Rugby 6 Nations - 2022

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Re: Rugby 6 Nations - 2022

Post by blythburgh » Mon Feb 28 2022 8:34am

Phil85 wrote:
Sun Feb 27 2022 7:05pm
Think you might be wasting your time writing all this down. If anyone was interested they would have just watched it.
As macliam says there is plenty of coverage of the footie on here so why not some Rugby. And it is his time he is using up not yours unless you choose to come to this thread
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Re: Rugby 6 Nations - 2022

Post by macliam » Mon Feb 28 2022 4:15pm

gle1975 wrote:
Mon Feb 28 2022 8:11am
I watched some of the Italy game on ITV and it was interesting the commentators did not want the player to be sent off as it ruined the game (and the viewing figures)!
I don't think there was any suggestion that the red-carded player should not be sent off. The problem was that he was already the substitute hooker, because the first-choice hooker had been injured and had to go off.

This in itself would not be a problem, except that there must be 8 forwards on the pitch to form a scrum and taly had nobody else nominated as hooker - and without a hooker they could not contest a scrum. So, in that situation, the referree had to bring on another forward to act as hooker - and that meant that another player had to be taken off. That took the number of "attacking" players down, but worse, because of some jiggery-pokery in the past (where there was an attempt to bring on a hooker temporarily and just for scrums) a rule was established that said that in the event that the hooker was substituted, yet another player must leave the pitch.... and that brought Italy down to 13 men due to one red card and an injury.... only halfway through the first half.

So the discussion on TV (by mostly ex-players) was whether this last rule should be imposed in this case.... as it would cripple any team, let alone Italy.
blythburgh wrote:
Mon Feb 28 2022 8:33am
Stupid commentator, if the ref think the player should be sent off then what it does to the game and viewing figures are immaterial. The 6 Nations are more important than that. Long live the ref who is prepared to ignore the crowd, the players, the managers and do what he sees to be correct
As above, not stupid and not due to viewing figures - any more than only allowing England to face Germany with only 9 men due to one red card would be in Football. Obviously, 15 men against 13 in a match is unlikely to provide thrilling viewing - although, in this case, I think it did, because Italy defended like lions.
blythburgh wrote:
Mon Feb 28 2022 8:34am
Phil85 wrote:
Sun Feb 27 2022 7:05pm
Think you might be wasting your time writing all this down. If anyone was interested they would have just watched it.
As macliam says there is plenty of coverage of the footie on here so why not some Rugby. And it is his time he is using up not yours unless you choose to come to this thread
Thank you. However, I write the rugby coverage for another site, so I am able to copy that here for anyone who might be interested (and to give a bit of breadth to the forums). Given the paucity of contributions to the forums here, I can't see why someone's only contribution to a thread should be to suggest thst someone else shouldn't do so.....
Thanked by: blythburgh, gle1975
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Re: Rugby 6 Nations - 2022

Post by macliam » Fri Mar 11 2022 11:25pm

Tenth 6-nations game – Wales v France at the Principality Stadium

Kick off by France, Wales take it back to the halfway line, but then give away a penalty. Jaminet kicks it over the bar for 3 points.
Wales 0 - 3 France after 2 minutes.

Biggar kicks off, going for distance. France catches well, but then obstructs access, giving away a penalty, which Biggar takes, levelling the score after 4 minutes.
Wales 3 - 3 France after 2 minutes.

France kick off and regain the ball, but then knock-on, giving a scrum to Wales. But the ball is not put in, giving a scrum to France. France then attack and get to the Wales 22 and then over the line for a try in the , which is converted.
Wales 3 - 10 France after 8 minutes.

France pick up on the restart and again attack the Welsh line, but are pushed back towards halfway, at which point they knock forward. Wales win the scrum and attack, being stopped by France on their 22, but France then give away a penalty, which Biggar kicks.
Wales 6 - 10 France after 16 minutes.

France restart and Wales attack, but get stopped in the French half and pushed into touch. France win the lineout, but the game is contested in the Welsh half. After a scrum to Wales, and some aerial battle, France take the ball into touch. Wales win the lineout and go for the line, bur the ball falls for the French, leading to a 5-metre scrum which collapses and gives a penalty to France. Wales then win the French lineout and restart their attack, kicking the ball into touch inside the French 22 metre line. France win and another aerial battle commences, but the French kick the ball over the dead-ball line, for a Welsh scrum inside the French half. Wales attack down the blind-side but get pushed into touch and then give away a free-kick at the lineout. Wales win the resulting lineout in their own half, but then knock-on in the attack, so a scrum to France, but the Welsh are given a free kick, which the French knock-on on their own 22-metre line. Wales win their scrum and attack the line, but then get penalized for holding-on. France kick to touch well inside the Welsh half and win the lineout but the welsh steal the ball, kicking it down almost to the halfway line. There is a battle on the line, with control passing from one side to the other, which then goes back to an aerial game….. which Biggar wins by kicking to touch for a Welsh throw-in inside the French 22-metre line. Wales win the ball and start a driving maul The ball is passed across the Welsh line and back again…..until France give away a penalty inside their 5-metre line. Biggar decides to take the points.
Wales 9 - 10 France after 38 minutes.

