The opening weekend of the 2017 RBS Six Nations left a very sweet taste in the mouth.
Scotland kicked the weekend off with an outstanding attacking performance to see off Ireland 27-22. From a neutral’s perspective it was a performance which paid homage to their departing coach, Vern Cotter who has transformed the way the Scots play. Turning them from a side which struggled to score tries and close out games, to one that finds the whitewash on a much more frequent basis and have the defensive solidity to shut out their opponents.
England started their defence of the crown in ‘Le Crunch’ against France with a less than impressive 19-16 victory. It was an error-strewn first half where they may count themselves lucky to have gone in at the break 9-9. The second half saw an improvement but a performance which Eddie Jones described as “Ugly” will need an overhaul if they are to overcome their horrific Cardiff record. The performance particularly highlighted the importance of Billy Vunipola, out for the six nations and his presence on the field to allow England to turn slow ball into quick. A skill which was instrumental in England’s success last year and Nathan Hughes will have to improve on if they are to replicate 2016’s Grand Slam.
During the RBS Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium on February 4, 2017 in London, England.
Sunday saw Wales eventually break down the Italian defensive wall to emerge victorious 33-7 in horrid conditions in Rome. The expansive, daring mindset which Wales are trying to adapt was evident for all to see as Alun-Wyn Jones turned down three kickable penalties in the early stages but they paid the price for not being clinical as Italy took their chance when Edoardo Gori went over as a result of a driving maul. Whatever Rob Howley said at half-time clearly worked as the Welsh scored an unanswered 30 points in the second half with Liam Williams narrowly missing the chance to secure the first bonus-point try of the 2017 championship.
If the first weekend is anything to go by, the rest of the championship is going to be cracker. The second weekend’s highlight game is Wales vs England in Cardiff with Italy again at home to Ireland and France playing Scotland in Paris on Sunday.
