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Post by bluetornados on Feb 3, 2023 18:16:19 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 5, 2023 0:01:40 GMT
Saturday 4th February
Wales 10 Ireland 34ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/0CA0/production/_128523230_gettyimages-1246783677.jpgWarren Gatland's return was spoiled by Ireland as the world's number one side humbled Wales in the opening Six Nations match in Cardiff. Ireland's storming start saw tries from Caelan Doris, James Ryan and James Lowe - and 12 points from Johnny Sexton - establish a 27-3 half-time lead. Wales improved in the second half and responded with a Liam Williams try. But it was Ireland who completed the scoring with a bonus-point try for flanker Josh van der Flier. That put the gloss on Ireland's first Six Nations victory in Cardiff for 10 years as Andy Farrell's side took another step in the right direction as they target Six Nations and World Cup success in 2023. Gatland, who was brought back as Wales coach to replace fellow New Zealander Wayne Pivac, will now know the size of his task in a World Cup year. England 23 Scotland 29ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/12400/production/_128525747_gettyimages-1462741651.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/3D88/production/_128525751_gettyimages-1462734489.jpgSaturday's sensational loss to Scotland was England's fourth in their last six appearances at Twickenham but bizarrely, this time, the crowd might not mind too much. They booed their side on their last outing in London, when they were dismal in defeat by South Africa. That meant expectation levels were not particularly high going into the Six Nations. As captain Owen Farrell pointed out after their 29-23 defeat, the side had just 11 days in camp with their new head coach Steve Borthwick. Borthwick himself was measured beforehand too, saying mistakes would be made but that his team would fight.
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 5, 2023 0:02:55 GMT
Sunday 5th February
Italy v France - 3pm
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 5, 2023 23:44:32 GMT
Sunday 5th February Result..
Italy 24 France 29ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/238F/production/_128530190_gettyimages-1463121520.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/15827/production/_128530188_gettyimages-1246822045.jpgDefending champions France came from behind to avoid a shock defeat against Italy in a thrilling Six Nations game. The Azzurri led 24-22 before Matthieu Jalibert sniped over from close range as France claimed a bonus-point win. The visitors looked comfortable thanks to first-half tries by Thibaud Flament, Thomas Ramos and Ethan Dumortier. But Ange Capuozzo crossed before Italy were awarded a penalty try and Tommaso Allan kicked four penalties - but the hosts could not hang on in Rome. Victory for France stretches their unbeaten run to 14 matches, a sequence that includes Fabien Galthie's side claiming the Grand Slam last year. They travel to Dublin to face world number one-ranked Ireland on Saturday while Italy play England at Twickenham the following day. What they saidFrance head coach Fabien Galthie: "There were some positives because we won and also got the bonus point, but the performance was not good. "Our behaviour was sanctioned, we got a yellow card and made fouls when we were not in danger. "Discipline is a part of rugby. It's something we can correct quickly." Italy fly-half Tommaso Allan told ITV: "It's quite tough to swallow this defeat. We had our chances. In the first half we had too many errors and gave 19 points to the French off our mistakes "We have to find our balance of execution. We will be more diligent the more we do. There's a lot of positives to take from this and are very confident for next week's game. "It's small margins. We're improving every week. We have to start winning as well now. We know we can win. We showed some good rugby today." TABLEwww.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/six-nations/table
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 11, 2023 16:40:30 GMT
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Post by Nobbygas on Feb 11, 2023 22:41:13 GMT
Got to say that the quality of the games so far has been top notch. Much better than previous years.
However, they have to change the 'high tackle' rule. It's stupid. Today, the Scots had a player sent to the sin bin....over a high tackle, where the Welsh player was bent in half and tried to change his direction abruptly. It's going to destroy the game.