On the restart, France regain the ball from an intercepted Welsh kick and Jaminet tries for a drop goal and misses! Biggar kicks the ball into touch to end the half. Not the usual blitz from France, but they are winning due to their quick hands….. but losing on the penalty score.

Half-Time score - Wales 9 - 10 France

Wales kick off the second half and the ball is caught safely by the French, who kick to touch just into the Welsh half. Wales win the throw-in, but it goes to a French scrum just inside the French half. France kick the ball but Wales chase it back into the French half again. But France turn the ball over in a maul for a Penalty. France win the lineout in the Welsh half and gain a penalty advantage. France kick it.
Wales 9 - 13 France after 46 minutes.

Biggar goes for the 50-22 but it is blocked and Biggar then kicks a penalty to touch on the French 5-metre line. Wales win the lineout and go for the line from the resultant maul, but the ball is held up for a goal-line drop-out. Wales kick the ball into the French half and it is fumbled on the catch, leading to a Welsh scrum just outside the France 22-metre line. The scrum is reset and Wales win, driving to the 22, but then there is a neck-roll tackle by Wales and France escape via another penalty. France win the lineout, but then Wales catch the resultant kick, before France win the ball back… and then knock-on!

Another Wales scrum, but France steal the ball, then give away a field penalty by kicking the ball on from the ruck.

Wales have another throw-in in the French half which they win and then France give away another penalty to give Wales a throw-in on the French 22, which they win but it goes to another French scrum, which they win, but then knock-on. Wales win their scrum after a reset and drive over the French 22, but lose the ball. Liam Williams chases his own kick and wins, but the ball is wrestled into touch. France gets a relieving penalty and kick to touch on the Wales 22. France maul the ball towards the Wales line and France try for another drop-goal, but miss again!

Wales hold up the French player after the restart, for an attacking scrum. But then it is converted to a penalty due to a poor France tackle. Wales win their throw-in and kick for touch, but lose control of the ball. France win their lineout and kick downfield. Wales win an offside penalty and run it, still with an advantage, but take a scrum on the French 22-metre line with 8 minutes left in the game. But France get a penalty after stealing the ball and kick the ball almost to the Wales 22. France win the throw and now just have to keep the ball, but Wales steal the ball and then have it stripped back and the French get another penalty. Jaminet is going for the posts but misses, with 3 minutes left on the clock.

France win their lineout and keep possession, then Wales get the ball and attack, winning a knock-on scrum with a minute left on the clock. Wales win and attack, but France steal the ball to kick it out to end the game.

Final Score: Wales 9 - 13 France

France won, but they struggled and showed they are vulnerable. Wales played their best game so far, but failed to break through the French defence.

A low-scoring game – and no points in most of the second half, but one of the best battles so far in the 6-nations.

France are still on for a grand slam if they beat England.
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Re: Rugby 6 Nations - 2022

Post by blythburgh » Sat Mar 12 2022 9:24am

Gutted by last nights result. Must admit I was only checking BBC rugby page occasionally but desperately wanted Wales to win
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Re: Rugby 6 Nations - 2022

Post by macliam » Sun Mar 13 2022 11:19pm

Eleventh 6-nations game – Italy v Scotland in Rome

I’m late posting these updates as I went to an Irish Rugby club to watch the matches yesterday and there were a few pints of the pure taken. However, I’ve now managed to decipher my notes…. So here goes!!

Italy kicks off and Scotland immediately return possession. Scotland work hard around halfway but don’t gain ground launch it high towards the Italy line. An aerial battle ensues, which ends with Scotland going offside in an Italian lineout. This gives a penalty to Italy and Garbisi puts it between the posts from just inside halfway..
Italy 3 - 0 Scotland after 4 minutes

From the restart Scotland take the ball, but knock it on, giving Italy the chance to kick into touch downfield. Scotland win the lineout but fumble a short pass and Italy make 40 metres up the right touchline, but are then stopped by Scotland and lose the ball into touch. Scotland win the throw-in and launch the ball in an up and under which Italy fail to catch cleanly, but then Scotland give away a penalty at the breakdown. Italy try a cross-field kick, but Scotland knock it on and give Italy a scrum inside their 22-metre line. Italy win the scrum and attack the Scotland line, but then give away a penalty by holding on. Scotland kick downfield, but are than penalized for going of their feet in the ruck at the halfway line.

