Wales show military-like discipline as Ireland break Six Nations record in Round Two
The second round of the Six Nations flew by over the last weekend with some fantastic rugby, including close results between England and Wales, whilst Scotland came perilously close to beating Les Bleus.
As the dust settles from the action, Planet Rugby, with the help of Opta Analyst, examines some interesting statistics from round two of rugby’s greatest championship.
England’s comeback against Wales
For the first time ever in the Six Nations era, Wales held a lead at the break with 14-5 on the board as the teams went into the sheds. This prompted England’s joint-biggest comeback from a half-time deficit.
Warren Gatland would not be happy with the narrow 16-14 loss for Wales but will be delighted with the fact that his team did not concede a penalty until the 42nd minute. It was 101 consecutive minutes of game time without conceding a penalty at that point.
Veteran George North became the fourth Welshman to play 50 Tests in the Six Nations after Stephen Jones, Gethin Jenkins and Alun Wyn Jones.
A real battle at @Twickenhamstad 😮💨
Thanks to @WelshRugbyUnion for another hard-fought encounter 🤝 #ENGvWAL | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/CqQA34bvgn
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 10, 2024
Duhan van der Merwe and Scotland v France
The tight game between Scotland and France that ended 20-16 saw gargantuan wing Duhan van der Merwe fail to beat a defender for the first time in 36 Tests for his country, putting an end to an incredible run. In fact, it is only the second time ever on the Test scene that he has failed to beat any defenders with the other against South Africa for the British & Irish Lions in 2021.
Interestingly the prolific Damian Penaud failed to score on his 50th Test for France in what was only the fourth game since the start of 2023 that he did not cross the whitewash in. Conversely, young sensation Louis Bielle-Biarrey has now scored six tries in seven starts for Les Bleus.
‘Unbiased’ Scotland want World Rugby clarification over ‘incorrect’ TMO call
Ireland domination
Andy Farrell’s men are on course to win back-to-back Grand Slams, and this weekend, the in-form side notched up their 17th victory at home – a new record for the side. The triumph over Italy also marked 10 Six Nations wins at home, becoming the second team to do that after Eddie Jones’ England (2015-2017).
Ireland’s defence was on show, keeping Italy scoreless in the 36-0 win which was the seventh time Italy had failed to get any points on the board in Six Nations history.
Calvin Nash continues to shine on attack, scoring a try in his first two Six Nations games, becoming the third Irishman to do so. Meanwhile, hooker Dan Sheehan has now scored five tries in his last three Six Nations games, also becoming the first player in his position to score a brace in two separate games.
☘️ A final flourish for @IrishRugby through the hands of Calvin Nash 🤩#GuinnessM6N #IREITA pic.twitter.com/UXre9nYgpt
— Guinness Men’s Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 11, 2024
