Six Nations

Scrumhalf Rhys Webb produced a superb individual display in his first start for six years to inspire Wales to a 29-17 bonus-point victory over error-strewn ...

"I thought we deserved to win today, and with the bonus point which was great," Gatland told S4C. Their two tries came from flanker Sebastian Negri and centre Juan Ignacio Brex. Register for free to Reuters and know the full story

Wales picked up their first victory of the 2023 Six Nations campaign after they beat Italy 29-17 in Rome, exacting revenge for last year's defeat.

Williams’ conversion opened up a 10-0 lead and the visitors were off to a flying start. [Italy](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/italy), who will lament a series of costly errors as it was a wasteful performance from the hosts. And Wales punished their hosts when Webb broke clear and delivered a scoring pass to Faletau, with Williams’ conversion opening up a 29-10 lead and securing a bonus point. Referee Damon Murphy awarded Wales a penalty try and yellow-carded Italy number eight Lorenzo Cannone, with the visitors taking a 22-3 lead into half-time. Williams then kicked Wales deep into the Italian 22 and a powerful lineout drive resulted in Italy illegally collapsing a maul. Italy looked lethargic and nervous in comparison and Wales extended their lead with a ninth-minute try.

England crash to record 53-10 defeat against France at Twickenham; France score seven tries to keep Six Nations title hopes alive; Wales record 29-17 win ...

Wales scored four tries in a 29-17 win over Italy in Rome, climbing off the bottom of the Six Nations table at the hosts' expense.

Having ended a run of 36 games without a Six Nations win at the end of last season in the Welsh capital, Crowley’s team were hoping to triumph at home for the first time since 2013. For the first time since he returned as head coach at the start of the year, Gatland saw his players properly fired up, sticking to and executing the gameplan and looking more like a Gatland-coached side. The referee, Damon Murphy, not only ordered a penalty try, but also showed Cannone a yellow card. Liam Williams weaved his way to the line, bouncing off five defenders and then a decision by Wales captain Ken Owens to kick to the corner rather than taking three points delivered in spades. The crowd belted out the anthem to show their levels of expectation, but the early response simply wasn’t there on a wonderfully warm day at the Stadio Olimpico. Badgered by his four children to explain “Why are you No 21 Daddy, not No 9 any more?” he ensured they are more likely to be seeing him wearing single digits for the rest of this year, rather than a replacements jersey.

Les Bleus coast to a record Six Nations victory over the hapless hosts to pile pressure on new coach Steve Borthwick.

England will be hoping to put pressure on Ireland at the top of the Six Nations standings as they take on France in Le Crunch at Twickenham.

To be able to have Owen [Farrell] to come on and finish the game' But England undo their hard work conceding a penalty for handling the ball on the floor. But play is called back by the referee as England have the advantage and kick to the corner with the resulting penalty. England recover the ball and clear their lines. France have certainly got off on the front foot, with England making several mistakes. According to Opta, their 24-point lead is the largest any side has had at half time over England in the Six Nations. The home side have not quite mounted a fluid attack yet. I thought it was a well selected team [England], I thought it was the best selected team he could have put out. But just the physicality and the athleticism of the French team was amazing. It looks as though the French openside Ollivon may have scored with the TMO checking now! Fickou's excellent vision see's Alex Dombrant mismatched against Penaud on the wing, and while Dombrant gets the tap on the France 14, he can't quite bring him down. I think I sugar-coat it, probably one of the worst performances we’ve had.

The Kiwi coach sees his struggling side register their first victory of the Six Nations to condemn the Azzurri to a fourth straight loss.

Gatland reserved special praise for Webb, who – in his first Six Nations start since 2017 – controlled the game with his kicking and made some darting breaks around the fringes. Poor handling cost them dear after a slew of line breaks. *

Italy, who wasted a host of chances, now look destined to finish bottom of the Six Nations table.