Italy kick the ball into touch inside the Scotland 22 and in the following ruck Scotland is penalized, but then win a turnover near their own line. Scotland cannot make headway with the ruck, so kick the ball into touch in the Italy half. Italy win the lineout and an aerial battle commences, ending with Italy calling the mark in their own 22. The Italians again win solid ball at the lineout and a couple of kicks back and forth from deep end with Padovani making a mark in his 22. but Scotland come back again and finally go over the Italy line in the corner for a try – but the angle proves too much for a conversion.
Italy 3 - 5 Scotland after 18 minutes

On the restart, Scotland collect the ball, but it is stolen by Italy who charge deep into the Scotland 22, but the ball is intercepted and run into the Italy half, where a crossfield kick over the line allows Scotland to score another try. This time the conversion is successful
Italy 3 - 12 Scotland after 22 minutes

On the restart, Scotland is penalized for not rolling away in the tackle and Italy decide to go for the posts, but miss. Italy then go through the phases and try to chip the ball over the top for field advantage, but Scotland scramble a defence and force Italy to kick for touch – which goes well over the Scotland 22-metre line. Italy again try to chip the ball, but get stopped and Italy manage to force a maul and gain a scrum inside the Scotland half, which they win. Again they attack the Scotland line and take the ball over for a scrum that finally rewards their enterprise. The try is converted for the full 7 points.
Italy 10 - 12 Scotland after 30 minutes

On the restart, Scotland make a better attack and get the better of the Italy defence, who eventually give away a penalty for killing the ball when they stop the attack. Scotland dummy a kick to touch, but then tap and go, struggling to get past Italy. An Italy player is injured and has to be replaced and Scotland are given a scrum under the Italy posts, which Italy collapse for a penalty. Scotland decide to take another scrum…. Which they win and then manage to find a gap in the Italy defence to score a try, which is also converted for the full 7 points.
Italy 10 - 19 Scotland after 38 minutes

Italy restart, but Scotland keep control of the ball and kick it into touch to end the half.

HALF TIME: Italy 10 - 19 Scotland

Scotland kick off for the second half us back into action and Italy do a tidy job of gathering and clearing and Italy receive the ball, but after some to-and-fro kicking, Italy kick it out on the full, allowing Scotland a good attack platform. However, they make no headway and instead throw the ball blindly to Italy, who fail to make headway and give away a penalty, giving Scotland a throw-in inside the Italy 22. Scotland wrestle the ball into the Italy 22 and then pass it out for a running try. The try is converted for full points
Italy 10 - 26 Scotland after 50 minutes

After the restart, Italy fail to cover a Scotland kick and are forced to slice the ball into touch. However Italy recover the ball and Scotland are penalized for a late tackle, but the ball pulls to the left and misses. Eventually Italy recover the ball and run it, but are then penalized for holding on after being wrapped-up in the tackle. Then the Scotland attack cuts through the Italy defence and Hogg charges over for a try. Then Russell converts it for the full 7 points
Italy 10 - 33 Scotland after 63 minutes

Italy restart well and a grubber goes behind Scotland, but they fail to capitalize on it. However, Italy have a penalty for offside and build on the lineout to run in a score, which they then convert for full value.
Italy 17 - 33 Scotland after 68 minutes

Scotland restart, but Italy attacks the Scotland line and kick the ball into touch, which Italy lose, but gain another penalty which they tap and go, but are forced into touch short of the Scotland line. Scotland win the lineout and chase up to the Italy 22-metre line before they knock the ball forward. Italy move the ball to halfway, but Scotland kick it into touch. With the clock in the red, Italy run the ball into the Scotland half and across the line for a consolation try, but fail to convert it.
Italy 22 - 33 Scotland after 68 minutes

FINAL SCORE: Italy 22 - 33 Scotland

Italy lose yet another match, but the scoreline does not really reflect the effort and skill they have shown – having scored twice in the last 20 minutes. Scotland get 5 tries, but still fail to convince
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Re: Rugby 6 Nations - 2022

Post by macliam » Sun Mar 13 2022 11:23pm

Twelfth 6-nations game – Ireland v England at Twickenham

A couple of things before I post this report. Firstly there was a degree of shock in the Ireland camp that Johnny Sexton has announced his intention to retire after the World Cup. It had to happen sometime, but hey….

