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After round two of the Six Nations, here is this weekend’s roundup of the action and answers to all the key questions.
After round two of the Six Nations, here is this weekend’s roundup of the action and answers to all the key questions.
Who- was the best player this weekend? I feel that Finn Russell pulling out a world-class performance in the Calcutta cup should be expected at this point but nevertheless the Scotsman continues to surprise and amaze with his brilliance. The slap pass for Huw Jones opening try is simply spectacular. He was heavily involved in the Jamie Ritchie try as well and then did everything to create the opportunity for Ben Whites try. His goal kicking was on point as well as he nailed all his kicks, with multiple conversions from out wide. This is even more impressive considering his poor place-kicking in this fixture last year. I would like to give an honourable mention to once again to Jalibert who was sublime in Cardiff, but Wales just made it too easy for him and his French teammates.
What- Seeing the pure dominance of the Italian scrum was the rugby highlight for me this weekend. There is a lot of talk about scrums being properly sold and not having ads during their setup. I cannot say I am a master of the scrum and in some way I cannot believe I am picking a scrum over some of the attacking rugby seen from the French, but seeing the Italian pack push Sheehan and Furlong into the air on different occasions was amazing as just seeing that pure power from the Azzurri.
Where- Murrayfield was the easy winner in terms of atmosphere this weekend. Flower of Scotland is ringing in every rugby fan’s head even through the TV. Scotland really turned it on and put in a proper performance in front of their home fans. I will say there wasn’t much competition this weekend, though, with the game in Dublin. It was a brilliant game of rugby in that second half, and especially, the Irish fans didn’t seem too enthralled by their own side's performance, as they only really got their attack into gear in the last twenty. The French fans in Cardiff were spectacular, but the fact it was the lowest crowd for a Six Nations game in Cardiff is disappointing.
When- was the best moment to be a rugby fan for one of the Six Nations fans this weekend? I believe is the best for a Scottish fan but pure heartbreak for English fans. Watching Huw Jones run it in from 50 metres to secure the Calcutta Cup. From the charge down from Fagerson on Ford’s drop goal attempt to and then when he passes the ball to Jones, you just know they have scored. It killed the game and you could see English players were defeated even in some ways as Ford went for the drop goal and then with the lack of a chase back. The behind angle of Jones running in for the score with the fans standing up the closer he gets to the line is wonderful and a sight to behold, and one that those in the stadium will remember for a long time.
Why-now there were many refereeing decisions that fans were questioning this weekend, was Menocello’s pass to Lynagh really forward, was Lynaghs yellow card harsh and then were both Arundell’s cards deserved. But the question I feel anyone who watched the games this weekend will agree with me on, is how Sam Prendergast Ireland’s starting fly half is. I don’t like to single out a player but the difference in the Irish attack when Crowley came on was night and day. Then just as a test level player how can you simply choose not to tackle, and even on Saturday looked scared to take contact himself as he stood so deep in attack. Yes he can kick a spiral kick, but then he had two shocking misses from the tee. You feel Crowley has to start at Twickenham.