Williams’ conversion opened up a 10-0 lead and the visitors were off to a flying start. Referee Damon Murphy awarded Wales a penalty try and yellow-carded Italy number eight Lorenzo Cannone, with the visitors taking a 22-3 lead into half-time. Italy needed a response and it arrived through an Allan penalty after 16 minutes, yet Wales were immediately back on the front foot.

Following a 29-17 victory for Wales over Italy in their Six Nations fixture, here's our five takeaways from the match at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

Leigh Halfpenny and Biggar probably would have converted those two opportunities, while Williams also wasted a chance when he failed to find touch in the second half. Tommaso Allan started at number 15 in his absence, and whilst the Harlequins star showed some flashes of brilliance, his performance was a mixed bag. Had they been on their game there’s little doubt the Italians would have been right in the contest at the turnaround, if not leading, but errors were all too frequent as they butchered key opportunities. Others must fill in his shoes if they are to cause a shock. Crowley’s face at half-time was like thunder and one can understand why as his Italian players would have turned any coach grey after that first-half showing. Indeed, his kick would lay on their opening try as Rio Dyer crossed for a crucial score.

Marcus Smith's introduction to the starting XV couldn't inspire England to a result against France, who secured their first Six Nations win at Twickenham ...

That applied the finishing touches to England's biggest home loss in history (or Five and Four Nations, for that matter), highlighting a dire need for changes ahead of this year's "We played the way we wanted to play. That try illustrated the gulf in impetus between the two teams, with England lacking the alertness and physicality of their guests. It shows we're on the right path." France flexed their ingenuity for Ollivon's brace in particular, the back-rower nonchalantly reaching over England's ruck to dot down following Ramos' all-too-simple break and chip deep into enemy territory. "We got exposed today," he told Stand-in fly-half Smith briefly narrowed the lead with a paltry penalty soon after, only for France to hit back before the break. We probably have to be better in the contact area which is on the forwards." The Red Rose showed signs of blooming in an improved second half but was left with too much to do after heading in at the break 27-3 down. [Bristol](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/bristol-rugby)'s [Ellis Genge](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/ellis-genge) said he 'wouldn't sugar coat' his analysis after standing in as captain for the absent Farrell, praising the "brilliant" Bleus while adding England "are way off where we want to be." Charles Ollivon, Thibaud Flament and Damian Penaud each scored two tries apiece as Les Bleus banked their first Six Nations win at Headquarters since 2005. [Steve Borthwick](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/steve-borthwick)'s [England](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/england-rugby-union-team) revolution stalled at Twickenham on Saturday after [France](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/france-rugby-union-team) flew to a record-breaking 53-10 [Six Nations](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/six-nations) win in hostile territory.

France kept alive its chances of retaining the Six Nations rugby title after a record, seven-try 53-10 humiliation of England at Twickenham fueled by two ...

From the moment Flament broke England’s flimsy defensive line in his own half to help set up a second-minute try by Thomas Ramos, the French looked a class apart. The Irish will look to extend their 100% record with a win over Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday. They went on to put on a show, embarrassing the hosts as Penaud’s brace of tries in the final 10 minutes took France past a half-century of points and sparked a chorus of jeers from some home fans, many of whom were heading for the exits.

England endured their biggest ever home defeat as France scored seven tries in a 53-10 thrashing.

France put in a masterclass of a performance as they hammered England 53-10 in a record-breaking showing in the Six Nations on Saturday.

[England](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/england)‘s only crossing of the evening as this was a chastening defeat that will no doubt sting Steve Borthwick and his players. Flament was exceptional, Ramos phenomenonal, Fickou and Danty perfect, Dupont was Dupont. France absolutely and totally dominant. Flament crossed in the 26th minute but it was too easy for the lock as passive England were overpowered in contact. Antoine Dupont grew in influence as he weaved his magic around the ruck but it was the power of forwards François Cros and Flament that did the damage for the next try. [France](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/france) who raced out of the blocks and when lock Paul Willemse offloaded out of the tackle they were away, with Ethan Dumortier sending Ramos over in the left corner.