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 12, 2023 18:30:39 GMT
England 31-14 Italy: Pragmatic hosts claim first win under Steve Borthwick.. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/DA5D/production/_128610955_telegraph.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/C1FC/production/_128606694_gettyimages-1465331810.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1101C/production/_128606696_gettyimages-1465316168.jpgEngland earned a first win of Steve Borthwick's tenure with a pragmatic bonus-point win over Italy in the Six Nations at Twickenham. Jack Willis marked his return to the side with an opening try before Ollie Chessum powered over for the second. Jamie George added a third from close range but Italy hit back after the break through Marco Riccioni. A penalty try sealed the bonus and Henry Arundell scored a fifth, while Alessandro Fusco claimed a consolation. Victory for the hosts - their 30th win in 30 meetings with Italy - lifts them to third in the table, above defending champions France on points difference, while Italy drop down to fifth. Borthwick's men travel to Cardiff to face Wales in their next game on 25 February, after next weekend's break, as the Azzurri host world number one side Ireland earlier on the same day. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/920E/production/_128609373_sixnationstable.pngLine-ups England: Steward; Malins, Slade, Lawrence, Hassell-Collins; Farrell (c), Van Poortvliet; Genge, George, Sinckler; Itoje, Chessum; Ludlam, Willis, Dombrandt. Replacements: Walker, M Vunipola, Cole, Isiekwe, Earl, Mitchell, M Smith, Arundell. Italy: Capuozzo; Padovani, Brex, Morisi, Menoncello; Allan, Varney; Fischetti, Nicotera, Riccioni, N Cannone, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro, L Cannone Replacements: Bigi, Zani, Ferrari, Iachizzi, Polledri, Zuliani, Fusco, Bruno Match officials Referee: James Doleman (Nzl) Touch judges: Mathieu Raynal (Fra) and Tual Trainini (Fra) TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra) |
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 26, 2023 8:18:06 GMT
Six Nations: Saturday 25th February 2023..Italy 20 Ireland 34 ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/6B85/production/_128752572_gettyimages-1469506195.jpgIreland moved a step closer to realising their Grand Slam dream despite an unconvincing display in Rome, as they held off a spirited Italy to claim a bonus-point win. The Irish scored four tries before half-time through James Ryan, Hugo Keenan, Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen. However, Stephen Varney and Pierre Bruno scores deservedly kept the hosts in touch at the break. After absorbing Italian pressure, Hansen made sure of an Irish victory. Ross Byrne, deputising for Johnny Sexton at fly-half, scored nine points including an important 65th-minute penalty to move Ireland seven points clear. While Ireland will ultimately celebrate a third straight bonus-point win, a resurgent Italy asked serious questions of Andy Farrell's side in a match that bore little resemblance to Ireland's thumping win in Dublin last year. Italy head coach Kieran Crowley will be heartened that his players put the world's number one side under severe pressure, making Farrell look uncomfortable for most of the afternoon. However, the Englishman will be pleased that Ireland dug deep to deliver another result in front of a 51,034-strong crowd in the Italian capital and move two wins away from a Grand Slam, with Scotland at Murrayfield up next on 12 March. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/107C5/production/_128752576_gettyimages-1469501038.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 26, 2023 8:21:13 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 26, 2023 8:23:31 GMT
Six Nations: Sunday 26th February 2023..France v Scotland - 3pm ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/17133/production/_128751549_20088945.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/FC03/production/_128751546_20679270.jpgWhen Scotland won in Paris two years ago for the first time since 1999, Gregor Townsend said it felt like "one of our best ever seasons". It was his side's third win from five matches - including a victory at Twickenham - as they secured fourth place. So the head coach would presumably have to come up with a whole new category if Scotland were to repeat the feat on Sunday and go three from three with two home games still left to play. If Scotland do upset the odds against France, they will finally announce themselves as not only Six Nations title contenders, but one of two Grand Slam hopefuls - with the other, Ireland, to come at Murrayfield next. It's a truly mouth-watering prospect, and one that would have been unthinkable a month ago.
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Post by bluetornados on Feb 27, 2023 0:01:02 GMT
Six Nations: Sunday 26th February 2023..
France 32 Scotland 21France punctured Scotland's rising belief and restored their own Six Nations title hopes with a hard-fought win in an astonishing contest in Paris. Both sides suffered red cards in the first 10 minutes, and Scotland trailed 19-0 at one stage before roaring back to make it a four-point game going into the final few minutes. However, France's efficiency won out as a missed Scotland lineout allowed Fabien Galthie's side to go down the pitch, and eventually Gael Fickou powered over to seal a bonus-point win. It means Ireland - who visit Murrayfield in two weeks - are the only side left chasing a Grand Slam, with France now level with Scotland and England on 10 points after two wins and a defeat. Romain Ntamack and Ethan Dumortier had scored either side of a red card for Scotland's Grant Gilchrist, before France's Mohamed Haouas was also sent off. Thomas Ramos grabbed an intercept try and two penalties to keep his side ahead, despite two tries from Scotland's Huw Jones as the visitors put France under severe pressure. Finn Russell darted over the line and converted his own try to make it a four-point game and set up a grandstand finish with 10 minutes left but ultimately the Scots fell just short. Player of the match - Thomas Ramosichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/3C19/production/_128758351_242c0a935a3974aceafd363d52980798339cf6df.jpgSione Tuipulotu was outstanding for Scotland, but Ramos takes it for his decisive 17-point haul Line-upsFrance: Ramos, Penaud, Fickou, Moefana, Dumortier; Ntamack, Dupont (capt); Baille, Marchand, Haouas, Flament, Willemse, Jelonch, Ollivon, Alldritt. Replacements: Barlot, Wardi, Falatea, Taofifenua, Cros, Macalou, Couilloud, Jalibert. Scotland: Hogg, Steyn, Jones, Tuipulotu, Van der Merwe; Russell, White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, R Gray, Gilchrist, Ritchie (capt), Watson, M Fagerson Replacements: Brown, Bhatti, Nel, J Gray, Skinner, Dempsey, Price, Kinghorn Referee: Nika Amashukeli (GRU) Assistant Referees: Karl Dickson (RFU), Assistant Referee 2: Andrea Piardi (FIR) ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/4FAB/production/_128759302_fdfas.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/88A9/production/_128758943_fafds.jpgSix Nations Tableichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/FDD9/production/_128758946_capture.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 10, 2023 0:46:12 GMT
Six Nations Fixtures..