The second thing is a bit more esoteric, is that Pete St.John died yesterday at the age of 90. He was a folk singer and the write of “The Fields of Athenry”, the Irish rugby anthem. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Ireland kick off and create space down the left and cross the England 22-metre line with a powerful run before being brought down by England's cover defence. However, during the tackles James Ryan of Ireland goes down and needs medical attention. The referee decides that the collision was an illegal late tackle by England player Charlie Ewels and after discussion, Ewels is given a red card – after 87 seconds and England will be down to 14 men for the whole game! Ryan goes off for an HIA causing the first Ireland substitution. Sexton slots in the resultant penalty to put Ireland ahead after 3 minutes
Ireland 3 - 0 England after 3 minutes

On the restart, Ireland respond and kick into the England half, but England pick up the ball and cross back to the Ireland half, gaining a penalty, which is tapped and England storm to the Ireland 22-metre line. However, Ireland regain the ball and chase towards the England line and pass to Lowe who races through from 40 metres to cross the England line near the corner for a try. However Sexton fails to convert from out wide.
Ireland 8 - 0 England after 6 minutes

On the restart, Ireland knock the ball forward, leading to and England scrum on Ireland’s 10-metre line. However, Ireland destroy the England scrum to gain a penalty, which is kick into touch well within the England half. Ireland win their lineout and decide to run the ball and reach the England 22-metre line and after some desperate defence, Ireland cross the try line after 12 minutes. But the try is disallowed due to an earlier knock-forward.

There is a England scrum on their 5-metre line and this time they get a penalty, with the scrum spinning. The resultant lineout is a mess and England are given a further penalty and a lineout inside the Ireland 10-metre line, Ireland get the ball but knock it forward, leading to an England scrum which again spins and ends ina penalty for England. Marcus Smith slots the ball home for England’s first 3 points
Ireland 8 - 3 England after 18 minutes

On the restart, England receive the ball and kick it to touch just over the halfway line. Ireland win a 5-man lineout and chase back into the England half, before the ball is dislodged in a heavy tackle and knocked forward. The resultant scrum is another failure for Ireland and there is a free-kick which is kicked into touch by Ireland. England then win their lineout and set up a driving maul. There is play back and forward over the halfway line before England attack down the sideline and reach the Ireland 22-metre line, but Ireland go offside, before stopping the England attack. The offside penalty is kicked into the corner, but England lose the ball in the ruck and it is kicked downfield. England kick it back and Ireland catch it and again drive towards the England line, but get pushed into touch for an England throw-in. The ball is then kicked into touch just outside the England 22-metre line and Ireland win the throw-in but Itoje disrupts the maul leading to an England scrum. The scrum again spins, giving England a penalty, kicked to touch in the Ireland half. Ireland then disrupt the lineout, but are penalised. Smith kicks for the posts, but goes wide. Sexton then kicks across field and Ireland retain possession (illegally) and chase for the England half, but are called back for another penalty which Slade sets up for a kick, but the referee decides the ball should be 5-metres in front, so Smith goes for the posts again, this time successfully.
Ireland 8 – 6 England after 33 minutes

Ireland take the restart which England kick into touch. Ireland win the lineout and attack again, before a high-tackle gives them a penalty on the halfway line. England then give away a free-kick for closing the gap at the lineout and Ireland attack the England line, gaining a penalty just in front of the posts. Ireland take it quickly and Keenan goes over the line on 36 minutes. Sexton converts the try this time.
Ireland 15 – 6 England after 38 minutes

England claim their restart kick and attack into the Ireland 22, there is a ruck and Ireland give away another penalty in the ruck. Marcus Smith gets another 3 points
Ireland 15 – 9 England after 40+1 minutes

HALF-TIME: Ireland 15 – 9 England

Ireland fumble England’s second-half restart kick and England attack early, but Ireland clear the ball inside their own 22-metre line and kick for touch almost at the halfway line. England win the lineout and kick for territory, but the ball is caught by Keenan for Ireland on their own 22 and quickly passed to Lowe, who races into the England half, finally almost reaching the England 22-metre line before being stopped, but the ball is knocked forward. Ireland then win a penalty which Gibson-Park takes quickly, bursting through before being stopped inside the England 22. Ireland go through several phases to drive for the England line, but lose finally possession for an England 5-metre scrum.

The scrum again gives England a penalty for early engagement…. Ireland seem unable to stop the England scrum’s dominance. The resultant throw-in almost at halfway is won by England who set up a maul, but then kick forward allowing Ireland to return for touch well into the England half. England then close the line at the resultant lineout for a free kick, but Ireland lose the ball forward on the England line. Another scrum collapses after a reset, resulting in another England penalty. That's the fifth scrum penalty of the match, and the fourth in England's favour.