England were overwhelmed 53-10 by France at Twickenham in a record defeat that removed them from Guinness Six Nations title...

A game we’ll never, ever forget. France reminding us of the joy they can play this game with. [Paul Willemse](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/paul-willemse/) offloaded out of the tackle they were away, with [Ethan Dumortier](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/ethan-dumortier/) sending Ramos over in the left corner. The biggest walloping England have ever taken at Twickenham. [Owen Farrell](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/owen-farrell/) and [Alex Mitchell](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/alex-mitchell/) off the bench early in the second half came amid an uprising that produced a try for [Freddie Steward](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/freddie-steward/), but it was short-lived as Flament, Ollivon and [Damian Penaud](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/damian-penaud/) propelled France further in front. [Thibaud Flament](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/thibaud-flament/) and [Charles Ollivon](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/charles-ollivon/) had crossed with alarming ease and England looked completely lost as fault lines opened in their defence, kicking, breakdown and discipline.

Wales boss Warren Gatland hailed the excellence of scrum-half Rhys Webb after their 29-17 Guinness Six Nations victory over Italy at Stadio Olimpico.

"Italy are where they are because of the way they have played over the last 10 years. It was a victory for the whole squad." It's very clear there was a tackle made, so there is a tackle line and their No 10 tackled Brex. "We fought our way back into it. I thought it was a great contribution by him." Wales captain Ken Owens said: "We will grow from this.

France player ratings: No matter what the fortunes of either side going into it, England-France in the Guinness Six Nations is always a...

Monstered [Ellis Genge](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/ellis-genge/) on 40 minutes which directly lead to Ollivon’s try. Sipili Faletea’s star turn two weekends ago wasn’t quite followed up here, with Genge getting into him at the setpiece. No quarter was shown to the English at the breakdown and the La Rochelle man won pretty much every moment in which he was involved. Did brilliantly at the less glamourous stuff, pouncing on a loose ball that had questionably popped out of an English ruck saving France’s jambon with English moving ominously towards their try line. Made a telling open-field contribution for France’s first try and got one of his own after accelerating onto a fine Dupont pop pass close to the English line. Latched onto Lewis Ludlum for a timely jackal that led to an attacking lineout for France. Used as an effective carry option twice in the opening three minutes. So effortlessly cool that he looks bored most of time. Bar one shanked effort, he kicked well with ball in hand. No box office moments this week even if his mere presence seemed to unnerve a feverish English midfield, who were suffering the effect of severe ball starvation. Showed his mettle in the frequent high-stakes kicking battles that littered the first half. Worryingly bad from England and frightening good at times from France.

Steve Borthwick's men trailed 27-3 at half-time – their highest interval deficit at Twickenham in any fixture.

England needed to act quickly and hope appeared to have arrived when Smith delivered a terrific kick on the run for Max Malins but the wing knocked-on over the line. And there was more misfortune when Smith was driven over his line by Dupont as he covered for a kick and Ollivon touched down when he let go of the ball before two late tries by wing Penaud drove the final nail into England’s coffin. Ramos added a penalty to reward another Les Bleus attack and with only 10 minutes on the clock it was already looking bleak for the hosts.

The win kept alive Les Tricolores' chances of retaining the title heading into the final round, but this was about much more than that. Watch the 2023 Super ...

That's a fourth straight loss in this championship for Italy, which needs to win in Scotland next weekend in the final round to stand a chance of avoiding finishing bottom of the standings. "It is a bit of a mystery at the moment." With the ball loose at the bottom of a ruck, Ollivon reached over a mass of bodies and placed two hands on it for a try that needed the say-so of the TMO. While England is effectively out of the running for the championship after a second defeat in four games, France — with three wins from four — moved into second place behind unbeaten Ireland only on points difference. "I thought we would get a measure of where we are at — there is a big gap between us and the top teams in the world. On one of the darkest days in English rugby history, France put on a clinic by running in seven tries in a record 53-10

England were obliterated by France in a seven-try mauling at Twickenham. A record defeat at their home stadium saw Steve Borthwick's side outfought, ...

