The Six Nations continued where it left off from the opening weekend, with more cracking matches taking place in week two. TIBS News takes a look at three individuals who stood out during those fixtures…
Wales 20-17 Scotland – Dan Biggar (Wales)
Stand-in captain Dan Biggar made the difference as Wales edged past a resilient Scotland side to record a 20-17 win in Cardiff.
The game was won from the boot of the fly-half as each side cancelled their opponents out while scoring a try a piece.
Biggar, who made his 100th international appearance for his country, dictated play and scored 15 points as he led the hosts to their first win of the tournament this year. The fly-half scored the decisive three points with a drop kick in the 70th minute to clinch victory for the home side.
It wasn’t just his point-scoring that made him shine in this fixture, as his decision making was expectational. The 32-year-old opted to boot into touch instead of kicking towards the posts during the first half which was crucial for their win. The line-out that followed led to the only try for Wayne Pivac’s side as prop Thomas Francis crashed over from the maul.
Biggar really showed his class and experience on his landmark day to get Wales back into the mix of winning the Six Nations.
France 30-24 Ireland – Gregory Alldritt (France)
With each side claiming bonus-point victories in the first round of the competition, this game went down to the wire as the potential title decider. It was Les Bleus that came out on top in an extraordinary high-intensity battle as Fabien Galthie’s men are now the only side who can achieve the Grand Slam.
French number eight Gregory Alldritt was instrumental for the home side as he completed all nine of his tackles to keep an impressive Irish side from winning the game.
He was just as fundamental going forward as he got on the ball over half a dozen times, making 30 meters for his efforts. His attacking and defensive display was a vital factor in the hosts’ win in Paris.
Italy 0-33 England – Marcus Smith (England)
Marcus Smith is living up to his hype as the 22-year-old orchestrated play from fly-half in Rome.
England needed to put in a massive performance as they looked to bounce back from their disappointing defeat by Scotland last time out.
Smith was superb in Edinburgh in round one but took it to the next level as he scored a brilliant try to get England on their way. He played a brilliant one-two with winger Max Malins to touch down within the first 10 minutes of the game. The No 10 also turned provider as he fizzed a pass to centre Elliot Daly who scored the opening try of the second half.
Smith beat six defenders against Italy – which is the most for an English player in the Six Nations since a certain Johnny Wilkinson in 2002 against Ireland.
As well as his running ability, he causes real problems from the boot too. His pinpoint accuracy to break the gainline and dart towards the heart of the opponent’s defence is a joy to behold.
By Jack Bunclark
