This is England's worst run of form in the championship for 18 years, with this their fourth successive defeat. The performance was, however, much better than the loss against France.

Ronan O'Gara celebrated his 50th Cap with a 14-point haul that included two drop goals, two penalties and a conversion of a Brian O'Driscoll try. These points took him past the magical 500 points in test rugby - a fantastic achievement.

England's points came from number eight and by far the best English forward, Martin Corry. Corry found himself at the back of a ruck 20 metres out, with no one in front of him, so he decided to stroll over for an early England try. The remaining points came from Charlie Hodgson, who recovered from his goal kicking nightmare against France, with one penalty from 50 metres out.

England now find themselves in two comparatively low key affairs at Twickenham against Italy and Scotland. They need to regain some confidence and pride, and to find that winning habit which has deserted them since the World Cup, having lost nine of the last 12 tests played.

A potential Grand Slam decider in Cardiff was brought a step closer as Wales produced what has to be one of the best games of the championship over the last couple of years. Wales looked to be 'dead and buried' with France rediscovering some of that Gaelic flair that seemed to have deserted them in the opening two games, until Martyn Williams scored two tries just after half-time and turned the game around.

A drop goal from Freddy Michalak hauled France level but Wales' Stephen Jones then added a drop goal of his own and a penalty to give them a small cushion. They sat on this lead and absorbed huge pressure to hold onto a well deserved and dramatic win.

In Murrayfield, the match was billed as the Wooden Spoon decider and it was easy to see why. The game was littered with mistakes and brought very little quality, with just one late Italian try.

As it was, Chris Patterson emerged as the hero, by successfully converting six out of six penalties to give Matt Williams, the Scottish coach his first taste of victory in the Six Nations.

The next round of matches will show if Ireland have what it takes to beat France on their own patch, and progress to Cardiff. Wales will face a stubborn Scottish side and England need to find that winning form with Martin Corry at the helm, taking over from the injured Jason Robinson.

Roy Winters