Shaun Goosen takes a look at some of the biggest talking points from the first round of the Six Nations tournament which kicked off last weekend.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Pivac’s Wales get off to a flier
A Josh Adams hattrick, some Dan Biggar magic and even a try on debut for Saracens’ Owen Watkin, you could say Wayne Pivac’s tenure as Wales head coach got off the perfect start on the weekend. Their 42-0 drubbing of Italy was a timely reminder that, despite a relatively disappointing World Cup campaign, Alun Wyn Jones’ men are certainly up for the defence of their Six Nations title. A trip to Dublin on Saturday will provide an even greater indication of their overall abilities following the departure of Warren Gatland.
Captain Hogg left to rue what might have been
With a half-hour to play and trailing the Irish by seven, newly appointed Scotland skipper Stuart Hogg was gifted a clear-cut chance to pull five back for his side – only to drop the ball cold on the try line. It was a moment the two-time tournament Player of the Year will likely never forget as the Scots went on to lose 19-12 in Dublin. He will look to redeem himself in the rounds to follow, but the spectre of that moment will loom large for some time.
France blow England out of the water
This year’s Six Nations edition of Le Crunch proved to be one of the most memorable of recent times, as Fabian Galthié’s young band of French blue bloods totally outplayed the World Cup runners-up. Led by the irrepressible Charles Ollivon, France raced into a 17-0 lead at halftime and, despite two Jonny May bolters, went on to claim a comfortable 24-17 win. On the basis of that performance, France could well be a favourite for the title.
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets
