Back with a Bang

The 6 Nations returned in spectacular fashion on Friday night with England outplaying Wales to come back and score 13 points in the second half, leaving Wales stunned in a 16-21 result.

Incredible game last night. Amazing to be there. #EnglandvsWales #Rugby6nations #rugby pic.twitter.com/5ivJBjMikn

— Pete Helme Photography (@petehelme) February 7, 2015

We take a look at the stats that left the home crowd shocked.

The game was slightly overshadowed by the handling of concussion on the pitch. There was outcry after Wales star George North, after suffering two serious head injuries, was allowed to keep playing by the Wales management. Some have said, despite recent advances, international rugby still isn’t taking the issue seriously enough and setting a bad example for the grassroots game.

I really don't think George North should still be on the pitch. He looks very dazed……

— Will Carling (@willcarling) February 6, 2015

Ireland had a fairly slow start against Italy in Rome. The score stayed at 0-3 for the first 20 minutes. The first half came down to kicks with the teams heading in at 40min 3-9.

Disappointingly Sean O’Brien wasn’t able to start for Ireland in what would’ve been his first Test game in over a year.  He injured himself during warm up and the camera occasionally panned over to showing the disappointment on his face.

It didn’t stop Ireland kicking their way to victory thanks to a good game from the relatively inexperienced Keatley who will likely be replaced by Sexton next week. The slightly lacklustre game picked up in the last 15 with tries from Murray and O’Donnel ending 3-26

Scotland came to Paris having not won there since 1999. And that record is will remain for now. the game ended 15-8. Scotland looked dangerous several times in the first half and scored the only try of the game. The team went in at half time only a point behind the hosts and having had far more chances. Scotland ended up playing a lot in their own side of the pitch in the 2nd half. France managed to close out the game thanks to the boot of Lopez.

France came away with the only home victory of the what has been an explosive start to the 6 Nations. The winners from round 1 look to be in a good position now for the rest of the tournament. Some huge games to look forward to next weekend and we can’t wait.