Round 4 of the Six Nations - things aren’t quite so simple now
The penultimate Six Nations weekend kicked off in Rome where Scotland, who had earned second place in the table after 3 rounds took on Italy. Pundits who thought Scotland might have a scrap on their hands were right and the game was full of speed and attacking flair from both sides. Even so, Scotland looked firmly in command by half-time leading 22 pts to 10. Scotland also scored in the 1st minute of H2 only to see it disallowed and Italy in the form of debutant Louis Linagh (son of the legendary Australian Michael Linagh) scored a peach of a try - Italy’s second from a grubber kick. At minute 56, Italy went ahead and never looked back, despite a 77th minute try from the visitors. Final score Italy 31 - Scotland 29; Italy ecstatic at beating an in-form Scottish side in front of their deserving and ardent fans, and Scotland earning what may be 2 precious bonus points despite the loss.
England hosted Ireland at Twickenham in what is always one of the most anticipated contests. On this occasion, Ireland have been playing flawless rugby and many an England fan might have been wondering what sort of beating would be administered by the men in green. England with a new-look, more attacking side played with exuberance and without fear, and despite an early try from Lawrence found themselves down 8 - 12 at HT. Low stretched Ireland’s lead with a try just after the break but a Furbank try at minute 47 kept England in touch. Earl took England into the lead with another try only to see Low score again to push Ireland up by 2. Ireland held on under a huge push from England until the last minute of the game when replacement 10, Marcus Smith scored a drop goal from in front of the posts. England win 23-22, ending Ireland’s hopes of a repeat Grand Slam but whose 1 losing bonus point keeps them well in charge of the table.
Sunday’s game saw Wales host France in Cardiff. Both sides have had a tough Six Nations thus far and would redemption be at hand? Not for the Welsh despite a resolute 1H which saw them attack and defend hard against a sometimes confused French team. At HT the score was 17-20 so there was everything to play for and the score continued to ebb and flow until the 65th minute. Then, whatever they prefer for a half-time snack kicked in and they just took off. Gone were the nerves and errors of rounds 1-3 and they ran in another 3 tries in the last 15 minutes. Final score Wales 24 - France 45; no BPs for Wales but a welcome 5 points for France.
The table as of Round 4 is: 1) Ireland 16 pts; 2) England 12; 3) Scotland 11; 4) France 11; 5) Italy 7; 6) Wales 3.
So everything comes down to Saturday, March 16 when all 3 final matches are played consecutively. WAL play ITA in Cardiff for the wooden spoon, followed by IRE at home to SCO, and FRA hosting ENG. Of the top 4 teams, if IRE beat SCO, the Six Nations silverware is theirs. ENG win if they beat FRA with a bonus point and IRE lose without a bonus point. SCO can win the whole thing by beating IRE by more than 76 points and ENG lose to FRA. If SCO beat the Irish by 76 points or more, the French would need to beat ENG by that margin plus 1 to take the trophy as they are tied on poInts and point difference with SCO right now. Got it?