Six Nations: Blood, Sweat and Tears – Tilly J
The Six Nations has yet again provided an entertaining week, with a flare of drama and hints of historic rivalries. We saw England battle Scotland in the Calcutta Cup, France against Italy for the Guiseppe Garibaldi trophy and Ireland versus Wales.
Scotland vs England, Murrayfield in Edinburgh :
Scotland claimed a fourth successive Calcutta Cup victory with a 30-21 win over England at Murrayfield, the last time they did this was in 1896. The visitors has started strongly and cut through the Scottish defence to put George Furbank over for a try in the 5th minute (his first international try). Duhan Van der Merwe hit back for Scotland with a brace of tries in the sapce of 10 minutes to push the home side into a 17-13 half-time lead. After the break, Van der Merwe quickly completed his hat-trivk when he ran onto a crossfield kick from Finn Russell to score in the corner. England’s replacement wing Feyi-Waboso scored a try in the 67th minutes to give England hope, but Sotland held firm for another victory. This match was certainly a bloody one with Scotland’s Cameron Redpath being subbed off for a blood injury after his nose came into contact with Will Stuart, although he returned with tissue stuck up his nose.
Italy vs France, Declathon Arena in Lille:
Italy held a 14-man France to a thrilling 13-13 draw at the Declathon Arena in Lille. French captain Charles Ollivon scored a try in the 7th minute as the home side started strongly. Italy were under huge amounts of pressure throughout the first half, but only trailed 10-3 at half-time. The visitor’s score resulted from a dangerous tackle that saw Jonathan Danty red-carded following a bunker review. After the break, Thomas Ramos and Paolo Garbisi traded penalty kicks as errors from both teams continued to fustrate promising attacks. The match came alive in the 70th minute when Ange Cappuozzo scored a try and Garbisi added the extras to bring Italy level. A frantic final 10 minutes ensued that both teams went in search of a winning score. Italy were awarded a last-minute penalty, but as Garbisi stepped up to take the kick, the ball fell of its tee. His rushed kick the struck a post and the match ended with the draw. The Italian dream was crushed and many tears were shed as this could have proven that Italy doesn’t deserve the wooden spoon.
Ireland vs Wales, Aviva Stadium:
Ireland scored four tries as they secured a 31-7 bonus-point victory over Wales in Dublin. The Welsh defence was heavily tested in a difficult first half for the visitors, which saw Dan Sheehan and James Lowe both cross for tries. Jack Crowley added the extras to give Ireland a commanding 17-0 half-time lead. Wales started the second half strongly and were awarded a penalty try after Tadhg Beirne illegally brought down a maul. The home side were forced to defend as Wales built some momentum, but ultimately failed to find a second try. After soaking up the pressure, Ireland scored a third try with Ciaran Frawley going under the posts in the 67th minute. Tadhg Beirne added a late try to wrap up a bonus-point win for Ireland. A selection of match reports is listed below:
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