Robert Kitson, writing in The Guardian, believes that the modern game is being stifled of its attacking charm by relentless defence and statistical analysis.
"It is increasingly likely that this Six Nations title will be won by a hunched bloke sitting in the stand, eyes trained on a monitor. More than ever we live in an age where prevention is nine-tenths of the law and defence is king of the road. Last year, Wales won a grand slam not so much because they played their opponents off the park, but because they stopped them crossing their try-line. Full stop. Shaun Edwards's mean machine coughed up only two tries in five matches and it made all the difference.
"This season is shaping up similarly. The most striking memory of Paris, at least to the television viewer, was the blue midfield blitz that gave Wales no room whatsoever on the few occasions they escaped the clutches of an outstanding French back row.
"Croke Park? We all know what a stifling occasion that was, with the honourable exceptions of Brian O'Driscoll's brave lunge beneath the radar and Delon Armitage's gather of Andy Goode's rolling chip.
"Italy have managed only one try so far this tournament, in the form of Mirco Bergamasco's consolation effort against England, who are yet to concede a try with 15 men on the field. It is tight out there, too damn tight."
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