England scraped previous Italy, whereas Scotland edged Wales.
Ireland launched their bid for successive Grand Slams with a formidable triumph away to France, sparking an thrilling first spherical of Six Nations motion as England edged out Italy and Scotland survived an exciting fightback by Wales to finish a protracted look ahead to a win in Cardiff.
AFP Sport appears to be like at among the key talking factors that emerged from the opening weekend and their implications for the remainder of the Championship.
Crowley a worthy successor to Sexton
Ireland have been unable to depend on Johnny Sexton to dictate play following the veteran flyhalf’s worldwide retirement, however a hostile environment in Marseille didn’t faze his inheritor to the No 10 inexperienced shirt, Jack Crowley.
Crowley had a comparatively simple experience behind a dominant pack, who benefitted from the Thirty second-minute sending-off of France lock Paul Willemse however displayed a coolness that bodes effectively for Ireland’s prospects.
The Munster stand-off transformed all 5 tries, and kicked a penalty, as Ireland gained 38-17 in a match billed because the World Cup last that ought to have been, after each groups suffered agonising elimination on the quarter-final stage.
“It wasn’t all singing, all dancing. But we were pretty ruthless when we needed to be,” stated Ireland coach Andy Farrell.
England a piece in progress
England boss Steve Borthwick stated his facet have lots to work on for his or her upcoming conflict with Wales at Twickenham after being taken all the way in which by Italy in Saturday’s tight 27-24 win in Rome.
Three factors is England’s narrowest margin of victory of their 31 consecutive wins over Italy. An inexperienced group with a number of latest faces have been left with meals for thought as they attempt to win the Six Nations for the primary time since 2020.
England, with Jamie George making his debut as captain within the absence of the influential Owen Farrell, have been at occasions sloppy in defence and uncovered by some flamboyant Italian ball dealing with.
Italy now have the daunting process of taking part in Ireland in Dublin, however their efficiency towards England advised they might finish their depressing run of eight consecutive wood spoons within the Six Nations.
Paying the penalty
Red playing cards arising from World Rugby’s crackdown on head-high contact have sparked a lot debate inside the recreation. But Scotland’s beautiful 27-26 win over Wales — their first victory in Cardiff in 22 years — was a reminder of how lesser infringements can change the course of a match.
Scotland have been cruising at 27-0 forward early within the second half earlier than they have been left floundering by the yellow playing cards for George Turner and Sione Tuipulotu.
The penalty conceded by Wales wing Josh Adams when he threw the ball away to forestall a fast Scotland line-out, which Dark Blues skipper Finn Russell punished, was a unnecessary offence.
“The Josh Adams one (penalty) was dumb,” fumed Wales coach Warren Gatland. “What’s the difference in the game? It’s Josh Adams throwing the ball over the touchline and being penalised for three points.”
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