A dramatic weekend of Six Nations fixtures managed to deliver dramatic fight backs, impressive revivals and a last gasp try that leads us to one of the most fascinating closing weekends in the tournaments recent history.
This weekend Ireland kept alive their dream of a first Grand Slam for 61 years with a hard-fought win over Scotland. Scotland had led 12-9 at half-time as Chris Paterson traded penalties with Ireland’s Ronan O’Gara, who became the leading Six Nations points scorer. Replacement Jamie Heaslip’s try after the break turned the match and gave Ireland the lead for the first time. O’Gara’s conversion, a drop-goal and another penalty were enough to set up a title decider in Wales next weekend.
Meanwhile England stunned France with a magnificent first-half display to run out five-try winners at Twickenham. Martin Johnson’s under-pressure side answered their critics in emphatic fashion and led 29-0 at the break. Mark Cueto, Riki Flutey, Delon Armitage and Joe Worsley all crossed in an astonishing first period before Flutey added his second. France improved in the second half and scored through Dimitri Szarzewski and Julien Malzieu but the game was won.
A 72nd-minute try from replacement Tom Shanklin kept alive Wales’ hopes of defending their Six Nations title. Gavin Henson set up Shane Williams for a dazzling first-half try, but Italy’s fired-up pack rocked Wales and Andrea Marcato’s boot gave them a 12-7 lead. Wales sent on their bench and James Hook’s boot gave them a 13-12 edge Shanklin conceded a penalty, Marcato’s fifth kick opening up a potential upset at the Stadio Flaminio, but a fine Hook break gave the centre the crucial try.
As the 2009 RBS Six Nations tournament approaches its final weekend, Ireland will be fighting with Wales to claim the coveted Six Nations rugby crown. If Wales are to have any chance of claiming the title, they will need to beat Ireland by more than twelve points. A win for the Irish would secure the title and the Grand Slam. Meanwhile England will be looking to build on their impressive performance as they host Scotland at Twickenham, while Italy will host France in Rome. Tickets are still available for all of this week’s fixtures.
March 21 – Italy vs France – Stadio Flaminio, Rome (tickets from £138)
March 21 – England vs Scotland – Twickenham Stadium, London (tickets from £61)
March 21 – Wales vs Ireland – Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (tickets from £250)