It's the first time in Farrell's entire career that he's been benched for a Six Nations game, and what effect will his absence have on an England attack which has looked disjointed at times in 2023? Successive offloads out of contact from Ollivon and Flament release Dumortier into open space, and he finds Ramos to his outside to put the French full-back over in the corner! Danty leads the visitors in this regard, but is pinged for not rolling away in the ruck and concedes a penalty. George is trapped in the ruck and Sinckler's presence means he can't get out, and the resultant penalty is knocked over from right in front by Ramos, taking his personal points tally to 15 in this game. Ollivon peels off from openside to collect the number eight's inside pass, and crashes his way through Smith and Steward to score in the corner! England generate quick ball inside the French 22 and finds Steward hitting one hell of a line, and the gigantic full-back shoves Ramos away to slide over the whitewash! England don't ground the ball on their own line and a pile-on of a ruck ensues. The referee and TMO decide that England kept the ball in the field of play, and that Smith had indeed released it. It's a rout in every sense of the word, although Ramos does finally miss a conversion to keep the score at 53 to 10. France's domination of the game saw them play out 80 minutes with barely a fault, and ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup — on home soil, of course — Les Bleus' odds to win the tournament could well sky-rocket. France's performances in their first three Six Nations games had been a far cry from their complete dominance of the 2022 tournament, with Italy and Scotland considered unlucky not to beat them, and Ireland defeating them convincingly. Damian Penaud collected a cross-field kick to skip clear of the chasing defenders, and he was over again three minutes later to round off the scoring.

Four months after sacking Eddie Jones, England rugby suffered one of its darkest days by getting thrashes 53-10 at Twickenham - their biggest ever home ...

“It is a bit of a mystery at the moment.” Ollivon’s second try was somewhat farcical after England flyhalf Marcus Smith lost possession of the ball in his attempt to get back over his own tryline after retrieving a kick. From the moment Flament broke England’s flimsy defensive line in his own half to help set up a second-minute try by Thomas Ramos, the French looked a class apart.

Following a 53-10 victory for France over England in their Six Nations fixture, here's our five takeaways from the game at Twickenham on Saturday.

Rugby is now a game of both physicality and brutality and without that sheer power, Test matches are particularly hard to win. It was England’s third worse defeat in their rugby history, their worst ever defeat at home and their biggest defeat to France. His task now is to learn the harsh lessons dished out by France, to try and find the power players to change the shape of the English backline, and above all, get some structure back into their performances. His personal stats might not show his influence on the match but every time England tried to fire it was he who barrelled them back, making four bone shattering dominant hits and acting as a fourth back-row forward around the breakdown. From the moment the outstanding Charles Ollivon created the first try with an exquisite offload to the last play of their attack that saw Damian Penaud scoot over for his brace, they were compelling and brilliant. It was a masterclass in controlled running rugby, showing every facet of France’s all round game and completely eviscerating Steve Borthwick’s rebuild project of his England side.

Italy are heading for yet another last-place finish in the Six Nations after they were beaten 29-17 by Wales, paying the price for a slow start.

"He didn't force anything and kept us on the front foot." Wales turned round with a man advantage, after Italy No. Italy are headed for another familiar last-place finish in the Six Nations.

With the Six Nations Championship in full swing, it will soon be time for the Centenary Quaich to be fought for between Ireland and Scotland.

The Centenary Quaich is just one of several cups contested in the Six Nations Championship. Named after a Gaelic drinking vessel, the ‘Quaich’ has been presented to the winners of the Ireland versus Scotland fixture since 1989. The two teams battle it out every year to decide who will clinch the highly coveted trophy.

Steve Borthwick admits his team "fell considerably short" against an impressive France side in their record 53-10 loss at Twickenham.

