The first round of the 2018 NatWest 6 Nations produced thrills and spills across all three matches, entertaining in different ways.
Here Press Association Sport looks at five things we learned from the weekend.
No Billy, no problem
ITA 15 – 46 ENG
Reaction from @George_Fordy ?#ITAvENG #CarryThemHome pic.twitter.com/I1kVp1gguM
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 4, 2018
A star was born in Rome when Sam Simmonds ran in two tries as part of England’s 46-15 rout of Italy. The void left at number eight by injuries to Billy Vunipola and Nathan Hughes has been filled by rapid Exeter back row Simmonds, who lacks their size but uses searing pace to suggest there is an alternative to the marauding duo of Island origin.
Welsh depth
? WRU TV hears from @KenOwens1088 at the full-time whistle as Wales kick their @SixNationsRugby campaign off with victory in Cardiff pic.twitter.com/0fKHMFKLbH
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 3, 2018
A side missing a host of British and Irish Lions including Jonathan Davies, Toby Faletau and Sam Warburton were magnificent as they flattened Scotland 34-7 in Cardiff. The theory was that Warren Gatland’s men would be more affected by injury than other teams due to a lack of depth but that has been comprehensively disproved and a seismic showdown with England awaits at Twickenham on Saturday.
False dawn for Scotland
Late Scotland try saved them from first points blank against Wales since 1974 when Terry Cobner scored on debut.
— Andrew Baldock (@balders2) February 3, 2018
Pre-tournament predictions that Scotland would challenge for the title have been radically revised after they were overwhelmed at the Principality Stadium. Even allowing for their front row losses it was a disappointing display that indicates the optimism generated last autumn by a record win over Australia and near miss against New Zealand was laid on shaky foundations.
Sexton’s nerves of steel
82:47 on the TV clocks when Sexton’s monster drop-goal rescued Ireland in Paris
— Nick Purewal (@NickPurewal) February 3, 2018
British and Irish Lions fly-half Jonathan Sexton landed a monster 42-metre drop-goal to spark Irish celebrations in Paris. It was hardly a vintage performance but a classic last-gasp victory will boost Ireland’s confidence no end as Joe Schmidt’s men go in search of a third title in five years.
French revival?
When Teddy Thomas blazed over the whitewash at the Stade de France, Six Nations supporters appeared to have been granted one of their wishes – that a resurgent France would wake from their slumber under the guidance of new coach Jacques Brunel and be a force once more. And while Sexton intervened to deny them a morale-boosting win, there was enough on show in Paris to raise Gallic spirits.
