Round 5 Six Nations - Ireland repeat and the battle for second delights
With Scotland unable to beat the Irish in Dublin (and few do), some of the suspense was taken out of the weekend but entertaining rugby was on display in Cardiff and Lyon and some teams have much to be happy about.
In the first match of this final day, Wales hosted an Italian side full of brio after their win against Scotland in Rome and they started where they left off. Wales were immediately under the gun and only their resolute defense stopped another wipe out. Wales were down by 11 at the half and saw Italy score again in the 45th minute. However, reminiscent of the Scotland defeat in Round 1, Wales scored 3 tries in the second half, the last in the 81st minute, no doubt rattling Italian nerves. But Wales “won” the wooden spoon and Italy had their best Six Nations tournament with back to back wins. Final score WAL 21 - ITA 24.
Game 2 was effectively the decider; if Ireland won, the trophy was theirs; if Scotland won, the door would be cracked open slightly for England if they could beat France. The reality was, in a lower scoring game where with Ireland’s stifling game and errors by Scotland, the hosts were in front after 17 minutes and never looked back. A lineout error gifted Ireland an early try, up 7-6 at the Half. A penalty and a crash-ball try at minute 64 was all Ireland needed despite last-minute heroics by Huw Jones who scored under the posts for Scotland at minute 76. Final score IRE 17 - SCO 13.
The final game, though meaningless in terms of the Six Nations trophy was the highlight of the weekend for rugby fans. A France team that had got their mojo back after a weak start to the championship took on a revitalized England, fresh off their victory over Ireland at Twickenham. Both sides started briskly with France having the initiative in H1 going in 16-10 at the break after England scored a 40th minute try under the posts. In H2, two more quick tries from England put them ahead 16-24 before France steadied the ship with two of their own in minutes 55 and 59. England scored again (74m) to go ahead 31-30 but Ramos slotted a penalty in the last minute to squeak out the win 33-31. Seven tries and some flowing, breathtaking rugby by both sides. A great finish to the tournament.
Six Nations notes: Ireland repeat as Champions but did not repeat their Grand Slam, losing to England in Round 4; England give fans much needed hope, finishing 3rd but with a new, refreshing style to their play; Wales finish last going 0-5 but their squad was hampered by retirements and absences and included a lot of young players - 4 new caps, 7 with under 5 appearances and another 4 with under 10 caps so far. This was a development year. Scotland will be disappointed but did beat England for the 4th time in a row for the Calcutta Cup.
Final standings: 1) Ireland; 2) France; 3) England; 4) Scotland; 5) Italy; 6) Wales.