France secured victory in the Six Nations, topping the standings on the tournament’s final day in Paris. Scotland, though determined, couldn’t match France’s prowess, succumbing to a 35-16 defeat on Saturday. This triumph marks France’s second championship under coach Fabien Galthié, who took the helm in 2020.
England claimed second place, trailing by just a point, after dealing Wales a historic defeat in Cardiff, 68-14, the heaviest in the tournament’s storied 142-year history. Meanwhile, Wales stumbled to its 17th consecutive defeat over 17 months, plumbing new lows with a second consecutive wooden spoon for finishing last.
England’s dominant performance, featuring ten tries, dashed Ireland’s hopes for a third consecutive title. The Irish, with a Dan Sheehan hat trick, managed a gritty 22-17 win over Italy in Rome. This year was notable, with the top three teams each finishing with a 4-1 record, a scenario unseen in a decade. France beat Ireland, Ireland beat England, and England defeated France in this closely contested championship.
Champion France is at the forefront of a potential new era but Fabien Galthié cautions against complacency. He highlighted the challenges of sustaining success in Six Nations, despite his team’s impressive statistics, being only the second team since 2001 to score over 200 points and posting 30 tries. He emphasized the swift and unpredictable nature of international rugby.
Mauvaka’s misconduct wasn’t unnoticed. Hooker Peato Mauvaka’s headbutt on Scotland’s Ben White was intentional and drew a yellow card, sparking debate as some argued it warranted a red. Scotland’s coach, Gregor Townsend, criticized the decision, questioning how Mauvaka avoided a red card and how force factored into the decision. Nonetheless, France escaped with the advantage, maintaining a full squad for most of the match.
In Ireland, the ongoing debate about their starting flyhalf continued with mixed performances from Jack Crowley against Italy. Despite some assists, Crowley’s kicking left much to be desired. At 25, he’s ahead of Sam Prendergast, but rumors of his contract ending and potential departure could impact his test career. Prendergast, recognized as a rising star, delivered strong performances for Leinster and Ireland, though his defensive play requires improvement.
The British and Irish Lions selection, based on the current Six Nations form, would include notable players from Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. The squad for the upcoming Australia tour will have six Irish, four English, and four Scottish backs, with only a single Welsh player. This hypothetical selection features a mix of Lions veterans and potential newcomers, aiming for a robust team.
