Trying Times

England v Italy 47 – 17

After a surprise early lead granted by a try from Parisse, Jonathan Joseph took all his chances incredibly well to lead England to an decisive victory over constant 6 Nations underdogs, Italy. Joseph has now scored 3 tries in two games in his first ever 6 Nations tournament. There are some very happy people in our fantasy league right now… 

Jonathan Jospeh shows off his brilliant footwork again. So creative. What a start to his Six Nations career. #bbcrugby #ENGvITA #bbc6nations

— Dr Stacy Phillips (@Shtacy_Phillips) February 14, 2015

England have continued to dominate in their 6 Nations campaign, and are still current favourites to win the championship after their emphatic win over Italy. Italy were let down by fly-half, Haimona’s kicking game who failed to convert multiple penalties.

Crazy to think Italy should be up by two points if they had a decent 10 #ENGvITA

— Nathan Cox (@natecox89) February 14, 2015

England have some big games remaining but with their main rivals for the title, Ireland, just around the corner, they have gained some vital momentum. They have managed to disprove critics who doubted England’s chances due to the ‘Injury Crisis’ that plagued the team in the lead up to the 6 Nations, but could the missing star players have an impact in round 3? Will this England pack have what it takes to get a win in Dublin?

Ireland v France 18 – 11

What could end up being one of the most crucial games of the tournament with England, France and Ireland being favourites for the title, ended with a defiant Irish victory.

Bastareaud and Sexton both fearlessly went into tackles head high and manage to bloody each other multiple times. You can see one of their colossal smashes below, which must have worried the Ireland team having just got Sexton back from a concussion break. The pair were seen embracing after the match, no love lost between two giants of rugby.

Sadly one of the bigger stories to come out of the match was the knee to the back of Jamie Heaslip from Pascal Papé. The player denies the knee being intentional but replays show a different story. Papé only received a yellow for the incident, however it seems this decision may be overruled in favour of a more appropriate punishment. <update> Papé has been cited by the independent Citing Commissioner and will face three independent judges later this week. If found guilty, he could face up to 52 weeks suspension, although the normal punishment is an eight-week ban. Heaslip may have a broken vertebrae which would be a major blow to the Ireland squad who face England in Round 3.

Ireland have the advantage of having two of their biggest games of the tournament in their backyard, but their biggest test will surely come from an on-fire England on the 1st of March.

Scotland v Wales 23 – 26

Scotland made sure the game wouldn’t be the same shambles as last year with Hogg scoring an early try, redeeming himself for his red card mistake the last time these teams met. However, when the second half came, Scotland were unable to get out their own half and were punished for their lack of possession. Combined with some controversial calls from referee, Jackson, Scotland were unable to make up the deficit.

Whispering Vern doesn't look happy … with reason. #SCOvWAL

— Michael Newbury (@MichaelNewbury) February 15, 2015

Scotland will be disappointed to not have picked up a win yet, despite the positive buzz around the team and the clear improvement on the field over the last few years. With a game at home against Italy in Round 3, Scotland still have the potential to cause some big upsets in Round 4 and 5.

After a faltering start in the tournament, Wales have a vital away game to build on. We are celebrating the victory with 10% Off our Wales range for a limited time only here. Do you think Wales still have a shot at the trophy? Let us know in the comments.