This second day should bring us answers, confirm dynamics. On the contrary, it asks even more questions. The Blues, for whom all the matches will be a final if they want to get the Grand Slam which has eluded them for more than ten years, will they see this dream shattered in Scotland the next day? Who of the Irish, Scottish, Welsh, English, lurking in the shadows, will be the most skilful to take advantage of the slightest misstep by Fabien Galthié’s players?
Only the fate of the Italians, corrected at home, seems already fixed. France info: sports offers you a return on the lessons of the second day of the Six Nations Tournament.
France, alone in the lead
And three. Since the arrival of Fabien Galthié at the head of the Blues, the XV of France has always won its first two matches in the Tournament. Except that this time, the performance allows him to put on the costume of the only undefeated leader and the only team still capable of seeking the Grand Slam. Despite a few air pockets that could have been expensive, these Blues were able to keep a cool head and emerge victorious (30-24) from the duel against Ireland, which many presented as a final.
If the progress, and in particular the rise in power of the hinge – lacking rhythm against Italy – are very encouraging for the future and the dreamed title, the Blues do not ignite. A few years ago, Guy Novès’ group had already won their first two matches, against Italy and then Ireland, before losing three times which left them in fifth place.
Facing the Scots, who still seem so solid, the future trip to Murrayfield (February 26) will also have an air of the final. Especially since the Habs have three defeats in their last four games against Scotland. Above all, the Blues have only beaten the XV of Thistle at Murrayfield once since 2016.
Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales, contenders for the revival
They all aspire to the final victory and will be on the lookout for the slightest tricolor misstep. It’s the status quo for the British quartet. Better off thanks to a prestigious victory (20-17) against England and a flawless success (29-7) against Wales, Scotland and Ireland stalled on this second day.
The first suffered the law of the Welsh title holder. Dan Biggar’s teammates were keen to redeem themselves after missing out on their pumps in the opener. Carried by its opener, the XV of Leek, player, won after the suspense (20-17) in Cardiff. It’s an equally ardent fight that the Irish had to fight against the Blues. Except that they fell at the Stade de France.
For their part, Her Majesty’s players did not miss the opportunity to raise the bar. After their setbacks at Murrayffield, they dominated (33-0) without shining Italians too unruly and clumsy to hope for anything.
Italy already in pain
Facing the English, the Italians finished the fanny match at home in a sparse stadium where some of the supporters left the stands before the final whistle. The trip to Ireland the next day does not bode well for the Transalpins, who no longer know how to win in the Six Nations Tournament.
If the destiny of the Italians seems more written than ever – a new wooden spoon is already hanging in their face – for the others, the game is far from over. Franco-Scottish jousts and the duel british between England and Wales could once again redistribute the cards. The appointment is already made for the third day (26 and 27 February).