The players wanted to put in a big game against England.” We wanted to do something here. “France were able to dominate the tackle area and offload. “We played well, how we wanted to. We fell considerably short, that’s the reality. It shows just how much work we have to do.

Saturday was a dramatic evening that will live long in the memory, be it from the perspective of shambolic England or flamboyant France.

[Max Malins](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/max-malins/) on the wing is another alteration, as is [Manu Tuilagi](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/manu-tuilagi/) for Slade. [Maro Itoje](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/maro-itoje/) need the shock treatment of getting dropped in order to buck up in World Cup year? It was beautiful and that set the tempo for a contest in which the visitors racked up nine linebreaks to England’s one. [reaction to the six-point opening round loss to Scotland was to drop three players for the next day](https://www.rugbypass.com/news/marcus-smith-dropped-as-england-name-team-to-host-italy/), [Marcus Smith](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/marcus-smith/), [Joe Marchant](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/joe-marchant/) and [Ben Curry](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/ben-curry/) paying the price on that occasion, then he should be taking a sledgehammer to his selection after this latest loss and dropping eight or nine for next Saturday in Dublin. However, the margin of error at Test level is vastly smaller and the reputational damage being done to England is getting horrible. and yet they were blitzed in the one area where it mattered most – on the scoreboard. There’s no point in Borthwick going on about England having “three world-class out-halves” if [he keeps sending Ford home to Manchester on a Tuesday](https://www.rugbypass.com/news/smith-wins-ford-battle-but-england-update-is-bad-news-for-lawes/). However, Borthwick is just a single win from his three home games so far and if his appointment was designed to win back fans, [Alex Mitchell](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/alex-mitchell/) and his Jamison Gibson-Park-type energy into the starting side as young [Jack van Poortvliet is plodding along](https://www.rugbypass.com/news/england-player-ratings-vs-france-2023-guinness-six-nations/), mirroring how fellow youngster [Harry Randall](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/harry-randall/) fared in the team in last year’s championship. England hadn’t convincingly produced the brilliant basics that Steve Borthwick spent the whole of February prattling on about while France, given their champion pedigree of last year, were [always likely to sublimely click at some stage](https://www.rugbypass.com/news/france-player-rating-vs-england-2023-guinness-six-nations/) after an opening month of fits and starts displays. [from the perspective of shambolic England or flamboyant France](https://www.rugbypass.com/news/france-inflict-record-defeat-on-england-in-six-nations-humbling/). Their finishing was sublime given the greasy conditions, and their post-game celebrations were joyous and infectious.

The hottest ticket in town this Sunday is a Scotland v Ireland live stream as the Six Nations weekend wraps up. Here's where you can watch.

It’s $41 per month but the first seven days are free and you can cancel at any time. Six Nations live stream: How to watch from Asia Six Nations live stream: How to watch from South Africa Six Nations live stream: How to watch from Australia Six Nations live stream: How to watch from New Zealand Six Nations live stream: How to watch from Europe You can try it out for a month for free or sign up for an annual plan and get three months free. Just search for the app on any device, phone or console you have. They also have an amazing app that works on almost all your smart devices. Scotland v Ireland live stream: How to watch from Ireland The world’s No 1 side, Ireland, hit Edinburgh today with a strong-looking squad. But can they withstand an Irish barrage?

France finally put an end to their Twickenham hoodoo as they ran away to a record 53-10 win over England.

“We got exposed today. [March 11, 2023]

Minute-by-minute report: Join Luke McLaughlin for updates from a highly anticipated clash at Murrayfield.

