England’s hopes of a Grand Slam Six Nations title were shattered on the opening weekend as they lost 6-11 to Scotland at Twickenham.
On a bleak and gloomy night in London, the home side’s performance mirrored the weather.
Scotland fought hard for the whole 80 minutes and deserved their win. In fact, this was the first time in 38 years that the Scots had won away to England.
An ill-disciplined England performance saw Finn Russell kick Gregor Townsend’s side ahead after the hosts gave away five penalties early on.
Eddie Jones’ tactics were dull to watch, with their constant kicking game being ineffective.
Debutant Cameron Redpath – who turned down England for Scotland – dominated as British and Lions coach Warren Gatland watched on.
The Scottish players have done no harm in their quest for a place on the Lions tour. The same cannot be said for the players in white with Jonny May and Anthony Watson having off days.
Frustration spread throughout the starting 15 and led to a Billy Vunipola sin bin after referee Andrew Brace became tired of the constant penalties.
Although Scotland’s try was squeezed over the line by Duhan van der Merwe, the build-up epitomised their team performance with Russell and captain Stuart Hogg playing important roles.
The passion from the away team bench made as much noise as a packed Twickenham would’ve done.
Despite a Russell yellow in the second-half any sign of an England comeback never occurred as replacements, including George Ford, couldn’t get a foothold in the game.
The only positive Jones can take is that England also lost their opening game of last season’s tournament and still went on to win it.
Scotland were tipped by many as dark horses for the title and with three home games left out of four, they could shock the rugby world.
Elsewhere, Wales defeated 14-man Ireland 21-16 in a tense opening game.
Peter O’Mahony’s inexcusable 14th-minute red card meant he is the first Irishman to be sent off in a Six Nations match following an elbow to the head of Welsh prop Tomas Francis.
To their credit, Andy Farrell’s side impressed in the first half and went into the break 13-6 up thanks to a Tadhg Beirne try and Johnny Sexton’s reliable kicking.
Wales imposed their man advantage in the second half as tries from George North and Louis Rees Zammit helped them regain control.
The experienced stalwart Leigh Halfpenny scored 11 points which helped seal the win.
This was a much-needed win for head coach Wayne Pivac whilst Farrell still has yet to win away from home.
Although no fans were allowed in, normality was shown in the first game of the weekend as Italy lost 10-50 to France.
Antoine Dupont controlled the game as the whipping boys, once again, look destined for the wooden spoon.
Italy did begin the game with their usual flair but unfortunately had no cutting edge as France regained composure to dominate the tie.
The heavily tipped France never stopped scoring after Dylan Cretin’s opening try.
Scrum-half Dupont played a key role in all seven tries as the Azzuri slumped to their 28th consecutive Six Nations defeat.
Further tries for Gael Fickou, Arthur Vincent, Brice Dulin, Antione Dupont and two from Teddy Thomas placed the French top after week one.
This opening week has seen upsets, anguish and explosive rugby which is sure to continue throughout the tournament.
