After the latest round of Six Nations matches have provided enough drama for yet another weekend with upsets, controversy and England still on course for the Grand Slam despite being below par. Italy beating France is a massive fillip to that nation who have been accused of making up the numbers since their introduction to the tournament in 2000 and the scalp of France shows that although they may not challenge for the title their presence in the Six Nations is increasing their development, which can only be good for the game.
   Mike Phillips' try that shouldn't have been for Wales has unsurprisingly drawn criticism about the point of using technology when mistakes still arise as in this case when a different ball was used at a quick throw in allowing Phillips to run through to score. This misses the point that the same mistake would have occurred without technology and referring to cameras to check reduces the number of possible errors but will never eradicate them. Ireland may feel aggrieved, and it is unfortunate, but as in other sports the officials tend to get more criticism for errors than players. Possibly this may be because they don't have the chance to atone for them: if Chris Ashton had dropped the ball when swallow diving over the line against Italy he would have been forgiven after scoring three more. The goalkeeper that lets the ball run between his legs may save a penalty and the cricketer who drops a sitter can make it up with runs or wickets. Such instances do not even have to be in the same game as fans can forgive their own players one off aberrations but will not let the official off so lightly. No matter how good the rest of his performance he can not do anything other than not make another mistake.
   As Martin Johnson warned, Scotland are not to be dismissed lightly and England were right not to be complacent about assuming they would win easily, although it is tempting to think that they did not really believe that after the disjointed performance on display. Such are the margins at this level that Scotland's energetic display where they upset England's rhythm still sees them bottom of the table with no points and England top with maximum points and one game to go. With a performance more reminiscent of last years campaign England will need to rediscover their earlier form if they wish to win their first Grand Slam since 2003 - which would represent a remarkable achievement from where they were 18 months ago.