The Six Nations has been blown wide open after this weekend’s results with France remaining the only side on course to win the Grand Slam as Wales and England both kickstarted their campaigns with victories.
Centurion Dan Biggar inspires Wales to win over Scotland
Wales bounced back in Cardiff as they won 20-17 over Scotland, largely thanks to captain Dan Biggar scoring 15 points on his 100th international cap.
His decision to go for a late drop-goal instead of trying to force a try, despite Scotland’s Finn Russell being in the sin bin, proved to be the correct call – eventually leading them to victory.
The first half finished level 14-14, after some brilliant work by winger Darcy Graham put the travelling Scots ahead before prop Tomas Francis bundled the ball over the line for the Welsh. Russell and Biggar’s penalties cancelled each other out as the game became more and more gruelling for the defences.
A try-less second half epitomised the tough nature of this contest, in front of a capacity Principality Stadium. A converted penalty each put the match at a stalemate before Russell was deemed to have deliberately knocked the ball on, thus remaining off the field until the 78th minute.
By then, however, Biggar had already put Wayne Pivac’s side in the lead and some brilliant defensive work helped Wales secure their first victory of this year’s tournament.
Gregor Townsend’s side will be disappointed that they couldn’t back up last week’s Calcutta Cup win over England as they lost for the 11th consecutive time in Cardiff.
France beat Ireland in Paris thriller
France beat Ireland 30-24 in a mesmerising clash in Paris, with the hosts now becoming clear favourites for the trophy.
A blistering start by Fabien Galthie’s side saw Antoine Dupont score with barely a minute gone; Melvyn Jaminet then converted a penalty to put them 10-0 up.
Ireland looked shocked, having not lost in 10 games. They immediately responded from the restart as wing Mack Hansen got on the end of Joey Carbery’s kick to put them on the board.
But Andy Farrell’s ill-disciplined defence enabled Jaminet to convert three penalties as they went in 19-7 at half-time.
Another converted penalty seemingly ended any hope of a fightback, but this was not the case. Fifteen points down, Ireland began to mount a comeback as Josh van der Flier and Jamison Gibson-Park both scored.
A Cyril Baille try was then countered by Carbery’s boot as Ireland went within three points of France until a sixth penalty was converted by Jaminet. France remain the only side yet to lose as they travel to Scotland next.
England cruise to bonus-point win in Italy
England responded to last week’s defeat in Scotland as they dominated Italy in a 33-0 bonus-point demolition in Rome.
Fly-half Marcus Smith showed just why he is one of the most promising talents in world rugby as he dictated the play for Eddie Jones’ team.
Smith and a Jamie George double saw England romp to a significant half time lead with some dazzling attacking rugby on display.
Although England’s second half was played at a much lower intensity, Elliot Daly and Kyle Sinckler both scored to put their side up to second in the table.
England fans will be excited about a potential winner-takes-all encounter in Paris on the last weekend of action but tough tests against Wales and Ireland at Twickenham await.
