In a dramatic 2024 Six Nations clash, France secured a…
Guinness Six Nations 2024 | Recap Round 5
Italy Triumphs in Cardiff, Marking Historic Six Nations Success and Handing Wales the Wooden Spoon
In a historic encounter in Cardiff, Italy secured their most triumphant Six Nations campaign to date, defeating Wales and consigning the host nation to its first Wooden Spoon in over two decades. The match began with Italy asserting dominance early on, thanks to Monty Ioane’s try and Paulo Garbisi’s precise penalty kicks, establishing an 11-0 lead by halftime. The Italian momentum continued with Lorenzo Pani’s dazzling try, complemented by further penalties from Garbisi and Martin Page-Relo.
Wales attempted a comeback with tries from Elliot Dee, Will Rowlands, and Mason Grady, lending the final score a veneer of respectability. Despite the close three-point margin, Italy’s performance was a clear indication of their superiority, echoing their 2022 victory in Cardiff. The match also marked a poignant moment for Wales’ George North, who exited his final Test match to applause, ending an illustrious international career.
This victory for Italy is significant, marking their departure from the bottom of the Six Nations table for the first time since 2015, a testament to the transformative leadership of head coach Gonzalo Quesada. Under his guidance, Italy has shown remarkable progress, securing two victories and a draw, the best outcome since joining the Six Nations in 2000.
Wales, on the other hand, faces a period of introspection. This defeat is a continuation of a troubling trend that harks back to the difficult periods of the late 1980s and early 1990s. With 12 losses in their last 13 Six Nations games and a descent to 10th in the world rankings, Welsh rugby is at a crossroads. The new WRU chief executive, Abi Tierney, has promised strategic changes, acknowledging the urgent need for revitalization.
For Italy, this campaign marks a milestone, achieving unprecedented success in the tournament and showcasing their growth on the international stage. Wales, contrastingly, is left to contemplate its future, reflecting on a strategy to reclaim its past glories amid calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the national team’s structure and approach. The outcome of this match not only highlights Italy’s ascending trajectory in rugby but also signals a critical juncture for Welsh rugby, prompting a reflection on leadership and development pathways to restore its competitive edge.
Line-ups
Wales
Winnett; Adams, North, Tompkins, Dyer; Costelow, Tomos Williams; G Thomas, Dee, Lewis, Jenkins (capt), Beard, Mann, Reffell, Wainwright.
Replacements: E Lloyd, Mathias, O’Connor, Rowlands, Martin, Hardy, I Lloyd, Grady.
Italy
Pani; Lynagh, Brex, Menoncello, Ioane; Garbisi, Varney; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, N Cannone, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro (capt), L Cannone
Replacements: Lucchesi, Spagnolo, Zilocchi, Favretto, Vintcent, Zuliani, Page-Relo, Marin.
Stats
Wales (0) 21
Try: Dee (64′), Rowlands (79′), Grady (80’+2)
Conversion: Costelow (64′), I Lloyd (80′, 80’+2
Italy (11) 24
Try: Ioane (20′), Pani (46′)
Conversion: Garbisi (47′)
Penalty: Garbisi (6′, 14′, 71′), Page-Relo (73′)
Man of the match: Juan Ignacio Brex (Italy)
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Ireland Clings to Six Nations Glory Amid Scotland’s Stoic Defense in Dublin Drama
Ireland successfully defended their Six Nations championship in a dramatic finale against Scotland in Dublin, edging out the visitors in a game marked by intense defense and critical moments. The match began tensely, with Dan Sheehan scoring for Ireland, only to be countered by two penalties from Scotland’s Finn Russell, leaving Ireland narrowly ahead at halftime. Despite Ireland’s efforts to extend their lead, Scotland’s defense held firm, disallowing tries from Tadhg Furlong and Robbie Henshaw through TMO decisions.
The game’s dynamic shifted when Andrew Porter scored, broadening Ireland’s advantage. However, Scotland’s Huw Jones responded with a try, reigniting the contest’s suspense as the match neared its end. Ireland managed to hold off Scotland’s late surge, sealing their championship victory and dashing England’s title hopes ahead of their final match against France.
The victory was a testament to Ireland’s resilience, bouncing back from a defeat by England the previous week to clinch their sixth Six Nations title. The match was characterized by Ireland’s struggle for momentum against a formidable Scottish defense, with the first half ending with minimal lead for the home team. Scotland aimed for the Triple Crown, maintaining game balance until the break.