England kick for touch and claim the lineout and break towards the Ireland line, having been repulsed Smith launches another high kick, again claimed by Keenan for Ireland, but he is swamped by England who win a penalty for holding-on right on the Ireland line. Smith goes for the posts and scores another 3 points.
Ireland 15 – 12 England after 50 minutes

On the restart Ireland win a penalty at the breakdown on their own 10-metre line and Sexton sends it into touch just outside the England 22, but then Ireland cross at the lineout, giving England a penalty. England win the lineout and again boot the ball downfield towards Keenan, who claims it, but is penalized in the tackle for another scrum, which again fails – giving another penalty to Smith, who fires the ball home for another 3 points.
Ireland 15 – 15 England after 61 minutes - England draw level purely on penalties

Ireland restart England claim the ball and it’s kicked high towards the Ireland half, where it’s claimed by Keenan, who is forced into touch. England win the lineout and set up a maul before again launching the ball downfield, but it’s intercepted by Ireland who kick the ball low – and it is kicked across field and high…. But caught by Conway for Ireland, who boots the ball into touch within the England 22, for an lineout inside the England 10-metre line. Ireland steal England’s lineout and attack the England line, but are repulsed over and over, until a long throw is intercepted and it looks as if England are away clear…. BUT play is stopped because Irish advantage was being played because Itoje had impeded the ball in an earlier ruck.. Sexton decides to go for points and kicks Ireland back in front .
Ireland 18 – 15 England after 65 minutes

On the restart the ball is returned and caught by Marcus Smith, but he is bundled into touch. However, he had bounced the ball off an Irish player, so England get the lineout and kick it forward almost to the Ireland 22-metre line. Ireland fire it back under pressure, but it goes straight our to touch, so play returns for another England lineout almost on the Ireland 22. Ireland intercept the throw and kick high and downfield, where England gather it and high kick back downfield, where it is caught and the mark called by Conor Murray. Another bout of aerial rugby ensues, until the ball is caught on the charge by Keenan and Ireland break through for another attack on an almost undefended England line, but the ball is knocked forward in a pass on the charge. England kick downfield, but Ireland again attack kicking the ball beyond the England try line, where it’s touched down for a dropout just inside 70 minutes. Smith kicks downfield but Henshaw gathers for Ireland and Ireland charge into the England 22, then on to the 5-metre line and over for a try. Sexton converts for an extra 2 points
Ireland 25 – 15 England after 74 minutes

Ireland return the England restart and gather the high ball attacking the line, but missing a catch which sees them back on the halfway line. But then England give away a penalty which Sexton kicks into the corner for a lineout just off the England try-line. Ireland keep Itoje off the maul and run the ball almost breaking the England defence, but the next pass sees them over the line for a 4th and bonus try. Sexton converts yet again.
Ireland 32 – 15 England after 78 minutes

Ireland catch the restart ball and kick it forward, but it is intercepted by England who attack for a last-ditch attempt to narrow the margin. Ireland give away a penalty for handling in the ruck and England kick into the corner. Johnny Sexton is replaced by Carbery, bringing an end to his last visit to Twickenham as an Irish international. England win the throw-in and drive for the line, but are held up for an Ireland scrum inside their 5-metre line…. Which they win, allowing Murray to kick the ball into touch and end the game.

FINAL SCORE: Ireland 32 – 15 England

England fought their way back to level the score with 14 men, purely due to Ireland giving away penalties. However, having threatened to give the game away, ireland then pulled ahead - and although the scorelines might not reflect the difference, 4 tries to 0 for England showed that the game was controlled - if only the penalty count could be kept under control.

Ireland go into the last round 2 points shy of France (due to bonus points) and still in with a shot at the the triple-crown - and the championship, if England don't lose to France next week. However, their penalty count is an issue going into the World cup..... England have now lost twice and need to stop France if they are to save their blushes.
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Re: Rugby 6 Nations - 2022

Post by macliam » Sun Mar 20 2022 2:22pm

As you'd probably guess, I was a bit "busy" yesterday

I had a Museum trustee training session in the morning and then met up with other Irish (and other) fans to watch the matches!

What a day, the first match, probably considered a "given", showed Italy come back to take their first victory in 7 years and a reward for the huge improvement in performance over past teams. Rugby is a game of fine margin and Italy often fall on the hard side of that equation, but now more than ever they seem to be coming of age. I remember the Italian team almost doing anything to avoid a kick at goal because their kicker was so poor, but now they have found not one, but two players in their side able to compete with the best of them. I couldn't help thinking how ironic it is that Sergio Parisse, so long the one star in the Italian firmament retired just before Covid struck, but would now have a team worthy of this captainship..... I don't forget the 2013 season when he led Italy to defeat Ireland by 22 points to 15.

