Six Nations week two round-up
It was yet another thrilling weekend in the Six Nations which provided a lot of talking points
Ireland 26-3 Wales
The two winners from the first week met in a potentially Grand Slam decider in Dublin. And it as the Irish who came out on top and embarrassed the current title holders.
The hosts led 13-0 at half-time thanks to Jonathan Sexton’s boot and Chris Henry’s first international try for Ireland.
Leigh Halfpenny scored Wales’ only points courtesy of a penalty in the second-half, but Ireland were simply better, and a Paddy Jackson try and more points from Sexton gave Ireland the victory they thoroughly deserved. It is the first time since their 2009 Grand Slam triumph that Ireland have won their first two matches in the Six Nations, and play England next.
As for Wales, Warren Gatland will be fuming with his side who’s title hopes already hang in the balance.
Scotland 0-20 England
England dominated from start to finish as they brushed aside a disappointing Scotland side.
Luther Burrell and Mike Brown scored their second tries in successive weeks, and Owen Farrell added the extras as England recovered from their last-gasp defeat at France.
The winning margin could have been more had Farrell converted more kicks, while Scotland will need to take a long hard look at themselves, and the wooden spoon looks like it will be heading to Murrayfield yet again.
France 30-10 Italy
France continued their impressive start to their campaign with a comfortable win over Italy in Paris.
After a dull 26 minutes, France took the lead with a penalty, before Italy temporarily levelled with a penalty of their own.
Two more penalties for France gave them a 9-3 lead at half-time, but they turned on the pressure in the second-half and tries fromLouis Picamoles, Wesley Fofana and Hugo Bonneval gave the hosts the victory to maintain their 100% start.