Saturday 11th March 2023Italy v Wales - 2.15pm .............................................................................................................................................................. England v France - 4.45pm England's Owen Farrell dropped as Marcus Smith comes in to face France.. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/AF2B/production/_128934844_gettyimages-1463483214-1.jpgEngland captain Owen Farrell has been replaced by Marcus Smith at fly-half for Saturday's Six Nations match against France at Twickenham. Smith has been handed the responsibility for running the side after being a sparsely used replacement against Italy and Wales. It is the most significant selection call of head coach Steve Borthwick's tenure. Prop Ellis Genge will take over as captain. Marcus Smith was 18 when first called up to an England training camp by then-head coach Eddie Jones. Now aged 24, it seems the fly-half will finally get his chance to take charge of England's attack without the influence of Owen Farrell against France on Saturday. Given the natural rugby talent Smith has displayed at Harlequins, it is what many England fans have wanted for a long time. Jones teased Smith's followers, including him in training camps for four years before finally handing him a Test debut against the United States in 2021. Then, once Smith was an established part of the team, he shared playmaker duties with captain Farrell. England have a new head coach now and Steve Borthwick is apparently unafraid to make big calls. Farrell is on the bench - and starting fly-half Smith's time has come. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/4199/production/_128939761_gettyimages-1463481163.jpg............................................................................................................................................................................... Sunday 12th March 2023Scotland v Ireland - 3pm
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 10, 2023 23:05:27 GMT
Six Nations 2023: Marcus Smith recall gives England v France added spice..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/132D1/production/_128954587_gettyimages-1472506475.jpgEngland v France is not nicknamed 'Le Crunch' by coincidence. The 2023 edition of this fierce rivalry between two heavyweights of northern hemisphere rugby sees both sides needing to avoid defeat to maintain their Six Nations title challenge. France, the reigning champions, are favourites to end their 18-year wait for a win at Twickenham but England fans may be arriving at HQ on Saturday with a spring in their step. Steve Borthwick has made just one change to the side that beat Wales in their last outing, but it is one which World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward described as a "great call". The exciting Marcus Smith is tasked with bringing attacking flair at fly-half as he steps in for captain Owen Farrell. Smith started the defeat against Scotland, with Farrell deployed at inside centre, but the combination failed to set the game alight. Farrell's pragmatism has been favoured to steer the ship since then, but despite victories against Italy and Wales, Smith has been recalled to the starting XV after impressing on club duty last weekend. Smith is capable of penetrating any defence with his acceleration and dead-eye distribution, while the physicality and hard running lines of Ollie Lawrence at 12 should help the Harlequins star play to his strengths. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/180F1/production/_128954589_gettyimages-1472505922.jpgFrance aiming to end Twickenham curseFrance won the Grand Slam last year and are the number two side in the world. Fabien Galthie's side won every game in 2022 and arrive at Twickenham having lost just once in their last 16 Tests. But there is one unwanted record they will want to end on Saturday. France have not won away against England in the Six Nations since 2005.
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 11, 2023 19:11:51 GMT
Six Nations - Saturday 11th March 2023
Italy 17 Wales 29ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/11C51/production/_128958727_gettyimages-1472795621.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/4F3D/production/_128958202_cdf_110323_italy_v_wales034.jpgWales withstood a late Italy fightback to register their first win of a troubled Six Nations in Rome. Returning scrum-half Rhys Webb inspired the victory as Warren Gatland's side triumphed in the basement battle to lift Wales to fifth in the table. Scores from Rio Dyer, Liam Williams, Taulupe Faletau and a penalty try sealed the bonus-point win while Owen Williams kicked seven points. Italy responded with tries from Sebastian Negri and Juan Ignacio Brex. The Azzurri's 10-year wait for a home Six Nations win continues after suffering a 25th successive tournament defeat in Rome. Italy proved masters of their own downfall against a streetwise Wales outfit. The home side suffered a yellow card in each half and Italy's encouraging, inventive attacks were thwarted by their own poor handling mistakes. It was a welcome first victory for Gatland in his second stint in charge of Wales after returning in the role in December 2022, when he replaced fellow New Zealander Wayne Pivac. Gatland also maintained his perfect record as Wales coach against Italy with a 12th successive win.
