Six Nations

Ireland have been dealt an injury setback ahead of the Six Nations opener against Wales on Saturday, with Jamison Gibson-Park ruled out with an injury.

Just Wales. [Wales v Ireland: Six Nations preview as visitors set to prevail in Cardiff arm-wrestle](https://www.planetrugby.com/news/wales-v-ireland-six-nations-preview-as-visitors-set-to-prevail-in-cardiff-arm-wrestle) [Wales](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/wales) at the Principality Stadium, which promises to be rocking as the hosts look to bounce back from a poor 2022. [Gibson-Park](https://www.planetrugby.com/tag/jamison-gibson-park)‘s combination with Johnny Sexton has been a significant plus point in [Ireland](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/ireland)‘s rise to becoming the top ranked Test side in the rugby world. [Six Nations](https://www.planetrugby.com/category/six-nations) as favourites for the title, with some predicting a possible Grand Slam for Farrell and his in-form side. [Conor Murray](https://www.planetrugby.com/tag/conor-murray) is promoted from bench duty to the run-on side while Munster team-mate Craig Casey comes on to the bench to take Murray’s original jersey.

Tune into our live blog below for updates as they happen from Saturdays opening of the 2023 Six Nations; First up, Warren Gatlands Wales host Ireland in his ...

Minute-by-minute report: Returning Wales coach Warren Gatland takes on the world No 1s. Join Lee Calvert.

Keenan is brought into the line up the left and the visitors are in the Wales 22 and up to eight phases before the red defence inevitably drift offside as they scramble manically. For Andy Farrell and Ireland it’s pretty much a CTRL-ALT-C, CTRL-ALT-V of the squad that delivered so much in 2022, with changes forced by injury in the main. The chance to kick sticks is spurned by Sexton and instead Ireland take a tap and go and take a few ramming carries up to the line from 5m. From herein expect every move, injury, strategy and selection to usher in hot takes, indications of portent, and the clanging doom of Ireland fans dreading yet another unsatisfactory exit. Faletau does a good job tidying up the scrum five to give Wales a couple of attacks in the Ireland 22. Ireland have another lineout, this time midway in the Wales half, which is batted off the top to find Ringrose in midfield with a solid carry. Warren Gatland has taken the lead of Embrace by coming back to what he knows with his (second) first Wales selection. Another first, Wales have a good scrum on the Ireland 22 and this time Hawkins comes in on a lovely crash angle to rumble up to within feet of the line. The ball spills and Rio Dyer is first to it, hacks on and chases 30 metres, but just as it looks like he’s about to flop on it to score, Hugo Keenan times his dive perfectly to get to it first and defuse the situation This time McCloskey is put into a gap and they are up into the 22 before some imprecise breakdown work allows Wales to win the ball back and clear. The ball is quick to recycle to Biggar, but he’s static, grappled in the tackle then the Irish defenders swarm the breakdown meaning the Welsh 10 can do nothing but hold on and be penalised. However, it’s notable that Ireland are putting very few into the ruck, leaving plenty defenders fanned out across the field so as the home side push it lateral a few too many times the green cover allows Lowe to push up, intercept and gallop in from 60 metres.

Warren Gatland's return begins against the favourites for this year's Six Nations and the No 1 side in the world.

A long ball over the top allows Kyle Steyn a chance to stretch his legs on the right, with Scotland down into the England 22. And how they deserved it, ever dangerous in attack with Duhan van der Merwe to the fore, and defensively stern enough to retain the Calcutta Cup. England are offside twice in the movement but it matters not as the visitors sweep right and then left with fluent, fabulous rugby. Two Twickenham wins in a row for Scotland, with the Auld Enemy beaten thrice in succession for the first time in 51 years. England will need a seven-pointer of their own to snatch it. No, fine work from Scotland in the tight. A number of positives for England, with the attack showing signs to encourage home supporters and a number of standout individual showings, but Kevin Sinfield’s defensive structures clearly need much, much more bedding in. We spoke about getting our first win of the Six Nations and next week we need to take some confidence from that.” Two Twickenham wins in a row for Gregor Townsend’s team of history-makers. “We came here wanting to start the campaign on a high. As a winger you don’t get a lot of opportunities to score so I needed to take them. England hit back with two for recalled winger Max Malins then edged 13-12 ahead at half-time with a penalty by Owen Farrell.

