Six Nations 2018 : Week One

[OnDoutside]

Well that was an interesting first week !

Wales v Scotland in Cardiff 74,000

Even though they had to travel to Wales, Scotland were expected to perform under new coach Gregor Townsend, but Warren Gatland's Wales blitzed them, winning 34-7, collecting the bonus point for 4 tries also.

France v Ireland in Paris 80,000

Ireland traveled to France, after a successful Autumn International series, but wary of a France under a new coach, Jacques Brunel. The former Italy and La Rochelle coach took over this French side, determined to re-energize his squad. It was a close game of ferocious hits, tackles, one magical try and a match winning outstanding drop goal. The French team made about 250 tackles in the game to Ireland's 91, 34% territory versus Ireland's 66%, yet the game was tight until 3 minutes into injury time, Jonny Sexton kicked a 45m drop goal from almost the half way line, on a wet field.

Italy v England, Rome 61,000

Despite a gallant 60 minutes from Italy, England powered away to 15-46 and claim the bonus point win. Italian coach Conor O'Shea sees signs of improvement but there are big underlying problems in the structure of the Italian game, but O'Shea has been appointed not just to coach the national team but to address those problems and put the necessary stucture in place. Italy have been in the 6 Nations since 2000, and there had been calls from some quarters to replace them with Georgia (no, not that Georgia !), so it's vital that they show signs of kicking on.

NEXT WEEK

IRELAND V ITALY
Aviva Stadium

Feb 10 2018

KO - 14:15 (GMT) / 14:15 (Local)

ITV, FR2, TV3, DMAX, NBC

ENGLAND V WALES
Twickenham Stadium

Feb 10 2018

KO - 16:45 (GMT) / 16:45 (Local)

ITV, S4C, FR2, TV3, DMAX, NBC

SCOTLAND V FRANCE
BT Murrayfield

Feb 11 2018

KO - 15:00 (GMT) / 15:00 (Local)

BBC, FR2, TV3, DMAX, NBC

[geardaddy]

1. I missed the Wales match.

I usually go to the local British pub to watch all the Wales games during the Six Nations. Awesome result for Wales!

[OnDoutside]

2. It was a big surprise, the Scots thought they were ready to step up. I'm sure you know that this

will supercharge Welsh confidence !

[T_i_B]

3. I also missed the Wales match.

I was volunteering at an event in Chesterfield.

France v Ireland was utter rubbish for 70 minutes, then a great French try and a dramatic last minute drop kick to win for Ireland.

Italy v England went as you might expect, England got ahead, then ran up a big score as Italy tired in the 2nd half. Good to see plenty of Exeter players getting their chance with England.

[OnDoutside]

4. Just in case you didn't know,

there's a great app if you have an android phone or tablet called Mobdro, which shows live tv, free. Send me a pm if you're interested, it's really easy to install.

[OnDoutside]

5. As I said to TIB, just in case you didn't know,

there's a great app if you have an android phone or tablet called Mobdro, which shows live tv, free. Send me a pm if you're interested, it's really easy to install.

[geardaddy]

6. Cool! Thanks for the tip!