Then, of curse, the main dish for me..... Ireland gaining another bonus-point win in Dublin, winning the Triple Crown and forcing France into a win or lose against England for the championship. Unfortunately, the last game was a disappointment.... but I'll leave England fans o explain what the heck happened there. England made France look dominant and suggested their Grand Slam was more justified than it was - and left me to rue Ireland's late fightback in week one, and the impact that a game without Sexton had in that narrow French victory.

I've created the match play-by-plays from my notes, so I'll copy them here for completeness.

Ah well, next time!
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Re: Rugby 6 Nations - 2022

Post by macliam » Sun Mar 20 2022 2:24pm

Thirteenth 6-nations game – Wales v Italy in Cardiff

Wales kick off, but the breakdown ends in an aerial battle, which ends when Wales get caught offside, which allows Italy to push into the Wales half, but they are penalized for failing to release in the tackle, allowing Wales to kick for a touch in the Italy corner. Wales then overthrow the lineout allowing Italy to clear their lines, but again there is no clear advantage, until Wales concede a penalty, which Italy put between the posts

Wales 0 - 3 Italy after 14 minutes

On the restart, Wales get isolated and concede a penalty close to the halfway line. Italy chooses to kick for the posts and score another 3 points.

Wales 0 - 6 Italy after 16 minutes

On the restart, Wales gain a penalty advantage and maul forwards, but the final pass is forward. They then recycle and try the same move again, but this time knock the ball forwards. Wales continue the attack and spill the ball – but they gain a penalty, which they take quickly – and knock-on.

Wales attack down thetouchline, but are stopped. They then attack on the opposite side of the field and get inside the Italy 22-metre line. Italy defend on the line, but Wales go over for a try. The conversion is successful and they put 7 points on the board.

Wales 7 - 6 Italy after 28 minutes

On the restart the re is an immediate response by Italy which forces yet another penalty from Wales. They choose to go for the posts again from distance and restore their lead.

Wales 7 - 9 Italy after 31 minutes

On the restart, Wales give away another penalty – and once again Italy choose to go for the posts from 48m. Wales are being punished for their lack of discipline.

Wales 7 - 12 Italy after 33 minutes

Italy collect their restart and head off towards Wales territory again. Wales kick to touch and Italy win their throw-in to clear their lines. Wales attack again from deep, but lose the ball forward. Italy kick the ball downfield, where it is gathered, but it seems that Wales cannot break through .

With the clock already in the red, Italy gain yet another penalty advantage and kick crossfield, but are beaten to the ball behind the line. Italy go back for the penalty and this time decide to go for a throw-in, which they win, but they are unable to get the ball across the Welsh line. Instead, Wales get a penalty and kick the ball out for half time with the clock on 40+2 minutes.

Half Time: Wales 7 - 12 Italy

Wales have scored the only try of the game, but have given away far too many penalties. Italy have shown good skill and impressive kicking, but are unable to break through the Wales defence.

On the restart, Italy kick badly and the ball goes out for a Wales throw-in, which they win. They then win a penalty at the breakdown and kick for touch. Despite going through the phases, Wales are unable to break through the Italy defence and finally kick it high….. where it is caught by Italy. Italy launch a counter-attack and seem sure to go into the Wales corner, but are pushed into touch right on the line.

Italy go offside andWales kick penalty into the Italy corner. They win their lineout, but are again held by Italy. The Italy scrum is penalised, but Wales kick for touch rather than the posts. Wales win their lineout and try to force their way over the line. Wales dart over the line for another try. The Wales conversion attempt hits the post, but luckily goes back in for the extra 2 points

Wales 14 - 12 Italy after 51 minutes

There is a good passage of play for Italy and seem destined to cross the line, but are hauled down. But then Wales seal off and hand Italy another easy penalty.

Wales 14 - 15 Italy after 59 minutes

On the restart, Wales attack once again, but then knock forward from a poor pass. Wales then hand Italy another penalty near the halfway line. Italy go for the posts once again, but it’s 53m and the ball goes wide.

Wales get away with a spilled high ball, and there’s a bit of a kicking duel before Italy claim a high ball. However, Wales manage to break through and go over the line again. The conversion makes it a full 7-point score.

Wales 21 - 15 Italy after 70 minutes

It looks as if Italy’s defence is over and Wales win a penalty in midfield. From the successful throw-in Wales attack the line and appear to go over the line, but the referee thinks the ball was held up – and the TMO cannot see positive proof of a grounding, so the try is not given.