Wales and Ireland face off at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff to kick off the Six Nations in 2023. The two sides come into this game off the back of ...

It's looking like a tall order for Wales to get anything out of this game, according to the bookmakers. Liam Williams will replace him at the back for Wales, and joining him is exciting centre Joe Hawkins, who impressed on debut against Australia and will be looking to lay down a marker in making Wales' No. 90 mins from kick-off: Hello, and welcome to the 2023 Six Nations! Wales beat Argentina, but suffered a heavy loss to New Zealand and a second-half collapse against Australia, either side of being the victims of Georgia's first victory over a Tier 1 nation. A pass out the back from Sexton goes to ground, and Wales wing Dyer kicks it ahead. Wales do their best to keep Ireland out but the visitors' forwards continue to pound the line. 42 mins: Biggar kicks high and regathers to get Wales back on the front foot, before offloading to Morgan who bursts down the right flank. Flicks from North and Biggar give Liam Williams a clear run to the line, and the full-back flies under the posts! Three tries in just over 20 minutes for Ireland, and Sexton adds the extras to give them a huge lead already. 50 mins: Wales come forward with feeling and look to find a gap in the Irish defence. He kicks ahead looking to chase, and despite showing supreme speed for a front-rower the ball bounces into touch before he can get there! 63 mins: Wales ship the ball to the left and Dyer finds himself running into open space again.

Wales trail Ireland 27-3 as their Six Nations campaign gets underway in Cardiff. It was a disastrous start for Wales as Irish No.8 Caelan Doris crashed over ...

Two penalties gave Wales a lineout five metres out and a handful of carries drew in the Irish defence. Wales were short of numbers and Josh van der Flier dived over for the bonus point try. Ireland then made their way into Wales' half for the first time since the break and ultimately came away with points. But, on the whole, it was a dreadful 40 minutes of rugby from Gatland's side as they trailed 27-3 at the break. Early in the second half, Wales fired their first shot. I felt in the second half we were outting ireland uner some pressure when it was 27-10, if we'd scored then 27-17 it could have been an interesting last twenty minutes but they're a very good side, they're number one side in the world and they showed that this afternoon". For the first time, Wales were going through phases in Ireland's half when James Lowe picked off Biggar's miss pass and ran 60 metres to score. The home crowd came alive moments later when Tomas Francis forced a mistake from Sexton. James Ryan, 6. Sexton's conversion widened the margin further. James Lowe, 10. Johnny Sexton added the extras.

Minute-by-minute report: New England regime, old enemy as the Calcutta Cup kicks off the campaign for these two. Join Lee Calvert.

[Frank Slade-esque tour of pleasures](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scent_of_a_Woman_(1992_film)) as his time in the job heads to a definite end sometime this coming autumn. It’s another Scotland scrum, this time midway in their own half, and the early signs are they are getting the slight upper hand in the set piece. England’s new hope has been punctured early, and the nature of the score exposed the England defensive system horribly. England have a decent set of phases in the Scotland half, with Hassell-Collins getting a sniff of a gap out left that has the door shut. England come back from the clearing kick, working the ball around the 10m line with pacey rucks and offloads before hands out right – including Genge and Ludlam with some outstandingly timed passes - find Malins to dart in and dab down. From the lineout, England are back in the Scotland 22, once again showing some nifty handling between forwards and backs. Russell creams a huge penalty punt up to the England 22 and clean possession from the lineout allows them to move the ball left and right before a low pass can’t be held by Ritchie. It gets worse for Scotland as they concede a penalty at the scrum, as they are shoved backwards and wheeled. The ball is clean off the top and Dombrandt is brought from deep on the angle to suck in the Scotland defense. The latest is England who look dynamic and busy, before Van Poortvliet takes a kick over the top option but put far too much pasty on it and it goes dead. England are back in the 22, but the ball is a little slow as they reset and go again. They do have an advantage, after Scotland spoil the ball, which they can’t capitalise on so they kick to the corner…

It's all change for England after their worst set of calendar-year results for 14 years in 2022 led to the end of Eddie Jones' long tenure, a sacking that many ...

