Crowley emerges to create headache for Easterby
First to Ireland, who surprised many in naming youngster Sam Prendergast in the ten jersey in favour of the supposed incumbent, Jack Crowley. The 21-year-old from Leinster was replaced by the Munsterman (only recently turned 25 himself) just before the hour mark.
Crowley made a significant impact and arguably helped turn the game in Ireland's favour, thus reigniting the debate over who should be the starting fly-half when Ireland head to Edinburgh this weekend.
Ronan O'Gara, an icon of Munster and Irish rugby, told media in Ireland: "Sam has been exceptional for Leinster. Jack has been like a yo-yo for Munster and, when you're a yo-yo for Munster, you don't get in the Irish team." Ouch.
Still, if Crowley was looking for encouraging words, he would have found them from opposition head coach Steve Borthwick after the match: “The change at ten was pretty significant. I thought [Crowley] played really well when he came on in that final part of the game. They have got quality in their team."
O’Gara of all people knows how much the fans love a fly-half debate, having been the focal point of one along with Johnny Sexton for so long. It’s no surprise, then, that the fans are divided on who interim head coach Simon Easterby will pick to go head-to-head with rugby's Lionel Messi, Finn Russell, this coming Sunday.
Ntamack sees yellow (then red)
The potential ban for Romain Ntamack following his yellow-then-red card for a high tackle on Ben Thomas during France's opener against Wales has sparked significant discussion. If Ntamack is banned, Les Bleus will likely have to rely on Matthieu Jalibert for the upcoming match against England – not a bad replacement at all, but a disruption nonetheless (given Jalibert’s recent past in – or out of - the national squad).
Jalibert is a fantastic operator, whose Bordeaux-Bègles currently lead the Top 14, but it's fair to say that Ntamack's playmaking is a crucial part of France's strategy since his return from long-term injury. Former Wales captain Sam Warburton noted that Ntamack's tackle might have been a "revenge" act, which will only add another layer to the disciplinary considerations.
Philippe Saint-André, the former France player and coach, suggested that Ntamack could face a significant ban, potentially up to eight weeks, depending on the defence strategy adopted by the French Rugby Federation. This would not only rule him out of the England game but possibly the entire tournament.
The debate over the severity of the punishment and its implications for the team's performance is ongoing, but should come to a conclusion on Wednesday of this week following a hearing.
Azzurri pay the price for defensive lapses
Italy's campaign got off to a rocky start with a 31-19 defeat against Scotland in the opening round, failing to the back up last year’s win against the same opponents. Defensive lapses were a significant issue as they conceded five tries, including two quick ones within the first eight minutes of the match. Despite rallying to level the score at 19-19 early in the second half, Italy's defence faltered again, allowing Scotland to regain control and secure the victory.
Head coach Gonzalo Quesada expressed disappointment with the team's sluggish start and lack of aggression in defence – unlike Scotland, whose defence often led to turnovers (Scotland also won 126 rucks to Italy’s 78). The Argentine emphasised the need for improvement in those areas ahead of their next match against Wales in Rome.
Looking ahead to round two, the Azzurri will no doubt spend this week sharpening their defence in order to put up what will likely prove to be a stronger performance on home turf at the Stadio Olimpico against a Wales team in a serious rut.
After witnessing wingers Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham light up Edinburgh, there is now discussion in Italy around the failure to launch of their own wide men. Questions have been asked in the media whether Monty Ioane is the player he once was a few years ago, and why Ange Capuozzo was not as decisive as he is in the club colours of the mighty Toulouse.
England’s back row brothers in arms
England's forward pack, particularly the back row combination of Ben Earl and twins Tom and Ben Curry (now delightfully nicknamed 'Twindaloo'), faced a stern test against Ireland in Dublin. The back row showed moments of brilliance, while Tom Curry crossing the try line late in the game to secure a losing bonus point. However, their overall effectiveness was questioned as Ireland's pack dominated the second half.
Ben Curry made more successful tackles (18) than anyone on the pitch, highlighting his industriousness, but the English pack struggled to maintain their intensity throughout the match. The back row combination showed potential in its first outing as a unit, but was unable to consistently disrupt Ireland's rhythm or gain the upper hand in the breakdown.
This inconsistency will need to be addressed as they prepare to face a formidable French pack in round two, with suggestions that the taller figure of 6’7” lock/back rower Ollie Chessum might break up the trio that took to the field in Dublin.
The French pack is known for its size and power, but the question is whether head coach Steve Borthwick sticks to his guns and allows ‘Twindaloo’ and Earl to continue in order to find some cohesion, rather than discarding the plan one round into the Championship.
Wales’ woes continue
Difficult though it may be to pinpoint one area that was the cause of Wales’ 43-0 capitulation against France in Paris, the fact that their former defensive guru is now in Les Bleus’ corner is a pretty big one.
The men in red missed twice as many tackles as their opponents in blue, despite making an almost identical amount of tackles (179 to France’s 178). They also conceded 12 penalties to France’s three.
Shaun Edwards was a key pillar of Gatland’s success with Wales in his first reign – indeed, no team has ever conceded fewer Championship tries (two) than Wales did during their run to the 2008 Grand Slam – and will have delighted in seeing his new team restrict his old one to nul points. endured a tough start to their Six Nations campaign with a heavy 43-0 defeat against France in Paris. This loss marked the first time Wales had been held scoreless in Six Nations history (it happened in the 1998 Five Nations against the same opponents).
Wales have now called up strapping back rower Taine Plumtree, with key man Aaron Wainwright injured early on in the match in Paris, while Taulupe Faletau also looks to be fit for the trip to Rome. How Wales respond to this fresh and deep setback – their 13th loss in a row, no less – against an Italy side smarting from their loss on the road to Scotland will be fascinating.
Character and determination in a Welsh team is never in doubt. Now it’s about producing the kind of game strategy that will help them overcome an Italy side that has won two of the last three encounters between these teams.
Shackle-free Scotland dazzle at home
The standout feature of Scotland’s 31-19 win against Italy was the brilliance of their backline, which delivered crucial moments to secure the win. Despite missing key player Sione Tuipulotu, the backs stepped up impressively – none more so than centre Huw Jones (one half of the feted ‘Huwipulotu’ partnership).
Jones was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick of tries, including two pivotal scores in the final quarter. He carried for 131 metres in the sort of performance that would have had Lions selectors taking notice. Right wing Darcy Graham also played a significant role, creating a break from nowhere to set up Jones' tie-breaking try.
Finn Russell, co-captain and playmaker, orchestrated the attack with his usual skill, despite a brief lapse that allowed Italy to level the score with a Juan Ignacio Brex intercept.
As Scotland prepare to face Ireland in round two, the main talking point is whether their backline can replicate this performance against a team they haven't beaten in several years. Their pack, which gave the backs the platform to play against Italy, will need to be on song too against an Irish pack that held its own against almost everything England had to throw at it.
