After the expected word against Italy in Stade de France this Sunday (4pm), it’s a completely different opposition, which will still present itself to the Blues in St. Denis, next Saturday, with the reception of Clover’s XV. The Irish are serious consumers this season. They swept the Welsh in Dublin this Saturday (29-7) to establish themselves as the Hubs’ main rivals for victory in the tournament. Stable in all areas of the game, dominating the contact, well organized and dynamic, Jonathan Sexton and team performed at a high level.
In the hour, thanks to the efforts of center ahki (third), winger Conway (44, 51) and center ringrose (60), they had already pocketed the attacking bonus (29-0). The Welshmen, who won the tournament last year, did not have many weapons to oppose. This may not be the case with the blues, it is more powerful in the front, faster and more powerful in the back. But you have to play clean and avoid small mistakes and take advantage of the balls that are rarely lost.
The performance of the Irish is by no means surprising. After their home defeat to the Hobbs (15-13) on 14 February, Andy Farrell’s players (3rd in the 2021 Final Standings) have not suffered a defeat. They finished the autumn tour with four wins, including a week ago (29-20) against the Blues (40-25) All-Blacks. Their confidence is at an all-time high and they are determined to win the title (since the last 2018, major Grand Slam). The only downside, perhaps, is Jonathan Sexton’s 36-year-old legs, which sometimes slow down game launches.
Scotland disappointed England
In a rhythmic, intense but turbulent match, the Scots escaped from disappointing English at their cave in Murrayfield, Edinburgh (20-17). An hour later, the match took a turn for the worse. Result: Yellow card and especially penalty attempt. Racing 92 Flyhoff adds a penalty (72nd) and his team resists a series of screams at his camp in the final minutes of the match. Eddie Jones’ players, who travel to Stade de France on March 19, on the other hand, seem to be very cold, while the Scots who challenge the Blues at Murrayfield on February 26 look like tough guys. The only small satisfaction was that Owen Opening Half Marcus Smith (22), a replacement for Owen Farrell, the author of all of his team’s points, showed himself for his achievement.
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