Once again France appeared to be a cut above the rest of the Six Nations competition as they won in Scotland. England spluttered to victory and Ireland ran riot against Italy.
France put on a clinic at Scotland
France ran rampant at BT Murrayfield in a 36-17 bonus-point win that sees them remain on course for the Grand Slam and finish Six Nation champions for the first time in 12 years.
Fabien Galthie’s side were dominant from the start as Antoine Dupont’s pace and power enabled the French to gain huge yards as the ball found Paul Willemse who went over.
After some scintillating rugby, Yoram Moefana scored to put his team in charge with only 13 minutes on the clock.
Gregor Townsend’s side responded well and their pressure eventually paid off as a penalty was awarded just short of France’s try line. The pack pushed and heaved, enabling Rory Darge to cross.
With the score at 12-10 in France’s favour, Scotland missed crucial chances to take the lead. France capitalised on these mistakes as Gael Fickou scored before half-time.
Galthie’s side soaked up a lot of Scottish possession with ease and they countered once again. Mugging Ali Price and moving up field, Jonathan Danty scored. Damian Penaud also went over shortly after as France accelerated to a 31-10 lead.
The creativeness and speed of France’s attack was too much again as a pinpoint cross-field kick by the dazzling Romain Ntamack found Penaud again. Duhan van der Merwe scored a consolation try in the dying embers of the game to restore some pride.
France play Wales next and won’t fear anyone, especially after this performance at Murrayfield.
England’s enjoy scrappy win over Wales
England’s 23-19 win over Wales means they are the only side who remain within reasonable distance of France.
In a scrappy affair, Wales almost mounted a spectacular comeback but a dominant first half ensured Eddie Jones’ team ran out victors.
Marcus Smith’s boot delivered once again as four converted penalties saw the home side go 12-0 up at Twickenham.
Despite Wales’ solid defence, having been forced to play with 14 men following a Liam Williams sin bin, all the hard work was undone three minutes into the restart as a poor line-out from hooker Ryan Elis found Alex Dombart who stretched the ball over the try line.
Seventeen-nil down, Wales began their comeback as a brilliant pass from Tomos Williams found wing Josh Adams. Nick Tompkins danced his way over shortly after as the score reached 17-12.
Poor discipline meant Smith’s boot could give his side a comfortable lead until Kieran Hardy’s quick tap and go in the dying embers put the game at 23-19.
A nervy England eventually won the ball back through Maro Itoje enabling Ben Youngs, on a record-breaking 115th cap, to boot the ball into touch.
Ireland demolish depleted Italy
Ireland ran rampant in Dublin beating 12-men Italy 57-6 in Dublin.
Looking to avoid their 100th tournament defeat, Italy’s problems began midway through the first half as hooker Hame Faira was sent off for making contact on Dan Sheenan’s head. Having not named another hooker on the bench, this led to an uncontested scrum thus meaning Italy had to nominate another player to leave the field. Toa Halafili left the field and Ireland cruised past the Azzuri.
Debutant Michael Lowry scored twice as well as James Lowe. Tries for Joey Carbery, Jamison Gibson-Park, Ryan Baird, Kieran Treadwell and Peter O’Mahony meant a nine-try victory for Andy Farrell’s side.
