Shaun Goosen looks back at what was probably the most memorable Six Nations weekend in recent memory, as the Azzuri came within a post’s width of beating France, Duhan van der Merwe pummeled England into submission and more!
Ireland 31-7 Wales in Dublin on Saturday
Ireland were predictably too strong for Wales at the Aviva Stadium, earning a comfortable win that keeps alive their ambitions of defending their Six Nations crown. A late bonus-point try from Tadhg Beirne ensured all five points for Andy Farrell’s men, whose victory equals the record previously held by England of 11-straight wins in the competition. With just stumbling England (away) and inconsistent Scotland (home) still to play this championship, another Grand Slam is well within reach for Ireland.
Wales had some good moments, with loose forwards Tommy Reffell and Aaron Wainwright again shining for the visitors. They’ll look to take their improvements with them into their next clash with struggling France in Cardiff.
🏉☘️ A landmark victory as Ireland equal the all-time Six Nations record of 11 consecutive wins - a phenomenal achievement! 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/MtuLg7IarV
— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) February 24, 2024
Scotland 30-21 England in Edinburgh on Saturday
Scotland claimed the Calcutta Cup for the fourth time in a row, and sixth in seven years when they defeated England on Saturday. The Brave Hearts overcame an indifferent start, going 0-10 down early on, to ultimately bag their second victory of the championship and keep alive their hopes of winning the title for the first time since 1999. Duhan van der Merwe was the star of the show, bagging a barnstorming hat-trick for the Scots.
For England, it’s another big setback and one which will heap even more pressure on head coach Steve Borthwick. Despite this being just their first loss of the campaign, they still face daunting tests against Ireland (at home) and France (away).
𝐅𝐓 | 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 3️⃣0️⃣-2️⃣1️⃣ 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) February 24, 2024
Heartbreak for England as Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's late try falls short, allowing Scotland to clinch their 4th consecutive Calcutta Cup victory 🏆#GuinnessM6N | #SCOENG pic.twitter.com/9IWJJRYnsF
France 13-13 Italy in Villeneuve-d’Ascq on Sunday
Are the sharks circling Fabien Galthie? Paolo Garbisi hit the post with a controversial penalty attempt after the final hooter as deflated France held on to draw against Italy. Having gone down to 14 men after Ben Danty’s red card, the Azzurri stayed in the fight and came within a whisker of recording what would have been a first win over France since 2013 and a first on French soil since 1997.
France must rebound fast if they’re to win their remaining games against Wales (away) and England (at home), while Italy will be buoyed by their performance and will be full of confidence heading into clashes with Scotland (at home) and Wales (away).
What a finish in the only #GuinnessM6N of the day 🤯
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) February 25, 2024
Italy fightback to secure a draw against France in Lille 🤝
