The future looks bright for England after dominating Wales in the Six Nations
As with modern rugby the Wales-England game was hyped up massively which was great. A lot of people are now complaining about the light show and all of that surrounding the game, they say it's not rugby but it adds to the spectacle of it. I was watching on TV and the atmosphere seemed absolutely electric. It all began with that drama in the tunnel where Chris Robshaw held his ground.
It just shows how all of the pre-game theatre can backfire and become a bit embarrassing if you lose.
Looking at the game, as I said last week if Wales got parity up front they would have a very good chance of winning but they never managed to do that.
England dominated at the scrum and lineout throughout and on the ground, increasingly so in the second half.
I had England down for a 12-point win and in truth they should have got that with the two missed chances with James Haskell and Dave Attwood.
The back-row was integral to the win. I've never been a huge fan of James Haskell but he's really matured and is turning into a world class back-rower. Chris Robshaw's (inset) captaincy has been questioned at times but he gets on with it, nothing fazes him, he works hard and is dogged and Billy Vunipola came into his own following a quiet first half. He carried the ball time and time again into the heart of Wales.
It also answered a few questions for Stuart Lancaster, particularly that number 13 jersey where Jonathan Joseph played very well, as did Anthony Watson on the wing.
I'm very optimistic about England in the Home Nations and that's always the case because of their player base and resources. They should always be favourites and it's very disappointing when they lose.
Italy are next up and they have always been quite stubborn in recent years. They made Ireland work quite hard in the worst game of the weekend but they eventually succumbed. The smart money will be on England at Twickenham and it should be quite comfortable.
George North incident raises questions
The George North incident was an unfortunate part of the game that should never have taken place. Wales medical team have now come out to admit that North was knocked out and should have been taken off following his clash of heads with Richard Hibbard but they did not see he lost consciousness.
World Rugby subsequently launched an investigation and they are satisfied with the WRU's explanation of events.
But while they have been cleared the incident does raise questions because North was out and that was clear for everyone to see. Maybe there is too much reliance on the players?
Wales' medical staff will now have access to video replays in future internationals and there will be independent doctors at matches at the World Cup, both of which are good moves.
Rugby is a global game now and at its peak there were almost nine million viewers tuned in. Parents watching might not want their kids to play after seeing that. If it had been in boxing then the referee would have thrown in the towel and it should have been the same on Friday night.
It's a good time to face Freddie and the Tigers
I was lucky enough to be invited to host the legends lounge along with Chris Catling and Ben Morgan on Saturday.
It was a good day, I really enjoyed myself and have to thank everyone for their support.
We did a bit of a question and answer session before the game and a lot of it focussed on Ben and whether he would be back for the World Cup and the England game the night before.
Focussing on the game, Gloucester did very well. There is always talk about the scrum and they dominated Harlequins with a young and inexperienced side.
Leicester are next up on Friday, it's a huge game and probably a good time to play them, with both teams missing players.
They are going into the match in good form having picked up results and are unbeaten in 2015.
We could potentially see Billy Burns versus Freddie Burns in a battle of the 10s which would be very interesting to see.
If we do see that Gloucester need to provide a platform more than ever to allow Billy to impose himself upon the game.
His big brother Freddie has been indifferent at Leicester with injuries, form and no real run of games. He looks like he has lost confidence which is disappointing but hopefully Gloucester can capitalise on that.
Longlevens' first loss ruined a perfect weekend
Cinderford lost 24-7 to Rosslyn Park and picked up no points which is disappointing following another workmanlike performance. It was a big week for number 8 George Evans, who played his 200th game for the club and it was a shame he couldn't cap it with a win.
Hartpury are still the stand out team in the division and they notched up a 23-16 over Tynedale which was a great result considering they were depleted by so many Gloucester call-ups. It just goes to show the calibre of player they have and Ealing at home this weekend could be a watershed moment for them.
Lydney lost to Launceston 16-13, falling to a last minute try. They have not won away from home and if they could have nicked a win it could have taken them from the relegation battle.
Old Cents won with Sam Smith, the son of Ian Smith, turning out and he looks a very exciting player.
My weekend was spoiled by Longlevens losing to Southmead, their first defeat of the season and year and a very disappointing one against a side fourth from bottom. They are still top of the table however and will want to get back to winning ways.
Widden Old Boys also beat Old Cryptians in the car-park derby and Spartans beat Westbury and are going well in Gloucester Two following some tough years.
