26-2-18 6 nations
6 NATIONS
IRELAND 37-27 WALES
STOCKDALE KEEP
IRELAND ON FOR GRAND SLAM
Winger Jacob Stockdale scored two tries with Bundee Aki, Dan
Leavy and Cian Healy also touching down for the Irish.
A score by Gareth Davies had briefly given Wales the upper
hand and second-half tries by Aaron Shingler and Steff Evans left the result in
the balance.
But the visitors were undone by a lack of discipline in head
coach Warren Gatland's 100th game in charge.
MY
OPINION
This was a clinical win for the
Irish and it shows the potential that they have going forward. This would be
considered a frustration for the Welsh but the fact that it went down to the
last minute and a break should give wales confidence.
SCOTLAND 25-13 ENGLAND
JUMPING JONES
Centre Huw Jones scored two tries - Scotland's first against
England at home in 14 years - and Sean Maitland grabbed another as the hosts
led 22-6.
Owen Farrell landed two penalties, and his converted try on
the resumption brought England to within nine points.
But Finn Russell's penalty after a Sam Underhill shoulder
charge sealed it.
Underhill was yellow-carded for his no-arms challenge,
giving Scotland a man advantage from the 66th to the 76th minute.
MY OPINION
This was a huge shock and it does
put England back down to earth. I was more surprised at the fact that they won
by so much. Scotland have now shown that they are ready for anyone. They still
have to learn how to win away which in Japan for the World cup might be an
issue.
FRANCE 34-17 ITALY
MAGNIFICENT MACHENAUD
Bastareaud, who had returned from suspension after making a
homophobic comment while playing for Toulon, was key.
The powerful centre consistently crossed the gain line to
give his side momentum and quick ball.
Italy led after their early penalty try and could have done
again in the second half when, with France four points up, Sebastian Negri
broke through.
But the cover defence hauled the flanker to the ground and
three minutes later Hugo Bonneval was sent over after good work by Bastareaud
and wing Remy Grosso.
France's strength in depth told in the final quarter as
their replacements came off the bench and Italy tired with Bastareaud burrowing
over from close range.
MY
OPINION
France seem to have problems at
the moment but you would not have thought that from the Ireland match at the start
of the tournament. You do wonder whether Italy should be replaced by Georgia
the 6 nations as they rarely showed performances but they do have to improve
week on week.
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