The penultimate week of the Six Nations didn’t disappoint. Once again TIBS News picks out three standout players from the weekend’s action.
Wales 9-13 France – Anthony Jelonch (France)
A resilient French side edged pasted Wales in Cardiff 13-9 as Les Bleus are on the brink of their first Grand Slam since 2010.
Flanker Anthony Jelonch scored the only try of the game in this thrilling encounter after some quick hands from the away side. Even though this was a pivotal moment in the contest, it wasn’t Jelonch’s only major involvement in the game. He was one of the standout players in the Les Bleus defence which kept Wayne Pivac’s side at bay.
The flanker produced a defensive display which France’s defence coach Shaun Edwards would be proud of. He made an impressive 12 tackles and didn’t let any Welsh players wriggle past him in all these take downs. He also had a lot of ball in hand as he had eight runs during the match.
However, the Toulouse man was one part of an excellent display from the whole French team who have one had on the Grand Slam.
Italy 22-33 Scotland – Ali Price (Scotland)
Scotland went back to winning ways as they beat Italy in Rome 33-22 in a high-scoring contest. Chris Harris scored twice in the Italian capital but it was Ali Price who really shone for Gregor Townsend’s men.
The scrum-half was the provider on several occasions in this encounter as he helped the Scottish side run riot in their penultimate match of this year’s Six Nations. He was vital in the first try of the match as he was part of a flowing move which saw the away fans cheer their sides first time. He intercepted an Italian pass five meters from his own try line to then set up Harris for Scotland second try.
His kicking from the breakdowns and mauls were expectational through the game too. He also assisted Stuart Hogg in the second half to complete a perfect individual performance from the Glasgow Warriors man.
England 15-32 Ireland – James Lowe (Ireland)
Ireland hung on to any chance of a Six Nations title as they outclassed a 14-man England side 32-15 in a bonus-victory at Twickenham. England had a catastrophic start as Lock Charlie Ewels got sent off for a dangerous tackle after 82 seconds when he smashed heads with James Ryan.
Winger James Lowe, who has been immense since his making his debut for Ireland in November 2020, raced over after five minutes on the clock to produce another impressive performance. He made an astonishing 209 meters in 13 carries while he exploited holes in the English defence. He won turnovers and was at the breakdown causing a nuance for his opposite number.
However, there must be a special mention of Ellis Genge and Jamie George who were phenomenal in the scrum and won penalties for England in vital areas of the pitch.
By Jack Bunclark