Wales then push downfield again – but then give away a penalty for dissent, allowing Italy to charge forward again – and a brilliant run down the line allows Italy to cross and ground the ball behind the Wales posts.

The conversion seems simple, but the pressure is huge…… but it sails over, gaining Italy the extra 2 points just beyond the 80 minutes.

Wales 21 - 22 Italy after 80+1 minutes

Final score: Wales 21 - 22 Italy

Italy have done the seemingly impossible at the last possible moment. They have beaten Wales at home in Cardiff and they have won their first 6-Nations game in 7 years.

In a show of sportsmanship, Josh Adams of Wales, who had been made man of the match after 78 minutes, handed his medal Ange Capuozzo, the Italian whose insane last-minute dash set up the final score for Italy.

With apologies to my Welsh friends, I am happy to see Italy finally get some reward for their dogged work in the face of seemingly endless defeats.
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Re: Rugby 6 Nations - 2022

Post by macliam » Sun Mar 20 2022 2:25pm

Fourteenth 6-nations game – Ireland v Scotland in Dublin


Ireland kick off with a long, high ball, which is caught by Scotland and clear with a box-kick. Scotland attack the Ireland line from their own 22-metre area, but are stopped by an attempted Ireland counter-attack, but it comes to nothing. Then Scotland have their chance with the unlikely sight of a prop sprinting 30 metres to the Ireland 22-metre line, but then the ball is passed forward. After a period of back and forth, Scotland lick the ball into touch on the Ireland 22-metre line. The resulting Scottish lineout is stolen by Ireland and eventually Scotland clear their lines by a kick to touch. A catch and drive from the lineout goes over the Scottish line, but the ball is held up for a Scotland drop-out…. But the resultant attack allows Ireland to kick a 50:22 and put the pressure back on the Scottish defence but it comes to nothing. After some play downfield, Ireland put a penalty kick into the Scotland 5m line. This time the catch and drive is easy and Ireland peel off the maul to cross the line, Ireland then add the extras from the conversion to put their noses ahead after a torrid passage of play.

Ireland 7 - 0 Scotland after 18 minutes

Scotland mess up the restarted play, but eventually get the opportunity for a penalty kick into touch on the Ireland 22-metre line. They claim their lineout well, but then knock-forward in the attack. The ball is kicked into touch back in the Scotland half and Ireland chip it forward. Despite good Scotland defence, the ball is taken over the line once again and Ireland have their second try, which is converted for the full 7 points.

Ireland 14 - 0 Scotland after 29 minutes

Scotland attack from the restart and cross into the Ireland half. The attack continues on the Ireland line before Scotland force the try, which is inspected on suspicion of double-movement, but allowed to stand. Scotland then slice the conversion horribly.

Ireland 14 - 5 Scotland after 35 minutes

Ireland pile on the pressure again on the restart, but Scotland manage to claim the ball and kick it out to end the half.

HALF-TIME: Ireland 14 - 5 Scotland


A good game, with Scotland far from being overwhelmed, but the scoreboard reflecting and Ireland dominance in the end plays.

Scotland kick the ball high on the restart, but lose control and Ireland kick the ball over the line, but it is touched down by Scotland. But Scotland give away two penalties to allow Ireland to go into attack once more – with some acrobatic ball-handling on the line – but it comes to nothing and Scotland advance again, threatening a try in the corner before being bundled into touch. Ireland then give away a penalty in the lineout. Scotland attack and are checked for an infringement for a dangerous carry, but let off (wrongly in my opinion). The attack and the follow-up counter come to nothing and play seems to be balanced in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Ireland win a scrum on the Scotland 22-metre line and win a penalty, which is put into the corner. Ireland lose the ball in the lineout, but the Scotland clearing kit is charged down to put pressure on Scotland again. Scotland force a scrum and use it to clear their lines, but Ireland come straight back and cross the Scotland line after some tasty passing on the try-line. The try is converted again for the full 7 points.

Ireland 21 - 5 Scotland after 60 minutes


Scotland play becomes a bit desperate and disorganized, allowing Ireland to work phases at halfway with a view to getting the bonus point, but they are penalized for holding-on in a tackle, which allows Scotland to kick for a lineout deep in the Ireland half, but the potential attack is snuffed out by Ireland. The game goes aerial again and Scotland seem desperate to score, but eventually Scotland manage to claim a penalty and get an attacking lineout, but not only do they fail to score, but they are penalised for sealing-off and further punished for dissention. That’s the end of that attack.

