Rúaidhrí O’Connor’s Six Nations diary: Delilah ditched, Borthwick’s big calls, and praise for Sexton

England head coach Steve Borthwick during a training session at Pennyhill Park, Bagshot. Picture date: Monday January 30, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story RUGBYU England. Photo credit should read: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.

Ruaidhri O'Connor Twitter

February 01 2023 05:12 PM

A look at the stories on the Six Nations scene with three days before kick-off.

Delilah ditched

One of the staples of the Six Nations matchday in Cardiff is no more, with the WRU instructing the choir that they can’t sing Tom Jones’ song ‘Delilah’ anymore.

The playing of the anthemic song about a jealous lover stabbing his unfaithful partner and has been the subject of criticism in recent years and, with the Welsh union under increasing pressure over allegations of sexism which has cost chief executive Steve Phillips his job.

Despite its violent lyrics, the song has remained popular with Cardiff crowds in recent years but authorities had previously banned it from being played over the public address system and will now extend that to the choir.

“Delilah will not feature on the playlist for choirs for rugby internationals at Principality Stadium,” a statement read.

“The WRU removed the song from its half-time entertainment and music play list during international matches in 2015. Guest choirs have also more recently been requested not to feature the song during their pre-match performances and throughout games.

“The WRU condemns domestic violence of any kind. We have previously sought advice from subject matter experts on the issue of censoring the song and we are respectfully aware that it is problematic and upsetting to some supporters because of its subject matter.”

Borthwick to continue with Smith and Farrell axis as Tuilagi axed

New coach, same conundrum.

The Telegraph is reporting that England will continue with the combination of Marcus Smith at No 10 and Owen Farrell at inside centre for their opener against Scotland.

And the knock-on effect is that there is no place for Manu Tuilagi in the matchday 23 with Joe Marchant being recalled and Ollie Lawrence picked on the bench.

Steve Borthwick was widely expected to go back to Farrell at out-half when he took over from Eddie Jones but with Smith’s Harlequins coach Nick Evans on board as the attack coach the former Leicester supremo looks set to continue with the combination that most observers would argue hasn’t quite clicked.

The Mail, meanwhile, is reporting that London Irish winger Ollie Hassell-Collins and Sale flanker Ben Curry are in line for their Six Nations debuts with giant lock Ollie Chessum is expected to start in the second-row.

Ireland legend Mike Gibson hails Sexton

Game recognises game. Speaking last week, Ireland great Mike Gibson hailed the influence of Johnny Sexton ahead of the captain’s final Six Nations.

“He is a phenomenon,” Gibson told the Press Association at a dinner to mark the 50th anniversary of the Barbarians’ famous win over the All Blacks.

“He is a vital part of Ireland’s success because of his decision-making and his influence, which is something he has demonstrated for years.”

The Ulsterman, who won 69 Ireland caps and played in 12 Lions Tests, has been impressed with Andy Farrell’s work with Ireland.

“It has been a wonderful time for us,” he added.

“We have been successful against the All Blacks, successful also against South Africa and Australia, and these things make their mark on players.

“They can go out and say, ‘I’ve beaten New Zealand, so I can deal with any side’. The quality of the Irish game has attracted spectators.

“They watch the quality of Leinster, and from an international point of view Farrell has been instrumental in allowing the side to play, to gain confidence, and the forwards are capable of dominating teams.

“We are number one in the world, which is something beyond dreams.

“The burden of being a favourite creates its own difficulties, but the expectation of the Ireland team is one of they can beat anybody. Everybody is making good sound decisions when they are in possession, which is key.”

Quote of the day

"I saw it two years ago. I said to Faz (Andy Farrell), 'This young guy, I've never seen a player with the feel for the game that he has.' Obviously, at that stage he was a bit smaller than he is now, he has filled out a bit, but he had that physique he could grow into. I said to the Leinster coaches, 'This is the best guy we've had since Garry (Ringrose).' So Garry's an alright player isn't he, so he's in good company. The two of them will be the cornerstone of that Leinster backline for the next five, six, seven, eight years."

Johnny Sexton waxes lyrical about his young teammate Jamie Osborne who could make his Ireland debut this month.

Number of the day: 11

The average margin between Wales and Ireland in the Six Nations across their last four meetings in Cardiff. Wales haven’t lost at home to Ireland in the Championship since 2013.