Six Nations: Week One Roundup
February rolled in and so did the Guinness Six Nations for the 2023 competition, juxtaposed to the wintry weather this year’s contest looked to shape up as nothing short of infernal. Ireland currently sit at number one on the world rankings, while reigning champions France look to build on their commanding performance last year and elongate an impressive 13-game unbeaten run.
However, with Scotland (City Live’s favoured nation, of course) being in form following some serious confidence-building during the autumn nations, could there be a twist in the tale this year? With the stage firmly set, it feels as if the only certainty was that this year’s Six Nations would not disappoint.
Wales 10 - 34 Ireland
Ranked number one in the world, Ireland were favourites coming into this clash in Cardiff. Their clear confidence combined with a poor start from the Welsh led to Ireland scoring an impressive three tries (Doris, Ryan and Lowe) before the 20th minute had surpassed. Accuracy and poor discipline plagued Wales with Williams scoring a consolation try for the spluttering dragons before being sent to the sin bin on the 66thminute. Van der Flier drove the final nail into the coffin, scoring the bonus point try for Ireland and sealing a victory which was solidified in the first half. Ireland were dominant throughout, a showing of force which will have many nations finding a trip to Dublin daunting.
Wales seem to be in big trouble on the pitch and there has been turmoil off the pitch too with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) shrouded in a sexism scandal. Warren Gatland’s return as head coach was heralded as a new dawn as Wales looked to hark back to the glory of his previous tenure. However, it’s clear from the first fixture that this Six Nations might be a harder watch for their fans than first thought.
England 23 - 29 Scotland
The Calcutta Cup is one of the most passionately contested trophies in sport. Battles of gigantic proportions are waged as Scotland and England ‘The Auld Enemy’ compete. Almost overshadowing any competition campaigns, this is the game that is always seen to really matter. Coming into this fixture, Scotland were riding high from a boosting autumn test series, finding form against tough opponents. England have been in poor form (their worst since 2008) and have new coach, Steve Borthwick trying to steady the ship following Eddie Jones’ departure.
Scotland had a swagger we haven’t seen from them for a long time with confidence shining out of the whole squad. England heavily focused on marking Finn Russell, which opened space for opportunities which were taken in a clinical fashion. England were impressive when producing quick ball from the rucks, especially in the opening of both halves and with development they could be back to great form. Scotland absorbed any pressure and had some real moments of magic, none as spectacular as that try from Duhan Van Der Merwe…
Replacements played a big role in seeing out of the game, England’s to detrimental effect, as Genge and Dombrandt were a huge loss and shows a possible stamina issue within the squad. On the other hand, Scotland’s replacements made a massive impact, Kinghorn did a sublime job of filling in for Hogg after he took a knock and showed that there is impressive depth and character within the squad.
A thrilling game until the end, Scotland showed previously missing composure and critically sealed out the game with a try from Man of The Match, Duhan Van der Merwe. This will be another boost for the thistle clad Scotsmen, who host the despondent Wales at Murrayfield next week and secured their first ever back-to-back wins at Twickenham.
Whereas, England have a lot to work on but seem to be reinvigorated under their new head coach.
Italy 24 - 29 France
The reigning champions, France, got off to a shakier start than was prophesised for them when facing a defiant Italy. Opening with mistakes from the Italians, the stage seemed set for the romp the French had hoped for – tries flowing from some spectacular crossfield kicks from Dupont and Ntamack after Flament’s charged-down opener.
Italy were valiant, however, and went into half time riding high on a try from talisman Capuozzo and a penalty which was sent through the posts after the clock went red. At 14-22 the second half was poised to be a fitting end to a riveting opening weekend for this years’ competition.
Italy entered the second half in the form they left the first. A penalty try was given following France’s Ollivan collapsing the maul from Italy’s lineout and receiving a yellow card for his efforts. With a further seven points on the board, the Gli Azzurri were within a point of France.
With another penalty successfully kicked by Allan for Italy, the pressure was on for France. They responded, courtesy of replacement Jalibert whose quick feet saw him dart over the line to help regain the lead. Italy fought bravely until the last minute, but France rescued a victory from the jaws of defeat, to avoid a shock loss at the start of their defence campaign.
Next week’s fixtures:
Saturday (11/2/23):
Ireland v France (14:15)
Scotland v Wales (16:45)
Sunday (12/2/23):
England v Italy (15:00)