A massive chance for Scotland with an attacking lineout from about eight metres from the Irish try-line. 42 min: Ireland look to run the ball with some early possession in the second half after Scotland cough up a penalty. 38 min: A late scrum in the first half sees Ireland get the better of the set piece. again it’s a confident, crisp series of passes and it threatens to open up the Irish defence … Scotland get the lineout right, throwing to the back, and spin the ball through the hands … 44 min: Hansen finds Ringrose with a looping pass out to the Ireland right. 48 min: Hogg has a dart on the left. “Credit to Ireland in the second half … Ringrose is taken off the field on the medical team’s buggy, his neck in a brace. Lowe fires a stunning pass out to Gibson-Park on the Irish left. They have, in truth, been outmuscled and outclassed in the second half. it was a monumental effort, the boys dig deep, and they have earned the right to take it to the last weekend.

Stuart Hogg earns his 100th cap for the hosts today as Jonny Gray and Jack Dempsey come in, while the Irish are boosted by several key returns from injury ...

Captain Johnny Sexton this week claimed Ireland are preparing to face the greatest Scotland team of the Six Nations era. Ireland have won 11 of the last 12 clashes, including seven on the bounce, dating back to 2014. We will look at Ireland and what they've done in their past few games, stretching back to the New Zealand Tests. Follow Scotland vs Ireland in the Six Nations live below! But Ireland are expecting a tough test from Scotland, who opened the competition with successive wins for the first time since 1996 before playing their part in an absolute thriller in Paris a fortnight ago. [Andy Farrell](/topic/andy-farrell)’s green machine rolls into Glasgow today bursting with confidence and looking for the latest statement win in their search for a coveted Grand Slam that will significantly raise hopes of ending that World Cup curse in France later this year.

Look back on our minute by minute coverage as Ireland saw off Scotland in the Guinness Six Nations at Murrayfield.

He's being carted off slowly after a lengthy period of treatment, and thankfully raises his hand to give a thumbs up gesture. -

Ireland very much kept their Six Nations Grand Slam hopes alive as they secured an impressive 22-7 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Sexton was again successful in adding the extras to take his After doing well to ride out the early period of pressure by conceding just three points, Scotland forced their way into the game. Ireland almost made the breakthrough in the 11th minute when Hansen was picked out wide on the right but Duhan van der Merwe did just enough to pull him into touch. The Scots were forced into a change after just six minutes when lock Richie Gray went off injured and was replaced by Scott Cummings. Sexton made no mistake with the conversion. Prior to kick-off Stuart Hogg was accompanied onto the pitch by his children ahead of his 100th cap.

Scotland host Ireland in the most significant match of the penultimate weekend of the Guinness Six Nations.

[Stuart Hogg](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/stuart-hogg/) leads the hosts out ahead of winning his 100th cap. Bealham and [Tadhg Beirne](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/tadgh-beirne/) are the only notable absentees from a fearsome matchday 23. Hogg may not be the only player to pass a notable milestone in this weekend’s match as fit-again Irish skipper Sexton also stands a chance of securing some personal glory. [Tadhg Furlong](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/tadhg-furlong/) will make his first competitive appearance since early December following a calf issue after deputy [Finlay Bealham](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/finlay-bealham/) suffered a tournament-ending knee problem in the round-three win in Italy. [Johnny Sexton](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/johnny-sexton/) this week claimed Ireland are preparing to face the greatest Scotland team of the Six Nations era. In addition, a home victory, especially with a bonus point, would take Gregor Townsend’s team into their final match at home to Italy with a real chance of winning the

By outlasting Scotland 22-7 at Murrayfield, Ireland earned a fourth straight victory of the championship to move on to 19 points — four more than defending ...

Five minutes later, Hansen also played a key role in Ireland’s third try by sending in replacement Jack Conan along the right touchline. It ended with flanker James Ryan tackled about 5 metres out and his offload just evading Lowe. That would require Ireland losing at fortress Lansdowne Road to visiting England and France beating Wales in a match taking place a few hours earlier next weekend.

Withstanding all the slings and arrows flung in their direction, be it Finn Russell and his inventive midfield colleagues, or all manner of injuries, it says ...

