Six Nations Rugby Scotland got their campaign off to a stunning start with a third successive win over England in a superb match at Twickenham.
Duhan van der Merwe, having already scored a spectacular solo try in the first half, finished off a multi-phase team move in the 75th minute to take home a deserved 29-23 victory. The challenge for the Scots, as it was last year, is following up that success with victory over Wales in their next game.
They have not won their first two matches since 1996, when the tournament was the Five Nations, but this time they face Wales at Murrayfield rather than in Cardiff.
Six Nations Scotland back up stunning win over England?
France amplify their winning run – simply, Ireland damage Warren Gatland’s return and Scotland entire the Calcutta Cup hat-trick against their oldest rivals England. The opening weekend of the 2023 Six Nations had the whole lot from stunning solo tries to exciting comebacks.
So what are the key speaking points from the opening spherical of the opposition?
Scotland are one of a kind this yr, I assume they may win” said former Wales captain Sam Warburton at the BBC’s Rugby Union Daily. “They do not get bullied any greater. They could be so disillusioned if they do not win three video games this championship but they have to be aiming for four.
John Barclay, former Scotland captain, delivered: “I am now not saying they may win the championship however this organization has beneath-introduced and to go two from two might be a big step within the right course.
There’s a developing maturity and all of the speak popping out of the camp is they have to win once more subsequent weekend.
England show signs of recovery but lots to work
England were booed off at Six Nations Twickenham when they have been quite simply crushed through international champions South Africa in Eddie Jones’ very last game in price in November.
But new head educate Steve Borthwick’s side confirmed sufficient suggestions of higher matters to return no matter the defeat. Max Malins inspired with his first international attempts while Ellis Genge carried, rucked and scrummaged tirelessly before powering over for England’s third.
They perhaps lacked the clinical edge of Van der Merwe, with Finn Russell pulling the strings from midfield, and could want to enhance their defence after conceding 4 tries.
There’s plenty to paintings on, with possibly the biggest dilemma for Borthwick being whether or not to stick with gambling both Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell, or to just play one of the two and bring in a ball-sporting centre.
“I do not assume they’re the purpose England misplaced,” stated former England wing Ugo Monye. “The internet capacity and the increase when they get related is astronomical, so I’m seeking to study it in a fantastic experience.
“Fundamentally they observe the sport and play it otherwise, however how can they get that experience of concord to deliver out the best in each person else?
“It is a conundrum. They are two global-elegance players and you are no longer seeing them fulfil their capability.”
Dynamic Italy to bring their attacking game to Twickenham
Italy may additionally have won the undesirable Wooden Spoon – given to the side that finishes bottom in the match Six Nations- within the remaining seven years, but their new attacking ambition has to be admired.
Sometimes it’s miles to their detriment, as they attempted to transport the ball huge from deep interior their own 22 in opposition to France and often spilled it forward as they tried to dump.
But their style brought about a primary win over Australia remaining autumn and in returned Ange Capuozzo they’ve a finisher to in shape their endeavour.
Expect flair rugby at Twickenham on Sunday with both sides trying to illustrate their dynamism in assault.
“Italy will fancy their possibilities wherever they cross,” said Monye. “They play with such freedom and have a bounce from 2022. This is a huge step within the proper path.
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