We spoke about getting our first win of the Six Nations and next week we need to take some confidence from that.” There were blips but it felt like we had good energy and were in the fight all the way through.” Duhan van der Merwe’s late try and a last-ditch defensive stand was enough for Scotland to win the old trophy for the third year in a row for the first time in more than half a century. As a winger you don’t get a lot of opportunities so I needed to take them. “For now, we will give credit to Scotland for sticking at it like they did. There is some stuff we need to get better at but we will look at it,” Farrell said. A very encouraging showing from the Leicester man. “After the first half, we knew we had more in us and came out for the second half with a bang and managed to get the win so we are buzzing,” said Van der Merwe. Van der Merwe also registered an initial stunning solo try in an electric firat half, but twice England hit back through Saracens wing Max Malins. We weren’t at our best today. Still plenty of promise. Follow England vs Scotland reaction live below, featuring expert analysis from Nick Purewal at Twickenham.

Darcy Graham goes past Elliot Daly during last year's clash between Scotland and England. Photo / Getty. Follow all the action from the Six Nations clash ...

“This is the first game of a new coach and campaign,” Itoje said. England was its own worst enemy as it sought to eke out victory in the second half, with a dropped restart by No. There were a few things we got wrong as a team but we can fix them.

Warren Gatland's return is spoiled by Ireland as the world's number one side humble Wales in the opening Six Nations match in Cardiff.

Sexton converted and slotted over another penalty. Wales face a trip to Scotland next weekend, with Ireland hosting France in what could prove a pivotal game in the battle for the 2023 Six Nations trophy. Wales continued to attack but could not cross for a second score and Ireland demonstrated their clinical edge with Van der Flier diving over for the final score. Ireland overpowered a woeful Wales side in the first half, with the hosts repeatedly punished for ill-discipline and inaccuracy. Wales improved in the second half and responded with a Liam Williams try. Warren Gatland's return was spoiled by Ireland as the world's number one side humbled Wales in the opening Six Nations match in Cardiff.

Ben White has been given the nod at halfback, while Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones make up the midfield pairing as Harris gets the last spot on the bench. Darcy ...

Ireland player ratings: A late change at scrumhalf could have rattled Ireland, with Leinster tempo-man Jamison Gibson-Park a late withdrawal.

[Rio Dyer](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/rio-dyer/) in the 12th minute. Crashing over with just two minutes was the perfect start for the Mayo man. Sealed it for Ireland with his 10th international try in the 72nd minute. None of your fancy stuff but helped grease the wheels of an Ireland pack that rode roughshod over the Gatland’s forwards. Made a mockery of Gatland’s decision to leave him out of the Lions tour 18 months ago. Did more than survive the first scrum on Ireland’s line in the 13th minute. He essentially operates as an extra back row in the loose. Made some huge contributions defensively in what was a tour-de-force for the iron-hard loosehead. Several bone-crunching carries set the tone for Ireland early on. Is there a better 10 in the game right now? A solid outing on both sides of the ball being subbed off. Made a poor decision to bust his way over the line when it was never on in the 33rd minute.

The teams head out onto the pitch, and following the national anthems, we'll be underway at Twickenham! 0'. Scotland's starting scrum-half Ben White came ...

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Warren Gatland's return is spoiled by Ireland as the world's number one side humble Wales in the opening Six Nations match in Cardiff.

Sexton converted and slotted over another penalty. Wales face a trip to Scotland next weekend, with Ireland hosting France in what could prove a pivotal game in the battle for the 2023 Six Nations trophy. Wales continued to attack but could not cross for a second score and Ireland demonstrated their clinical edge with Van der Flier diving over for the final score. Ireland overpowered a woeful Wales side in the first half, with the hosts repeatedly punished for ill-discipline and inaccuracy. Wales improved in the second half and responded with a Liam Williams try. Warren Gatland's return was spoiled by Ireland as the world's number one side humbled Wales in the opening Six Nations match in Cardiff.

Clinical Ireland scored three tries in the opening 20 minutes and cruised to a 34-10 bonus-point victory over Wales to spoil coach Warren Gatland's welcome ...

"We left a couple of scores out there which could have tightened up the game. Lowe intercepted a Dan Biggar pass and sprinted clear to score unopposed as the visitors built a huge 27-3 lead by halftime. The visitors' early dominance was rewarded with two tries inside nine minutes that were almost identical in their execution.

Ireland kicked off their Six Nations title charge with an impressive bonus-point victory over Wales as they ran out 34-10 winners in Cardiff.