With Healy at hooker and both Scotland replacement props on, Ireland shunted the Scottish pack back to earn a penalty deep into the home half. In terms of metres and carries, the first-half stats were very similar, but Ireland missed 18 tackles to Scotland’s seven. Van der Merwe made more inroads off a Finn Russell offload before pulling the trigger for Huw Jones to score his fourth try of the Championship with a trademark line on to Sione Tuipulotu’s short pass. So the throw had to be retaken. Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong put in huge shifts, as did Peter O’Mahony, the outstanding James Ryan (11 tackles, 12 carries for 81 metres) and, of course, the faintly ridiculous Van der Flier, with 18 tackles, none missed and loads of intelligent and effective contributions. In so doing, they’ve set up a shot at the Grand Slam at home to England next Saturday.

Ireland remained on course for a Six Nations Grand Slam after overcoming stiff Scottish resistance and a series of injuries to win 22-7 at Murrayfield on ...

If we get any more injuries in the week we might have to have a look at Old Belvedere under-12s," he joked. They've earned the right to take it to the last weekend." Finn Russell added the conversion.

Following a 22-7 victory for Ireland over Scotland in their Six Nations fixture, here's our five takeaways from the game at Murrayfield on Sunday.

But Scotland’s biggest takeout is just to continue as they are; by all means, refine a few things here and there as part of their continuous improvement and in order to bolt on greater consistency into an all-round package. Behind them, Ryan was absolutely massive, 12 thundering runs for 81m and unlucky not to cross the whitewash on a couple of occasions. In a game that was nip and tuck at half-time, the Irish defence put in a magnificent effort to hold the Scottish attack at bay whilst managing to eek out a couple of chances for their outstanding wingers, James Lowe and Mack Hansen. Aki is one of those players who goes under the radar, but as Ringrose seems sure to be unavailable next weekend, he will be essential for Ireland. Back to the injuries, most worryingly for their teams, two massively influential figures also came off towards the end of the match in Garry Ringrose and Finn Russell. Competing on the floor and breakdown is also an area where they came off second-best. Planet Rugby thinks Federico Mendez may have been the last to achieve this, but if you know better, please feel free to tell us in the comments! Seven influential Test match performers went off with all sorts of injuries and ailments, three of them before half-time. Getting balance into their defence is key and for all the brilliance of their loosies, a jackaling presence seemed to be missing. He also stole three Scottish lineouts – a testimony to his all-round skill, and in truth, he was unlucky not to get the player of the match award. In a match with some wonderful attacking intent and skill, the variety and completeness of defence was always going to create the points of difference, and it was here that Ireland won the match, as they tackled their hearts out to achieve parity but gained a clear advantage in kick clearance and in turnovers. To deal with all of the reshuffling of their team, using Josh van der Flier as a lineout thrower and prop Cian Healy as an emergency hooker, and still to emerge with a win was nothing short of staggering.

Ireland player ratings: The most consequential Guinness Six Nations' game of the round, Ireland's Grand Slam steam train was pitted...

A slow start after coming on very early and but played his way into game. [Tom O’Toole](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/tom-otoole/) – 7 Ireland’s scrum improved with Healy at No.2. On early in tense circumstances and played a part in a number of Ireland lineout system failures. It was a big moment but he stayed in the fight and was unlucky not to add to his impressive tally of tries this Six Nations. [Iain Henderson](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/iain-henderson/) – 7 Was in the thick of things from the off, scything down Duhan Van Der Merwe with his first contribution. [Tadhg Furlong](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/tadhg-furlong/) – 7 [Andrew Porter](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/andrew-porter/) – 7 Became the joint leading points scorer in [Bundee Aki](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/bundee-aki/) – 7 Not his finest game from a defensive point of view, falling off a handful of tackles in the first half.

Ireland remained on course for a Six Nations Grand Slam after overcoming stiff Scottish resistance to win 22-7 at Murrayfield on Sunday.

We thought we'd turn it on in the second half." "They're a very good side," said Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie. "We knew this was going to be our toughest game of the year", said Hansen, who won man-of-the-match.