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 11, 2023 19:16:03 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 12, 2023 22:47:33 GMT
SUNDAY 12th MARCH 2023 - GUINNESS SIX NATIONSScotland 7 Ireland 22 ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/1280/production/_128963740_20701761.jpgIreland need a home win against England next week to complete a Grand Slam after grinding out a clinical victory over Scotland at Murrayfield. The improving hosts matched the side ranked number one in the world in an enthralling first half, with Huw Jones and Mack Hansen trading tries. Despite a glut of injuries, including both hookers, Ireland found a way to earn an eighth successive win over Scotland as James Lowe and Jack Conan touched down against opponents who badly lost their way after the break. With out-of-sorts England suffering a record home loss to France on Saturday, Andy Farrell's formidable squad are now heavy favourites for a repeat of 2018's clean sweep. Six Nations Tableichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/A88A/production/_128964134_capture.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 15, 2023 21:05:25 GMT
Ireland v England: Johnny Sexton: Ireland captain focused on taking emotion out of Six Nations swansong..- Saturday 18th March - 5pm.Ireland captain Johnny Sexton says he will have to work hard to remove the emotion from his Six Nations swansong as his side targets the Grand Slam against a wounded England team. Sexton has the chance to win his first championship clean sweep as Irish captain in Dublin on Saturday. The 37-year-old also needs just one point to surpass Ronan O'Gara as the Six Nations' record scorer. Despite all the subplots, however, Sexton remains focused on performance. Asked on Wednesday if it will be challenging to keep a lid on his emotions, he said: "Of course, but once I start getting dragged into that, you start getting away from how you're going to make that happen. Process, performance and making sure that you're nailed on. "I'm trying to get away from it as much as I can. I knew the questions were going to come but look, I have got a bit more emotional the further I've gone on definitely so it'll be about trying to hold that back but use it as well because hopefully it'll be a special day." Leinster fly-half Sexton will earn his 113th cap on Saturday having won three Six Nations titles since making his international debut in 2009. And while the veteran half-back will draw the curtain on a 13-year Six Nations journey that began against England at Twickenham in 2010, he was keen to point out that this weekend does not represent the end of his Ireland career with the World Cup to come later this year. "You'd never be able to live with yourself if you didn't turn up and play well," he added. "That's the focus. You take the emotion out of it. It's going to be emotional anyway. You're playing England at home with something on the line. It's what you've always wanted to do and where you've wanted to be. "It's not the last game with this team, I certainly hope not. We've got a lot more of the journey left so I'm not really thinking like that. I'm just thinking about getting out there and putting in the best performance I can and trying to get everyone else on the same page." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/086F/production/_128995120_gettyimages-933058260.jpgAs he approaches his last Six Nations game, Sexton - who said England are a "dangerous opponent" given their humiliating defeat by France last weekend - also identified the two key areas behind his longevity at the top end of rugby. "Luck," he said plainly. "Being able to avoid those big injuries that you see cruelly happen to some players recently, [former Ireland and Leinster flanker] Dan Leavy for example. Top of his game. Number seven jersey and then it finished in one moment. "Also being able to bounce back from adversity. I've had plenty of bad days, plenty of criticisms ands scrutiny. Being able to bounce back from those bad moments." Ireland are going for their fourth Grand Slam on Saturday and having won the previous three in Belfast (1948), Cardiff (2009) and London (2018), Sexton was asked what it would mean to be the first Ireland captain to complete a clean sweep in front of a Dublin crowd. "That's the bit we talked about from the start, that it's never been done at home," he said. "It's something we identified very early and said 'imagine this happening, imagine having a shot at it at home in front of your family, friends.' "Now it's the big occasion and it's about dealing with that, embracing it and getting a good performance out there." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/9109/production/_128992173_gettyimages-1248333653.jpg
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Post by eppinggas on Mar 18, 2023 14:03:16 GMT
Six Nations - Saturday 11th March 2023
England 10 France 53Total and utter humiliation this evening v France. France produced a ruthless display to condemn England to their heaviest home defeat and keep their Six Nations title defence alive with a bonus-point win. Thomas Ramos scored the first of France's seven tries before Thibaud Flament powered over from close range. Charles Ollivon added a third to hand France a 24-point lead at the break. Freddie Steward crossed but Flament and Ollivon did so again and Damian Penaud scored twice as France claimed a first Twickenham win over England since 2005. Victory with the full quota of five points means France will take the title race into the final weekend, regardless of Ireland's result against Scotland on Sunday. England's title challenge is over and it is a first Six Nations with two home defeats, following their opening-game loss against Scotland. France were brilliant. England were totally inept. Strangely enough, I really enjoyed it. Top quality sport (well, from France). |
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 18, 2023 14:28:21 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Mar 18, 2023 14:30:16 GMT
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