The overall game loses shape and an Ireland attack is halted by Scotland illegally knocking on, which results in a yellow card on 78 minutes. So Scotland will close out the game with 14 men and Ireland get a penalty….. which they miss. However, Ireland are far the stronger team and drive again for the Scotland line, driving from a lineout to suck the Scotland defence into a single play allowing a superb short pass to be forced over the line on 79 minutes. However, Ireland fail to convert, so the game ends with just the 5 points added to the Ireland score.

Ireland 26 - 5 Scotland after 79 minutes

FINAL SCORE: Ireland 26 - 5 Scotland

So, a hard slog, not fully reflected in the score….. but Rugby is a game of fine margins and Ireland outclassed Scotland on the day. The win, with another bonus point for Ireland, set the final game up as a championship decider…. Nothing but a France win can deny Ireland the championship title – and the Triple Crown is in Irish hands again.
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Re: Rugby 6 Nations - 2022

Post by macliam » Sun Mar 20 2022 2:27pm

Fifteenth 6-nations game – France v England in Paris

The France kick-off is collected by England, but pressure results in an attacking England scrum, which they win, but then lose control via a grubber kick, which allows France to clear their lines. England seem to have decided that the only way to attack france is through kicks, but they are not paying off. After 6 minutes, France gain a penalty through England holding-on in the tackle and then the England scrum folds under France pressure, resulting in a kickable penalty.

France 3 - 0 England after 9 minutes

England attack from the restart but France tackles seem to result in England holding-on. The aerial game recommences before the France attack breaks through the England defence to cross over the line in the corner. The conversion fails, but it is another 5 points to a dominant France.

France 8 - 0 England after 15 minutes

England attack on the restart and are rewarded by a kickable penalty for France going off their feet in the ruck. The penalty gives them 3 points on the scoreboard..

France 8 - 3 England after 19 minutes


On the restart there is a nasty incident which is checked for a red-card infringement, but end is a penalty to France.

France 11 - 3 England after 24 minutes

England press forward on the restart and their kicking game works…. Until France turn the ball over once again, kicking it back into the England half. England seem unable to break down the France defence and France is a continuous danger from their own attack….. England are saved by poor ball-handling by France. However, England manage to force another kickable penalty

France 11 - 6 England after 30 minutes

The restart ends with a knock-on by England and the resulting scrum is another embarrassing failure for England. France have a penalty near the halfway line, which they decide to kick….. but miss. England attack the France half, but lose the ball and are immediately punished by France going over the line – and this time the kick works. France extend their lead on the half-time mark as the final act.

France 18 - 6 England after 40 minutes

HALF-TIME: France 18 - 6 England

France look unassailable and seem far better than England, who show no sign of having a plan to win the game.


England kick off the second half and France knock-on from the catch and after a few phases they go offside, allowing England to kick for the corner for a catch and drive, but this doesn’t go to plan and the ball is dropped 5 metres from the France line. France win their scrum and kick the ball clear. England attack again and reach the France line, before going over in the corner for a welcome (and unlikely) try, which is converted to give full value. Is the game on the turn? Unlikely, but…..

France 18 - 13 England after 49 minutes

England restart the attack from the catch at the restart, forcing a penalty which allows them an attacking lineout deep in France territory. It’s a good spell for England, but then control is lost to France and play ends in a France attacking the England line again and breaking through England tacklers to go over for a third try, which is converted to put France back in control.

France 25 - 13 England after 61 minutes

On the restart, France try to close out the match with a long drop-goal attempt, but it fails badly. England then force a penalty from the scrum which allows a kick for an attacking lineout. France seem to be tiring and they are caught offside allowing England another lineout on the France 5-metre line. But England can’t manage to break through the France defence and the attack ends with a clearing kick from France, which England compound by knocking-on the ball in the return. France then land a tremendous kick from their 22-metre line to the England 10-metre line. England win the lineout, in a rare successful move and carry the ball to halfway before kicking it again into France hands. England still manage to launch a last-minute attack on the France line, but the ball is stolen and France kick for clearance. A resulting charge ends in a scrum just outside the France 22 and the following resets run down the clock. England manage to keep hold of the ball and attack in some of the best play of the entire game, but it’s too late and France recover the ball to kick it into touch and end the game.

FINAL SCORE: France 25 - 13 England

France win a game that never really seemed to be in doubt – the final score seems to flatter England. France claim the championship and a Grand Slam, making England seem decidedly second-rate and with a lot of work to do if they seek to regain the top spot in the Northern Hemisphere. France have shown themselves as the dominant team in this championship, but not unbeatable…. Although none of the other teams seem to have the key to manage this feat.
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