
England 16-14 Wales
by David Nicholson
at Twickenham
A NARROW England home victory over Wales was noteworthy more for Hollie Davidson becoming the first female member of an officiating team for a men’s Six Nations game than the match itself.
Both sides are rebuilding and it takes a while for systems to work, but basic skills are non-negotiable and the game was littered by ill-discipline and mistakes.
New Zealand referee James Doleman added to the confusion with poor decision-making, especially at the scrum where he continually allowed the scrum to be reset.

DAVID NICHOLSON recommends a dazzling production of Bernstein’s opera set in a world where chaos and violence are greeted by equanimity

DAVID NICHOLSON is thrilled – and shocked – by an opera that seethes and sizzles with passion and the depraved use of power