Wales crowned Six Nations Champions
Wales have been crowned Six Nations Champions after France lost to Scotland in the final game of the tournament.
Following France’s last-minute win against Wales last week, the equation was simple, they had to claim a bonus point victory with a margin of more than 21 points against Scotland in Paris. The free-flowing rugby in the first half saw both France and Scotland score tries early in the half.
France entered half time with a 13-10 lead and would start the second half with a man advantage. France capitalised with winger Damian Penaud scoring an early try in the second half.
Scotland battled back in the second half and began to force France into conceding penalties which in combination with their well drilled lineout began to yield positive results for the visitors with hooker Cherry crossing the whitewash.
France clung onto a slim lead in the closing moments of the game and had a chance to seal the victory but full back Brice Dulin decided not to kick the ball into touch when the clock went red. Scotland ultimately won a penalty and which consequently saw van der Merwe sidestep his way over the try line and claim a 23-27 victory for Scotland. This victory saw Scotland win their first game in Paris since 1999 but also saw Wales crowned Six Nations Champions.
This may not have been the ideal way for Wales to claim the Championship but nonetheless the win will be met with jubilation, especially considering the dire situation that Wales found themselves in following the Autumn Nations Cup.
Wales would not have been anybody’s favourites to win the title but have markedly improved throughout the campaign. Throughout the Autumn Nations Cup Wales’ inability to score tries and to keep them out at the other end led to a dismal tournament.
But the addition of Gethin Jenkins as defence coach has seen Wales improve massively. Moreover, the emergence of players such as Louis Reece Zammit has added an exciting and skilful dimension to their attack. There has been a marked improvement under Wayne Pivac since the Autumn Nations Cup.
On their way to the title, Wales claimed the Triple Crown with wins over Ireland, Scotland and an impressive bonus point victory against England.
This title is a massive step forward for Wales and is a building block for coach Wayne Pivac to build upon as they look towards the 2023 World Cup in France.
Pivac is happy with the improvements that Wales have made this campaign. “"What a tournament it's been. From a Welsh point of view we're over the moon. It's just a shame we couldn't do it as a group last week.” He told BBC Sport.
"We're very happy with our camp. We've built nicely through the competition." Pivac continued.
Winning the Six Nations has come quickly in the international careers of new additions to the squad such as Zammit and Sheedy but Sheedy believes it’s a testament to the Welsh spirit.
"It's all a bit surreal. We're chuffed to be champions.” He told BBC Radio 5Live.
"The more people write us off and tell us how bad we are the better we play.
"When we have our backs against the wall, we come out fighting, and I think that's what the Welsh nation is all about.” The Wales and Bristol fly half concluded.
Welsh delight but English despair
England have suffered their worst Six Nations since the 1970s and have for the first time suffered defeats to Wales, Scotland and Ireland all one spring campaign.
England finished fifth and in parts were a shadow of the team that reached the World Cup final in 2019.
Their defence and discipline was poor throughout with their attacking play seemed to lack structure and ingenuity.
England are in need of a revamp throughout their squad. There was a distinct lack of depth and this showed.
Young, bright players such as Marcus Smith, Sam and Joe Simmonds would add much needed youth, exuberance and flare to the England team. They are players in form that would add a freshness to England which would provide England coach Eddie Jones a chance to reset.
England looked a shell of themselves that they have shown in previous tournaments.
The rugby world will have to wait and see whether the RFU decide to keep Eddie Jones on board and work towards the 2023 World Cup; the future of English rugby will depend on the outcome of the review that will be underway soon.
