Six Nations Round Four: France Remain on Track
Wales (9) vs. France (13) – At the Cardiff Stadium, Wales
Although Wales did their best and gave the French a bloody nose at the start with three converted penalties. The French defence was too much and blocked many attempts made by the Welsh forwards. With counter penalties made by French kicker Jaminet, the only try of the game was made by the French winger Jelonch.
Wales suffered more injury woes when, Tomos Williams suffered a noticeable head injury and with the head injury he suffered against England thirteen days ago, it is possible he has a concussion.
The last twenty minutes saw end to end play with high kicks and rushes to each other’s try lines, however the French defence stayed solid and strong to hold on to victory, as well as their grand slam hopes.
Scotland (33) vs. Italy (22) – At the Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Ali Price played a terrific game for Scotland against Italy this week, and although Scotland’s Six Nations campaign is all but over they stormed ahead in the second half to pick up the victory in Rome.
Despite being slow to start, the travelling Scots took a nine-point lead at the end of the first half. Darcy Graham and Stuart Hogg gave Scottish fans something to cheer about with tries. However, Ange Capuozzo provided home consolation by scoring twice in the closing stages.
Scotland have two wins out of four in the competition and face Ireland next week. Italy have lost their thirty sixth match in a row, and have a stern test against Wales next week to prepare for.
England (15) – Ireland (32) – At the Twickenham Stadium, England
The game to watch this week as both sides are vying for second place in the competition, and were willing to show it.
Disaster struck for England in the second minute as Charlie Ewels was sent off for a dangerous tackle, leaving England to play the other seventy-eight minutes with fourteen men.
Despite England’s brave efforts tried to match Ireland during the game, being a man down reared its head as England began to tire, allowing the Irish to hold on for victory.
The weekend’s fixtures proved to excite spectators, with a few unlucky breaks for some teams. England going one down after two minutes really did not help their cause in trying to gain the runners up spot, and with France playing them next week, they may surprise everyone and dash Frances dreams of a Grand slam.
The French played an excellent game and the defence broke down the Welsh, however with another injury they need to hold on if they are to take any thing from this competition. With the Welsh playing Italy it looks like Wales may gain a win needed for them to secure forth position.
Scotland have been repeating the same mistakes over and over again. With their defence not performing and leaving gaps, they can thank Italy for stopping Scotland from finishing last. The Italians have got to prove their worth in this competition, with rumors that Georgia and South Africa want to be in the six nations. Italy have to improve and do it quickly.