ENGLAND PROSPER AS FRANCE FLOP AGAIN.

After 2 rounds of matches, the Six Nations' Championship is beginning to take shape.with England now the only undefeated team.

 

In Saturday's games, Scotland bounced back from their defeat against England by trouncing last week's surprise side, Italy at Murrayfield. The Italians must have hoped for a triumphant follow-up to their victory over France but it was not to be as they were outplayed and well beaten, 34-10. France then took on Wales in Paris with both sides looking for a victory following last week's defeats. The match was hard fought and very close until a little bit of magic gave George North the chance to score a winning try; Wales' 16-6 victory leaves France, the pre-tournament favourites, bottom of the pile and there will undoubtedly be much soul-searching between now and their next match.

 

On Sunday, Ireland entertained England in Dublin where playing conditions were pretty horrible - cold and wet, and with the pitch tending to break up. Ireland had most of the possession but found themselves unable to make any real progress against a dogged English defence. A succession of fumbles spoiled promising positions and gave England kickable penalties - Owen Farrell did not disappoint. Although the second half saw Ireland continue to press, it was England who came closest to scoring a try; Ireland never really made much impression inside the English 22. Ireland did manage to level the scores through 2 Ronan O'Gara penalties but England were not to be denied and added 2 more Farrell penalties even though reduced to 14 men when James Haskell was sin-binned. In an attritional game, England simply refused to give way and Ireland lacked the ability to break them down; 12-6 was a fair score.

 

After 2 rounds, England now head the table and remain on course for the Triple Crown. Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Italy each have 1 win and 1 defeat while France have 2 defeats and are probably out of contention for the championship. The next round of matches, in 2 weeks, will see with England playing France, Italy taking on Wales and Scotland playing Ireland; once those are played, we may know much more.