The halfway point of the Six Nations didn’t disappoint with tries aplenty across week three. As a result, TIBS News takes a look at three individuals who stood out during those fixtures…
Scotland 17-36 France – Antoine Dupont (France)
France brushed Scotland aside 36-17 in Edinburgh as they continued their stride towards their first Six Nations title and Grand Slam since 2010. Les Bleus scrum half Antoine Dupont was the key man for the away side as he inspired from the off.
The Rugby World Player of the Year for 2021 was expectational all match and set up France’s first try of the contest as he eluded Gregor Townsend’s men with a mazy run as he breezed past several defenders.
He continuously put the home side under pressure with his accurate kicking and his ability of breaking the game line too. He made an impressive 64 meters and made a staggering 13 tackles which is unheard of for a scrum-half. His standout tackle came on his opposite number Ali Price as he smashed him backwards into the hallow turf of Murrayfield.
Can the Toulouse number nine be the driving force for France claiming the Grand Slam this campaign?
England 23-19 Wales – Alex Dombrandt – (England)
England edged out a close encounter against Wales 23-19 at Twickenham as they keep their own title hopes alive. Alex Dombrandt put in an impressive performance as he repaid England head coach Eddie Jones for putting his faith in him.
There has been much speculation in who should start at number eight for England as Sam Simmonds was knocking on the door for a start. The Exeter Chiefs man has many different attributes to his game, compared to the Harlequins powerhouse, with his pace and try scoring.
However, Dombrandt was sensational as he made vital yards in a tight contest and got the first try of the match as he latched on to a loose Wales lineout. He stretched for the try-line, keeping control of the ball as two Welsh defenders pounced onto him but was still able to touch down.
He had a lot of ball in hand as he made 16 runs gaining 61 meters in that time. He played his part in defence as he made 12 tackles to keep a dangerous Wales side scoring anymore tries to turn the game on its head.
Ireland 57-6 Italy – Michael Lowry (Ireland)
Andy Farrell’s side kept the pressure on France as they thrashed 13-man Italy in Dublin 57-6.
The away side were reduced to 14 men when replacement hooker Hame Faiva was sent off. They were then deduced to 13 as a result of an uncontested scrum as they didn’t have enough forwards on the pitch. Italy had to swap a back with a forward and then had to take someone else off as a punishment.
Ireland took full advantage of that and scored nine tries past a helpless Italian side as full-back Michael Lowry shone on his first appearance for his country. The debutant was full of confidence and beat his man one-on-one to score his first points for Ireland after some quick feet by the touchline.
He scored again to ensure it was the perfect individual performance for his first game in the iconic green shirt. It wasn’t his try scoring that lit up the Aviva Stadium as he always looked at threatening the Italian defence and made a total of 80 meters on Sunday afternoon.
By Jack Bunclark
