Round 3 Review – Broken Hearts and Defiant Champions

Round 3 hasn’t failed to deliver on what has already been a dramatic 6 Nations. 2 more away victories on the Saturday showed just how open the 6 Nations can be and Grand Slam favourites clashed heads (literally) in a punishing masterclass in Dublin.

Scotland v Italy 19 – 22

Scotland took the game by the horns in the first ten minutes getting 10 points in as many minutes. Almost immediately after Scotlands first try, Italy got beyond the try line after an inspired 20m drive. This was the tale of the game, with Scotland gaining an advantage and Italy striking right back. If Italy had been with a consistent fly-half they may have closed the game sooner, as it was, Scotland should have won, taking advantage of the Italians inability to take 3 points.

They didn’t.

I can understand why member of Scotland coaching team kicked glass door of box in frustration after Italy defeat. pic.twitter.com/j49xZw6Mrv

— Rob Robertson (@ROB_Robireland) February 28, 2015

After surviving one late surge on their line, Scotland failed to kick the ball into touch, the Italians charged the line once more, Scotland lost two new caps to yellow cards for disrupting and collapsing the maul and Italy won their first match of the 6 Nations with a penalty try. The jubilation of the Italian players and fans was of extreme contrast to the dissatisfaction seen among the home side and crowd.

Check out the facts from the game:

France v Wales 13 -20

After a close first half, the teams emerged for the next 40 with only 3 points between them. With the reliable boot of Halfpenny and the brilliance of a Lydiate/Biggar try an uninspired France with a misfiring Lopez were unable to keep up with the visitors.

Lopez loves that cross field kick. It doesn't love him at the moment thankfully #FRAvWAL

— Anthony Lewis (@tonylewis92) February 28, 2015

Wales have kept themselves in contention for the championship with an away win in Paris. If the team can beat Ireland (no small task) next round at Home, they could set up what would be a very exciting final round with potentially Ireland, England and Wales all with a shot at winning.

Ireland v England 19-9

Ireland went ten wins on the trot on Sunday, outclassing the last team to have beat them. Now the men in green are the only remaining team capable of claiming a grand slam this year. England came back into the game too late against a clinical Ireland, led by living legend Paul O’Connell and the ridiculous accuracy of Jonathan Sexton. England did gain momentum when Sexton left the field but it was too little too late. As well as some momentum stifling calls from referee Craig Joubert, England’s game was riddled with knock ons and penalties and Ireland capitalised on every mistake.

https://twitter.com/GarrPhillips/status/572148333868916736

With two rounds to go the Championship is wide open. Ireland face a tough tests away against Wales and a stubborn Scotland if they want to claim the Grand Slam whereas England have two games in Twickenham. Roll on Round 4.