Rugby Union: I FEAR FOR SICK NATIONS

THE Six Nations is in serious trouble.

Look beyond the hype surrounding England v France, the pin-up spreads of Jonny Wilkinson and the wall-to-wall TV coverage on match days and you will see a tournament with big problems - problems that scare me to death.

It used to be the greatest rugby event in the world, envied wherever the game was played.

But it's the competition element that's gone missing. England and France are so far ahead of the rest it's become unhealthy competition. The Six Nations is in danger of becoming the sick nations.

The 2002 victory by England over Wales at Twickenham was one of the most depressing games I have ever witnessed. It wasn't just the defeat - I expected that - it was the complete lack of atmosphere. Everyone inside Twickenham knew what the result would be. The only question was over the winning margin.

In the end it finished 50-10, but it was the reaction of the English fans that left me dumbstruck. There were no noisy celebrations. It was as if they had beaten Italy or Tonga. When the final whistle blew, there were no clenched fist salutes or English arms raised aloft. It was just another day at the office.

England moved past Wales more than a decade ago and they have been getting further ahead ever since. The fixture is becoming a foregone conclusion.

Perhaps it was a foregone conclusion in Wales's favour in the 1970s, but the implications for what was then the Five Nations were less serious. Back then, alternatives were simply not on offer.

Now big business, more air links and the growth in broadcasting and sponsorship means things can no longer be taken for granted. Scotland's decline has been as bad as Wales's and Italy continue to struggle. Ireland are just about holding on.

The tournament has not yet become a two-horse race, but it is going that way. The more predictable it becomes, the less appeal to sponsors and broadcasters.

My big worry is that England will soon get a better offer to play the Tri-Nations countries. For TV companies an annual tournament featuring New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and England would be very appealing. If the French went, too that would leave Wales, Ireland and Scotland in a real mess.Adapted by David Williams from Phil Bennett: The Autobiography (HarperCollins, pounds 18.99) 2003 Phil Bennett. To order copies of the book at the special price of pounds 16.99 with postage and packing free, phone 0870 900 2050 quoting reference 837Q.

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