What a weekend! It was probably the greatest opening weekend of a Six Nations. Ever. Sixteen tries were scored in three games, with stellar performances from newcomers and hardened veterans alike. It was a weekend of tensions, nerves and shocks for all.
Wales v Ireland
It all kicked off in Cardiff, where Wales were host to Ireland for what is becoming a grudge match for the two teams. Wales had won the last three encounters, including the World Cup semi-final, but Ireland were out for revenge.
It was a game of two halves. Ireland stunned Wales from the start, aggressive in attack and unbreakable in defence, thwarting Wales attacking efforts. Jonathan Sexton controlled the game beautifully from fly half, while veteran Brian O’Driscoll showed that he is still a world class player with a magnificent performance. The outside centre drew in the Wales defence before shooting a pass out to young speedster Simon Zebo for Ireland’s first try. Prop Cian Healy also crossed for Ireland in the first half, following a chargedown by hooker Rory Best. Faultless kicking from Sexton gave Ireland a 3-23 lead going into half time, with a penalty from Wales’ fullback Leigh Halfpenny getting the home side on the board.
O’Driscoll crossed for a try of his own at the start of the second half, widening the gap to 3-30. The Welsh started to play. Winger Alex Cuthbert found a gap in the Irish lines and touched down for Wales’ first try, quickly converted by Halfpenny. Halfpenny then crossed for a try of his own, bringing the score to 15-30. All the momentum was with Wales throughout the second half, but the Irish defence held strong, despite spending 20 minutes with only 14 men, Rory Best and Connor Murray both receiving yellow cards. Replacement prop Craig Mitchell forced his way over the line for Wales’ third and final try, leaving the final score at 22-30, Wales’ eighth consecutive loss.
England v Scotland
Many had this game written off as a simple home win before the players even took the field. Scotland had other ideas. England had been lucky to win this encounter last year, though history was on their side: Scotland have failed to win the Calcutta Cup at Twickenham for 30 years.
An early penalty by Owen Farrell put the home side 3-0 up before an excellent break by Scottish fullback Stewart Hogg set winger Sean Maitland up for the first try of the match. Three more penalties saw the home side 9-8 up before Chris Ashton squeezed in for England’s first. Both sides tested each others defences throughout the remainder of the first half, both failing to get a decent foothold in the opponents territory. Two more traded penalties put the half time score at 19-11.
England ramped up the pressure in the second half culminating in a try for young centre Billy Twelvetrees on his debut. Farrell’s excellent game management saw Scotland continuously pinned back in their own half, their frustration leading to penalties which kept England on the attack. Joe Launchbury was denied a try as play was called back for a high tackle. Geoff Parling eventually crossed for England’s third after a great break by Ben Youngs. Scotland failed time and again to make headway from good attacking positions, wasting several lineouts and scrums. Hope seemed to be rekindled after break and kick by Maitland was gathered by Hogg who crossed in the corner. The last word belonged to England with an 80th minute try for replacement scrum half Danny Care, giving the hosts a 38-18 victory.
Italy v France
Italy blew the tournament wide open by handing the French their second defeat in Rome, the first was their 22-21 victory in 2011. The Azzurri captain Sergio Parrisse had said before the match that he believed Italy could do it again, but the French were still firm favourites.
France seemed to lack motivation throughout the game, whilst the Italians were up and ready for the challenge. Luciano Orquera, the Italian number 10, broke out of his own half before sencing Captain Parrisse across the line after five minutes to get his team on the board. Orquera converted it to put the home team 7-0 up. France struck back through number 8 Louis Picamoles, though Michalak missed the conversion, keeping Italy in the lead. Two drop goals from Orquera saw the sitting on a 13-5 lead, before France’s Benjamin Fall scored to put his team 13-15 up at half time.
The big question for the second half was whether Italy would be able to stay close to the French. A long range penalty by Michalak stretched France’s lead to 5 points, and it looked like France might start to pull away. Orquera hadn’t finished yet, and another piece of magic sent prop Martin Castrogiovanni powering over for a second Italian try, which Orquera converted. 20-18, and the Italians sensed another upset coming. Replacement Kris Burton’s drop goal gave them a five point lead, with France needing a converted try for the win. An Italian yellow card in the 79th minute seemed to be the end of the Italian dream, but their solid defence saw them knock the ball into touch, sealing their victory.
Round 2 preview
This weekend sees Scotland hosting Italy, Wales travelling to Paris, and England taking on Ireland in Dublin. All three games promise to be just as entertaining as the first round, and will be broadcast on BBC 1.
Scotland vs Italy, Saturday 14:30
Originally tipped to be the battle for the wooden spoon, this game is make or break for Scotland. Failure to win will almost definitely assure them of the wooden spoon. With the Italians full of confidence following their victory over France, and targeting an unprecedented second straight opening victory, Scotland’s home advantage may not be enough. If both teams play as well as last week, this is set to be a close match. Keep an eye on Scotland’s back line, particularly fullback Stewart Hogg who had a great game against England. For Italy, Luciano Orquera and Sergio Parrisse are the ones who’ll be leading the effort towar
Prediction: Italy by 3-5 points
France vs Wales, Saturday 17:00 GMT
Both teams will be looking to get their championships going when they meet in Paris, following their defeats in round 1, and should be giving it their all as they battle to stay in the running for the top spot. France have the clear advantage of being at home, and Wales may find themselves blown away once more if they start poorly again; they will be looking for only their fourth win on French soil since 1975. Justin Tipuric has a starting place with Sam Warburton out injured, meaning Ryan Jones takes over the captaincy. Theirry Dusautoir has been selected to lead Les Bleus once more following an injury to Pascal Papé.
Prediction: France by 7-10 points
Ireland vs England, Sunday 15:00
In what could now be the Grand Slam decider, Ireland welcome England to Dublin, where the visitors often struggle to do well having not won a competitive match there since 2003. Both teams will be full of confidence of the back of their recent victories, and it is set to be another great test. Ireland will need to maintain full intensity for this, as England will be more punishing than Wales were if they are given the chance. The battle of the centres will be key in this game, with the potential for England’s big man Tuilagi to take on Ireland’s talisman Brian O’Driscoll.
Prediction: England by 7-10 points