Guinness Six Nations 2024 | Recap Round 1

Ireland Crush France 38-17 in Six Nations Opener with Bonus-Point Win

Ireland kicked off their Six Nations title defense in style with a commanding 38-17 bonus-point triumph over France in Marseille. Demonstrating their attacking prowess, the visitors notched up two skillfully executed tries in the first half, courtesy of Jamison Gibson-Park and Tadhg Beirne. France’s woes compounded as they found themselves down to 14 men just after the half-hour mark when Paul Willemse received his marching orders for a second yellow card offense.

The numerical advantage spurred the home team into action, with Damian Penaud touching down to narrow the deficit to seven points at halftime. The second half saw Ireland extend their lead further as Calvin Nash darted over in the corner. However, France quickly responded through Paul Gabrillagues, seizing the opportunity created by Peter O’Mahony’s sin-binning for collapsing a rolling maul.

With Dan Sheehan notching Ireland’s fourth try just after the hour mark, securing the crucial bonus point, France fought valiantly to bridge the gap in the final quarter. Yet, Ireland’s resilience proved too much for the hosts, who were a man short. In the closing moments of the game, Ronan Kelleher powered over the line, adding a fifth try to Ireland’s tally and sealing a resounding victory.

Highlights

Line-ups:

France

T Ramos; D Penaud, G Fickou, J Danty, Y Moefana; M Jalibert, M Lucu; C Baille, P Mauvaka, U Atonio; P Gabrillagues, P Willemse; F Cros, C Ollivon, G Alldritt (capt).

Replacements: J Marchand, R Wardi, D Aldegheri, P Tuilagi, C Woki, P Boudehent, N Le Garrec, L Bielle-Biarrey.

Sin-bin: Willemse (9)

Sent off: Willemse (32)

Ireland

H Keenan; C Nash, R Henshaw, B Aki, J Lowe; J Crowley, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; J McCarthy, T Beirne; P O’Mahony (capt), J van der Flier, C Doris.

Replacements: R Kelleher, C Healy, F Bealham, J Ryan, R Baird, J Conan, C Murray, C Frawley.

Referee: Karl Dickson (England)

Man of the Mach: Joe McCarthy (Ireland)

Stats:

France (10) 17
Try: Penaud (40′), Gabrillagues (53′)
Conversion: Ramos (40’+2, 53′)
Penalty: Ramos (27′)
Red Card: Willemse (31′)

Ireland (17) 38
Try: Gibson-Park (16′), Beirne (30′), Nash (46′), Sheehan (62′), Kelleher (78′)
Conversion: Crowley (18′, 31′, 47′, 63′, 79′)
Penalty: Crowley (7′)

England Stages Dramatic Comeback to Secure 27-24 Victory Over Italy

In a thrilling rugby showdown at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, England orchestrated a remarkable turnaround to clinch a 27-24 triumph over Italy. The home team had asserted dominance in the first half, leading 17-14 at halftime with Alessandro Garbisi and Tommaso Allan showcasing their prowess with two impressive tries. However, England remained within striking distance throughout the initial period, courtesy of an Elliot Daly try and three penalty kicks executed by George Ford.

The momentum shifted dramatically after halftime as England swiftly seized control of the game. Alex Mitchell’s try propelled them into the lead early in the second half, setting the stage for a relentless offensive display. George Ford’s accurate boot further bolstered England’s advantage with two additional penalty kicks, leaving Italy struggling to regain momentum.

Despite a valiant effort from the Italian side, highlighted by a late try from Monty Ioane, England’s resilience ultimately secured the victory. While Italy managed to salvage a losing bonus point, it was England’s resilience and tactical prowess that stole the spotlight, solidifying their triumphant performance on the rugby field.

Highlights

Line-ups:

Italy

Allan; Pani, Brex, Menoncello, Ioane; P Garbisi, A Garbisi; Fischetti, Lucchesi, Ceccarelli, N Cannone, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro (capt), L Cannone.

Replacements: Nicotera, Spagnolo, Zilocchi, Zambonin, Izekor, Zuliani, Varney, Mori

Sin-bin: Lamaro (80)

England

Steward; Freeman, Slade, Dingwall, Daly; Ford, Mitchell; Marler, George (capt), Stuart, Itoje, Chessum, Roots, Underhill, Earl.

Replacements: Dan, Obano, Cole, Coles, Cunningham-South, Care, F Smith, Feyi-Waboso

Sin-bin: Daly (75)

Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)

Man of the Mach:  Ethan Roots (England)

Stats:

Italy (17) 24

Try: A Garbisi (11′), Allan (26′), Ioane (80’+5)
Conversion: Allan (13′, 27′), P Garbisi (80’+6)
Penalty: Allan (5′)

England (14) 27

Try: Daly (20′), Mitchell (45′)
Conversion: Ford (46′)
Penalty: Ford (16′, 33′, 38′, 54′, 67′)

Scotland Secures Nail-Biting Victory Over Wales 27-26 in Thrilling Six Nations Clash at Principality Stadium

In a rollercoaster Six Nations showdown at the Principality Stadium, Scotland managed to edge out Wales 27-26, clinging onto their lead despite a fierce comeback attempt from the home side. The visitors asserted their dominance early on, storming to a commanding 20-0 lead by halftime courtesy of tries from Pierre Schoeman and Duhan van der Merwe, alongside two penalties by Finn Russell. Wales, on the other hand, struggled to gain traction in a challenging first half.

The momentum continued in Scotland’s favor after the break, as van der Merwe surged through to extend their lead to 27 points. However, Wales found a spark with replacement scrum-half Tomos Williams, who injected new life into their attack. Tries from James Botham, Rio Dyer, Aaron Wainwright, and Alex Mann saw Wales mounting a remarkable comeback, bringing them within a single point of Scotland.

Despite Wales’ relentless efforts and a final surge to find the decisive score, Scotland remained resolute, holding on for their first victory in Cardiff in 22 years. The nail-biting encounter showcased the thrilling unpredictability of Six Nations rugby, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Highlights

Line-ups:

Wales:

Winnett; Dyer, Watkin, Tompkins, Adams; Costelow, G Davies; Domachowski, Elias, Brown, D Jenkins (capt), Beard, Botham, Reffell, Wainwright.

Replacements: Dee, Mathias, Assiratti, Teddy Williams, Mann, Tomos Williams, I Lloyd, Grady

Scotland:

Rowe; Steyn, H Jones, Tuipulotu, Van der Merwe; Russell (capt), White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, R Gray, Cummings, Crosbie, Ritchie, M Fagerson.

Replacements: Ashman, Hepburn, Millar-Mills, Skinner, Dempsey, G Horne, Healy, Redpath.

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)

Man of the Mach: Aaron Wainwright (Wales)

Stats:

Wales (0) 26
Try: Botham (48′), Dyer (53′), Wainwright (61′), Mann (68′)
Conversion: Lloyd (54′, 62′, 69′)
Scotland (20) 27

Try: Schoeman (11′), van der Merwe (30′, 43′)
Conversion: Russell (12′, 31′, 44′)
Penalty: Russell (7′, 23′)

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