Six Nations 2024 - Round 2
The second week in this powerhouse Northern Hemisphere tournament went much as anticipated but with some controversy and an improvement. But first, the results:
Scotland kicked off the weekend at home to France with hopes at Murrayfield running high after their historic win in Cardiff a week earlier. Scotland started strong and stayed ahead for 69 minutes, helped by France losing front-row Antonio to the bin either side of half-time and captain Alldritt to injury in the 50th minute. But despite France’s lack of organization, especially at the lineout, Scotlaned were unable to pull away and late in H2 after a miserable period of kick-tennis, France scored a terrific try to take the lead. Scotland thought they had scored a late (82nd minute) try to win but after much debate, the ball was deemed “held up” and France walked out winners by 20 pts to 16.
England hosted Wales at Twickenham after a close win over Italy the previous weekend and were looking for a convincing performance to woo the England faithful. Matters were not helped by England losing 2 members of the scrum in the first 16 minutes, the second of which saw Wales awarded a penalty try. Despite having 13 men on the field, England scored a Ben Earl try in the 19th minute but George Ford fluffed his lines and never got to kick the conversion. Wales went in at the break up 14-5 very much on the front foot. H2 saw a different England, catching up with a 63rd minute try and then going ahead with a 71st minute penalty. England’s impenetrable defense in the last 5 minutes saw them run out winners 16-14.
Ireland hosted Italy at the Aviva in Dublin and, confirming their superior world ranking (against all other northern European sides), routed the Azzurri in a one-sided contest 36-0. Ireland proved ruthlessly efficient in a game where Italy were prevented from showing any of the spark they demonstrated against England last week. Recycling speed, a stifling defense and powerful carries put the other 3 teams they have to play on notice that Ireland really want a Grand Slam repeat. Who will stop them?
Controversies: 1) A lengthy period of kick tennis in the Scotland/France game tested the patience of spectators and raised questions about whether rule changes are needed. Current law states that players in front of their kicker are offside until the catcher moves 5 meters or passes the ball - ergo the receiver is more inclined to kick the ball back knowing he/she will not get far before being tackled. Amendment of that rule might encourage receivers to run at the kicking team rather than give away possession. 2) George Ford failed to convert England’s 1H try after moving slightly to his left before running up to kick the ball. Even that slight movement allowed Wales to charge down the kick and they got to the ball before he did kicking the ball off the tee.
Good news: The first scrum in the Scotland/France game came in the 23rd minute!
Six Nations table after 2 Rounds: 1) Ireland (2-0) 10pts (incl. 2 bonus points); 2) England (2-0) 8pts, 0bp; 3) Scotland (1-1) 5pts, 1bp; 4) France (1-1) 4pts, 0bp; 5) Wales (0-2) 3pts. 3bp; 6) Italy (0-2) 1pt, 1bp.
Next matches: February 24 - Ireland vs. Wales and Scotland vs. England. February 25 - France vs. Italy