Ireland’s performance in the second half was marked by missed opportunities and Scotland’s solid defense, until Porter’s critical try following a yellow card to Scotland’s Ewan Ashman. Despite a late try by Scotland’s Jones and a yellow card for Ireland’s Harry Byrne, Ireland managed to secure the win, celebrating another championship on St. Patrick’s weekend.
This victory underscores Ireland’s dominance in northern hemisphere rugby, despite missing the chance for a consecutive Grand Slam. With Andy Farrell, the Irish coach, taking a leave for the British and Irish Lions tour next year, Ireland looks forward to maintaining their high standards in future competitions. Meanwhile, Scotland reflects on a campaign of mixed outcomes, demonstrating formidable defense but falling short of their Triple Crown and championship aspirations.
Line-ups
Ireland
Larmour; Nash, Henshaw, Aki, Lowe; Crowley, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; McCarthy, Beirne, O’Mahony (capt), Van der Flier, Doris.
Replacements: Kelleher, Healy, Bealham, Baird, Conan, Murray, H Byrne, Ringrose. Sin-bin: H Byrne (76)
Scotland
Kinghorn, Steyn, Jones, McDowall, Van Der Merwe, Russell, White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Gilchrist, Cummings, Christie, Darge, Dempsey.
Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Sebastian, Skinner, M Fagerson, Horne, Redpath, Rowe. Sin-bin: Ashman (65)
Stats
Ireland (7) 17
Try: Sheehan (13′), Porter (65′)
Conversion: Crowley (14′, 65′)
Penalty: Crowley (43′)
Scotland (6) 13
Try: Jones (77′)
Conversion: Russell (78′)
Penalty: Russell (8′, 18′)
Man of the match: Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
France Clinches Thrilling Victory Over England in Six Nations Finale with Last-Minute Ramos Penalty
In a dramatic 2024 Six Nations clash, France secured a narrow 33-31 victory over England in Lyon, finishing second in the tournament. The match was a high-scoring affair with seven tries between the two teams. Thomas Ramos was the hero for France, kicking the decisive penalty from halfway, following Ireland’s earlier win which secured them the Six Nations title.
England, initially trailing 16-3, fought back through Ollie Lawrence’s two tries and a Marcus Smith score, briefly taking the lead. However, France responded with tries from Leo Barre and Gael Fickou, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. George Ford’s conversion of Tommy Freeman’s late try appeared to swing the game in England’s favor, but Ramos’ long-range penalty sealed the win for France.
The match was especially significant for France, marking their first home victory since the World Cup quarter-finals defeat. Despite the loss, England’s performance, including earning two bonus points, showed improvement under coach Steve Borthwick, finishing above Scotland in third place.
The game was a rollercoaster, highlighted by an impressive opening try from Nolann Le Garrec for France and a relentless back-and-forth battle. England’s late resurgence, driven by their intent to attack and key contributions from Ellis Genge and Ben Earl, showcased their development, even as France’s strength ultimately prevailed.
This enthralling encounter capped off the Six Nations with promise for both teams as they build towards future challenges, highlighting key performances and moments that will be remembered as both sides look forward to their next campaigns.
Line-ups
France
Barre; Penaud, Fickou, Depoortere, Bielle-Biarrey; Ramos, Le Garrec; Baille, Marchand, Atonio, Flament, Meafou, Cros, Ollivon, Alldritt (capt).
Replacements: Mauvaka, S Taofifenua, Colombe, R Taofifenua, Roumat, Boudehent, Lucu, Moefana.
England
Furbank; Freeman, Slade, Lawrence, Daly; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George (capt), Cole, Itoje, Martin, Chessum, Underhill, Earl.
Replacements: Dan, Marler, Stuart, Roots, Dombrandt, Care, M Smith, Tuilagi.
Stats
France (16) 33
Try: Le Garrec (20′), Bielle-Biarrey (56′), Fickou (60′)
Conversion: Ramos (21′, 57′, 62′)
Penalty: Ramos (18′, 32′, 36′, 79′)
England (10) 31
Try: Lawrence (40’+1, 42′), Smith (46′), Freeman (75′)
Conversion: Ford (40’+1, 43′, 48′, 76′)
Penalty: Ford (12′)
Man of the match: Leo Barre (France)
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