Round 3 of the Six Nations Tournament 2024
After a week off, the premier Northern Hemisphere rugby tournament was back on display with 3 tough matches that confirmed expectations, disappointed some fans and concluded with a big, welcome surprise.
First off was a visit by Wales (0-2) to Dublin to play the ascendant Irish (2-0). Given the spotty Welsh performance of late (a tremendous comeback in Round 1 against Scotland only to lose by a point and a 2-pt loss to England) there was hope for a good display if not a win. However, down 17-0 at HT, Wales were never really in it and lost 31-7. A bright spot was the Wales defense which at times looked impenetrable but the score tells the whole story. Ireland now have 3 bonus point wins and look very tough to beatt.
England traveled to Edinburgh hoping to change the recent run of losses against Scotland (last 3 meetings) and for the first few minutes looked great. Scotland obliged by being disjointed and careless in H1 (0-10) but were more committed in H2. Careless play from England and a few favorable bounces saw the Scots pull ahead with Russell looking cool, calm and collected at 10 and wing Duhan van der Meuwe scoring a hat trick. A bonus point win for Scotland (30-21) revitalizes their 2024 campaign and England have more thinking to do.
On Sunday, Italy (0-2) went to Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille to take on the hitherto disappointing French (1-1). In a low-scoring match the French looked well in control until the last minute of H1 when center Jonathan Danty was red- carded for a dangerous tackle. The ensuing penalty saw Italy down just 10-3 at the break. In H2, Italy were behind until the 70th minute when a try took them to 13-13 and a last-minute penalty gave them a chance to win for the first time in France. But the makeable kick clanged off the upright - 13-13 final score.
Ireland stand alone at the top of the table after 3 games with 15 points and an 81 point differential. Scotland are 2nd, with 9 pts (7 pd); England 3rd with 8 pts (-4); France 4th with 6 pts (-17); Wales 5th with 3 pts (-27); and Italy 6th on 3 pts (-39).
Next up: Saturday, March 9 sees Italy host Scotland in Rome and England host Ireland at Twickenham. Sunday, March 10 Wales host France in Cardiff.