There have been conclusive away wins for France, Ireland and Wales in one other compelling spherical of Guinness Six Nations motion that sees the future of the title stay in Irish arms.
Here, the PA information company examines 5 things we learned from the penultimate weekend of the competitors.
Rock backside
A historical past of English rugby in the skilled period might justifiably present 6.30pm on March 11, 2023 as all-time low. Steve Borthwick’s crew have been obliterated in a seven-try rout that registered their heaviest defeat at Twickenham of all time and their third largest loss house or away. Only the 1998 ‘Tour of Hell’ and 2011 World Cup examine, however Saturday’s 53-10 collapse is the newest instalment of a stoop that has unfolded towards the backdrop of an ongoing monetary disaster. Wasps and Worcester have been positioned into administration and different golf equipment are additionally at risk as a rising quantity of England’s high gamers head to overseas leagues to search out work. From Test to home degree, the Rugby Football Union ought to be deeply involved.
Pool D drama awaits
England progressing from their World Cup group was beforehand seen as a formality however Argentina and Japan will now fancy their possibilities this autumn. The draw has been form to England as a scan of the ultra-competitive Pool B reveals, however the malaise that set in throughout the Eddie Jones period is deep rooted and means no fixture may be taken without any consideration. On present kind, reaching the quarter-finals can be an achievement and the gulf in school evident towards France reveals they’re a great distance adrift of the event hosts and their fellow title contenders Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand.
France on a unique degree
At least England know they confronted a France facet working at the peak of their powers. Les Bleus’ hit-and-miss Six Nations exploded into wonderful technicolour as they have been re-established as World Cup favourites with one of their nice shows. Powerful, creative, clever – it was rugby from one other world orchestrated by their exceptional half-back basic Antoine Dupont. But he was aided by an imposing supporting solid of Thibaud Flament, Gregory Alldritt and Jonathan Danty – amongst others – as Fabien Galthie’s crew claimed the excellent vacation spot victory they prized after France’s final Six Nations win at Twickenham got here 18 years in the past. They will take some stopping in the world showpiece.
Ireland roll on
The inexperienced machine continued its ascent to the Grand Slam with a 22-7 victory over Scotland that was a humdinger till Jack Conan’s 62nd-minute strive propelled Ireland out of sight. In an identical vein to France, Andy Farrell’s facet are taking part in a unique sport to most of their rivals and even the sensible Finn Russell was unable to take the hosts’ title dream into the remaining spherical. Ireland proved why they’re the finest crew in the world with a show of ruthless effectivity that was delivered regardless of sustaining a bunch of accidents. Only England stand between them and their fourth Grand Slam.
Wales not kidding themselves
A primary win of a testing Six Nations lifted some of the gloom surrounding Wales as they noticed off Italy and delivered an eighth successive victory in Rome. Inspired by scrum-half Rhys Webb on his first Test begin since October 2020, Wales delivered some spectacular moments, however the juggernaut that’s France now awaits. Beating Italy was a well timed morale-booster that ought to spare them the indignity of ending backside, however Les Bleus away is a very totally different ball sport.
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