack van Poortvliet.
– AFP
Photo: Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters
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