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Post by Panda on Feb 6, 2021 17:47:48 GMT 1
This has got underway today with England attempting to defend the title they only won in November.
France have got things started with a predictably comprehensive victory over Europe's seventh-best team. England about to kick off against Scotland with Wales hosting Ireland tomorrow to finish the opening round of fixtures.
6 Feb: Italy 10-50 France 6 Feb: England 6-11 Scotland 7 Feb: Wales 21-16 Ireland 13 Feb: England 41-18 Italy 13 Feb: Scotland 24-25 Wales 14 Feb: Ireland 13-15 France 27 Feb: Italy 10-48 Ireland 27 Feb: Wales 40-24 England 13 Mar: Italy 7-48 Wales 13 Mar: England 23-20 France 14 Mar: Scotland 24-27 Ireland 20 Mar: Scotland 52-10 Italy 20 Mar: Ireland 32-18 England 20 Mar: France 32-30 Wales 26 Mar: France v Scotland
This is the final year of the current TV deal, which sees ITV show games where England, Ireland and Italy are at home and BBC show the home games of Wales, Scotland and France.
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Post by Panda on Feb 6, 2021 19:35:47 GMT 1
Scotland outplay a very poor England to win 11-6 and earn their first victory at Twickenham since 1983. England lose their opener for the second year in a row.
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Post by Panda on Feb 7, 2021 20:12:55 GMT 1
Wales make heavy weather of beating Ireland, who played most of the game with 14 men and led 13-6 at half-time. Finished 21-16 in the end.
Table: 1. France 1-5 (+40) 2. Wales 1-4 (+5) 3. Scotland 1-4 (+5) 4. Ireland 1-1 (-5) 5. England 1-1 (-5) 6. Italy 1-0 (-40)
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Post by Panda on Feb 14, 2021 20:57:20 GMT 1
Round 2: England show an improved performance with six tries against Italy (including a stunning airborne finish from Jonny May), Wales win a thriller against 14-man Scotland and France grind out victory in Ireland.
Table: 1. France 2-9 (+42) 2. Wales 2-9 (+6) 3. England 2-6 (+18) 4. Scotland 2-5 (+4) 5. Ireland 2-2 (-7) 6. Italy 2-0 (-63)
Meanwhile, the Rugby Europe Championship, the second tier of European international rugby, starts in March. It usually runs at the same time as the Six Nations but has been delayed this year. Georgia are looking to defend their title (having completed three consecutive grand slams), going up against Spain, Romania, Portugal, Russia and the winner of the promotion/relegation playoff between Belgium and Netherlands. Because of that playoff being delayed, the winner won't start their campaign until June.
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Post by Mercury on Feb 21, 2021 10:27:40 GMT 1
It was a shocker to see Scotland beat England. No doubt England improved playing Italy, unfortunately, Italy always ends up with the wooden spoon. I feel sorry for them.
Wales could have done better but they are definitely improving. I really want them to beat England. Sorry, I am biased. Welsh girl here.
Come on Wales!
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Post by Panda on Feb 25, 2021 13:43:24 GMT 1
France v Scotland on Sunday has been called off due to a Covid outbreak in the French squad. It remains to be seen whether it will be rescheduled or whether Scotland will be awarded the match.
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Post by smokeyb on Feb 25, 2021 20:32:51 GMT 1
Looks like 11 French players have tested positive, and if the match is delayed Scottish players will have to return to their clubs in England & France and might not be available for the re-scheduled game.
Which means the Scots team will be severely weakened against a potential fully fit French squad. That seems unfair.
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Post by Panda on Feb 25, 2021 22:02:54 GMT 1
One date that's been mentioned coincides with the Lions tour of South Africa. I know recent Lions squads haven't exactly been brimming with Scots but there's bound to be a few in there this time, given the team's recent improvements. Either way, it seems like Scotland have been totally stitched up. It's hard to imagine the Six Nations going out of their way to reschedule the game like this if it was Italy who had an outbreak.
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Post by Panda on Feb 27, 2021 18:39:41 GMT 1
Wales 17-14 up against England at half-time thanks to two tries scored by the referee.
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Post by Panda on Feb 27, 2021 19:43:10 GMT 1
Wales 40-24 England
England pulled level in the 2nd half but poor discipline cost them as Wales pulled clear with three penalties, with a last-minute try giving them a bonus point win and the Triple Crown.
Table: 1. Wales 3-14 (+22) 2. France 2-9 (+42) 3. Ireland 2-7 (+31) 4. England 3-6 (+2) 5. Scotland 2-5 (+4) 6. Italy 3-0 (-101)
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Post by Panda on Mar 13, 2021 17:20:52 GMT 1
Didn't bother with Italy v Wales as it seemed like a waste of time and went for a walk instead. My thoughts were "Wales win by about 40, Italy score 10 if they're lucky."
Final score: Italy 7-48 Wales
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Post by Panda on Mar 13, 2021 19:48:11 GMT 1
England produce their best performance since the World Cup to beat France 23-20 at Twickenham, despite conceding a try after just a minute. France's Grand Slam hopes collapse under weight of favouritism once again...
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Post by Panda on Mar 21, 2021 19:47:34 GMT 1
Wales denied the Grand Slam yesterday by a last-second French try. France can win the Championship on Friday if they beat Scotland by at least 21 points and score at least 4 tries. There is a scenario where Wales and France could tie and end up sharing the Championship if France win by exactly 20 points and score exactly 5 tries. There is no provision in the Six Nations rules for using head-to-head as an additional tie-breaker. Points difference and then tries scored are the only tie-breakers used if teams are level on points.
Table: 1. Wales 5-20 (+61) (20 tries) 2. Ireland 5-15 (+48) (12) 3. France 4-15 (+41) (15) 4. Scotland 4-11 (+43) (15) 5. England 5-10 (-9) (12) 6. Italy 5-0 (-184) (6)
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