6N: A record breaking weekend… -Tilly J

6N: A record breaking weekend… -Tilly J

In the dynamic world of rugby, where passion collides with strategy and strength meets skill, there are moments that etch themselves into the books of sporting history. This past weekend in the Six Nations Championship stands as a testament to the exhilarating unpredictability and unparalleled excitement that defines the sport. From epic showdowns on the field to jaw-dropping performances by athletes at the peak of their game, the weekend unfolded as a symphony of athleticism, determination, and sheer willpower.

England vs Ireland:

England defeated Ireland 23-22 in a dramatic contest at Twickenham to keep the Championship alive and sink Ireland’s Grand Slam bid. England made a confident start with Ollie Lawrence scoring a try in the fourth minute. Somewhat against the run of play, Ireland were leading 12-8 at half-time thanks to four penalty kicks from Jack Crowley. After the break, James Lowe was quick to extend Ireland’s lead when he dived into the corner to score a try. George Furbank replied with a try for England just a few minutes later. The home side retook the lead on the hour mark when Ben Earl stretched over the line for a try. But James Lowe got a second try in the 73rd minute to swing the contest back in favour of the visitors. With the clock into overtime, Marcus Smith kicked a last-gasp drop-goal to win the match for England.

Scotland vs Italy:

Italy fought back to beat Scotland 31-29 in front of a sell-out crowd at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The Scots made a confident start scoring three first-half tries through Zander Fagerson, Kyle Steyn and Pierre Schoeman. But the home side stayed in touch with a try from Juan Ignacio Brex, plus penalty kicks from Paolo Garbisi and Martin Page-Relo, to trail 22-16 at the break. Louis Lynagh got a try for Italy early in the second half to bring the hosts within a single point. Italy then took the lead just before the hour mark when replacement Stephen Varney squeezed over the line. Garbisi converted a third penalty kick to extend Italy’s lead as the match entered the final 10 minutes. Sam Skinner gave Scotland hope in the 78th minute when he scored under the posts and Finn Russell quickly converted. The visitors pushed hard for a match-winning score, but Italy held firm for a rare Six Nations victory.

France vs Wales:

Rugby Union – Six Nations Championship – Wales v France – Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Britain – March 10, 2024 France’s Maxime Lucu scores their fifth try Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

France powered their way to a 45-24 bonus-point victory over Wales in Cardiff. A fast-paced and entertaining first-half ended 20-17 in the visitors’ favour, with both teams scoring two tries apiece. Rio Dyer and Tomos Williams scored tries for Wales, whilst Gael Fickou and Nolann Le Garrec replied for France. After the break, Joe Roberts scrambled over the line to regain the lead for Wales. But tries from Georges-Henri Colombe and Romain Taofifenua in the final quarter pushed France into a 13-point lead with 10 minutes remaining. Maxime Lucu got a fifth try for France in the final moments to wrap up a comfortable win.