Rugby Union: Six Nations Round-up

England 23 Scotland 29

A pulsating match at Twickenham saw Scotland gain successive wins at this venue for the first time in their history. Duhan van der Merwe’s late try gave the Scots the win. England showed plenty of endeavour but couldn’t give new head coach Steve Borthwick a win in his first game in charge.

Huw Jones and Max Malins exchanged tries and Van der Merwe scored a great individual try to restore Scotland’s advantage.

England kept plugging away and Malins finished off a slick team move, before a penalty from Owen Farrell gave the home side a one point lead at the interval.

Ben White kept Scotland within one after Ellis Genge’s try, before Farrell and Scotland fly-half Finn Russell traded penalties to leave the score at 23-22 with 10 minutes remaining.

However, a superb Scotland attack saw Van der Merwe score again, to give Scotland their third successive Calcutta Cup

Wales 10 Ireland 34

Favourites Ireland made a great start to their 2023 Six Nations campaign, as they denied Warren Gatland a win on his return.

It was Ireland’s first Six Nations win over Wales in Cardiff since 2013, with the 34-10 win also gaining them a bonus point.

Despite being hit by injuries to Robbie Henshaw, Tadhg Furlong, Jamison Gibson Park and Cian Healy, Ireland made a quick fire start, with first half tries for No 8 Caelan Doris, lock James Ryan and wing James Lowe.

With seven minutes remaining, another Irish forward, flanker Josh van der Flier went over the line. The fourth try secured the bonus-point for Andy Farrell’s side.

Captain Johnny Sexton hit the target with all five of his kicks at goal, while Ross Byrne added one conversion.

Wales points came via a Liam Williams try, converted by Dan Biggar, and a penalty from the boot of Biggar.

Italy 24 France 29

Defending Six Nations champions France prevailed against a spirited Italy, however they had to come from behind in an exciting encounter in Rome.

Italy were 24-22 ahead before Matthieu Jalibert worked his way over from close range. It was the fourth try of the match for France, giving Fabien Galthie’s side a bonus-point win.

France began well, and ran in first-half tries through Thibaud Flament, Thomas Ramos and Ethan Dumortier. However, as the first period wore on, a stubborn Italy got back into the game. Fullback Ange Capuozzo got in on the blindside for a score, before the hosts were awarded a penalty try in the second half. Tommaso Allan was in fine form, kicking four penalties.

France’s win takes their unbeaten record to 14 matches, which includes 2022’s Grand Slam. The next round of fixtures could prove to be pivotal, with the French facing the world-number one-ranked side, Ireland, in Dublin. Italy travel to Twickenham to take on England.