Review: RBS Six Nations- Round 2

Scotland 34 - 10 Italy

Man of the Match Greig Laidlaw played a fundamental part in Scotland’s victory over Italy kicking four from four conversions and two penalties. Scotland secured their first Six Nations win in the tournament for two years, whilst at the same time recording a record win, their previous record being 32 -10, again against the Italians.

Italy had the first chance to put points on the board after Scotland conceded a penalty, unfortunately Luciano Orquera’s attempt hit the post. Laidlaw is successful with his first kick ten minutes later giving Scotland the lead.

Another penalty in the 24th minute allowed Scotland to extend their lead, minutes before Tim Visser goes over for the first try of the game. Laidlaw adds the extras and suddenly Scotland are 13-0 up. Italy’s only compensation is a penalty in the 39th minute which see’s them finally on the scoreboard.
Two minutes after the restart Matt Scott finds a gaps and sprints across the line, Laidlaw once again converts extending the Scots lead. Stuart Hogg then scored a spectacular solo try in the 47th minute. He intercepts a pass from Orquera and finds his way through the Azzurri defence before sprinting 60m to touch down.

Sean Lamont makes it four tries for the home side in the 68th minute; Lamont kicked a loose ball through a ruck and then ran 50m unchallenged to put the ball down between the posts. Laidlaw makes it four conversions from four.

Alessandro Zanni scored a consolation try for Italy seven minutes from the end after a clever pass from Sergio but it was too little too late for the visitors.

Scotland
Tries: Visser, Scott, Hogg, Lamont
Conversions: Laidlaw (4)
Penalties: Laidlaw (2)

Italy
Try: Zanni
Conversions: Burton
Penalties: Orquera

Man of the Match: Greig Laidlaw



France 6 - 16 Wales

George North’s late try saw Wales end an eight game string of defeats. Wales, who hadn’t won in France since 2005, were without injured captain Sam Warburton, with Ryan Jones taking over skipper duties. The win, however, didn’t come easily and Wales had to work hard for their 16-6 victory at the Stade de France in which centre Jamie Roberts won his 50th cap for his county.

A lacklustre first half saw Frederic Michalak put France ahead in the 14th minute with Leigh Halfpenny matching his penalty three minutes later. With no more points for either side in the first half it was three a piece as they went into half-time.

Wales went ahead for the first time in the game soon after the restart with Halfpenny adding another three points, but it was not long before Michalak drew the sides level.

North went over with eight minutes left on the clock after a delicate chip from fly-half Dan Biggar. North ploughed over Trinh-Duc to score in the left corner with Halfpenny duly adding the extras. A long-range on-target penalty in the 74th minute sealed the game from Wales, and brought a sigh of relief to Rob Howley who secured his first win as interim head coach.

Wales’ win in France was only their fourth since 1975 and put the reigning champions back on course. They’re next two games are away to Italy and Scotland, but after winning away to France, Wales will be feeling positive about their upcoming games.

France however face England at Twickenham next, where they haven’t won a Six Nations match since 2005 and are also away to Ireland. Unless they can recreate their winning form of their Autumn internationals France could be headed for the Wooden Spoon.

France
Penalties: Michalak (2)

Wales
Try: North
Conversion: Halfpenny   
Penalties: Halfpenny (3)

Man of the Match: Leigh Halfpenny


Ireland 6 - 12 England

Owen Farrell’s boot ensured that England are the only team left in contention for the Grand Slam this year, being the only side to secure two wins from two. It was the first time England had won in Dublin for ten years, the last time being 2003 when Martin Johnson’s side went on to win the Grand Slam and the World Cup.

Ronan O’Gara kicked two penalties to Farrell’s four in what was the first try-less game between England and Ireland since 1984. It was also the lowest-scoring match since Italy joined the championship, making it the Six Nations, in 2000. 

Ireland failed to benefit when James Haskell was sin-binned in the 56th minute, while O’Gara slotted over a penalty to bring them level with the visitors, it was not long before England were back out in front again with Farrell kicking two penalties while they were down to 14 men.

Stuart Lancaster's inexperienced England side shone through in what was a game of brutal intensity, contrasting to their attacking game against the Scots just over a week before.

England are still to face France at home in a fortnights time, while their final and potential Grand Slam deciding game will be against Wales in Cardiff. Are Lancaster’s young team able to give England their first Grand Slam since 2003? Ireland, however, aren’t out of contention for the title yet, in what looks like it might be one of the tightest Six Nations competitions to date.

Ireland
Penalties: O’Gara (2)

England
Penalties: Farrell (4)

Man of the Match: Chris Robshaw