[Click here for teams and scorers](https://www.planetrugby.com/europe-six-nations-wales-vs-ireland/2023-02-04/2153882/commentary) Ireland were in cruise control, leading 24-3 with almost an hour of the game remaining, and Wales already appeared in damage-limitation mode. Wales could not deal with Ireland’s impressive ball-carriers, and after sufficient dents had been made in the home defence, Ryan claimed their second try, with Sexton again converting. And Ireland were in no mood to allow Wales a reprieve, dominating every critical area, most notably the battle up-front. [Ireland](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/ireland) though will be thrilled to get their [Six Nations](https://www.planetrugby.com/category/six-nations) campaign off to such a positive start, with France in Dublin their next assignment in Round Two. [Wales](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/wales) they endured a nightmare first half as they went in 27-3 adrift but, to their credit, Warren Gatland’s team did improve after the turnaround.

James Lowe nabbed an intercept try as Ireland swamped Wales in the first half of a statement victory in the Six Nations' opening round.

“The first 40 minutes, we were flowing nicely," he said. “We also left a couple of scores out there which would have tightened the game up. That allowed them to put us under pressure.’’ “That got them 14 points up. They passed the test with flying colours, their first championship win in Cardiff in 10 years. Any chance of a close finish was ended by Williams getting a yellow card for an illegal tackle on Ireland captain Jonathan Sexton in the 65th.

Following a 34-10 victory for Ireland over Wales in their Six Nations fixture, here's our five takeaways from the match at the Principality Stadium.

Ireland may not have the size of France but they still have some hefty units and those individuals were absolutely brutal in the first half. Another key facet of their carrying is the lines they take, as well as their footwork and dexterity, which constantly shifts the point of contact. There was enough in that display after the interval to provide Wales fans with some hope, but it was still a pretty abysmal start to the Yes, the second period saw a dip in the team’s dominance but the key duo’s absence was not felt. It says something about the depth in Andy Farrell’s squad that the absence of Furlong on Thursday’s team-sheet due to injury didn’t cause significant concern for Irish supporters, with Finlay Bealham a solid replacement. [Wales](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/wales) following the return of Warren Gatland but this showed that he is not a miracle worker.

Wales player ratings: Ireland have beaten Wales 34-10 in their Guinness Six Nations match in Cardiff and in truth, a valiant second-half...

[Taulupe Faletau](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/taulupe-faletau/) – 6 [Justin Tipuric](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/justin-tipuric/) – 6 [Wyn Jones](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/wyn-jones/) – 5 [Adam Beard](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/adam-beard/) – 5 [Tomas Francis](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/tomas-francis/) – 5 [Ken Owens](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/ken-owens/) – 5 [Gareth Thomas](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/gareth-thomas/) – 6 [Tomos Williams](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/tomos-williams/) – 5 [Dan Biggar](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/dan-biggar/) – 6 [Joe Hawkins](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/joe-hawkins/) – 7 [George North](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/george-north/) – 6 [Josh Adams](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/josh-adams/) – 5

Duhan van der Merwe's double saw Scotland make it three Calcutta Cup wins in a row for the first time since 1972 as they beat England 29-23 in the teams' ...

Half-back partner Marcus Smith sent a pinpoint kick to the right corner, and Malins dived on the ball to score. Russell converted again to leave England needing a converted try to win. It was much better second half from us and a brilliant win." Back row Jamie Ritchie captained Scotland as they took aim at their third-straight Calcutta Cup triumph, with Luke Crosbie making only his second start for Gregor Townsend’s team after being named on the other flank. Having made their first entry of the match into England's 22 on the back of a well-worked lineout move from George Turner's long throw, Scotland patiently built until Sione Tuipulotu slotted through a grubber for centre partner Jones to chase down and finish. Joe Marchant made his first start since last July at outside centre, and prop Dan Cole was included on the bench for his first appearance since England’s 2019 World Cup final defeat along with uncapped hooker Jack Walker.

Warren Gatland. Photo / Getty Images. Ireland justified its status as rugby's top-ranked country and the team to beat in the Six Nations by using a strong start ...

Any chance of a close finish was ended by Williams getting a yellow card for an illegal tackle on Ireland captain Jonathan Sexton in the 65th. ”The first 40 minutes, we were flowing nicely,” he said. It gave the Irish a commanding 27-3 lead, the most points they’d ever put on Wales before halftime in championship history.

A pair of outstanding tries by Duhan van der Merwe saw Scotland retain the Calcutta Cup for a third successive year.

Worked hard though and joint-top tackler (14) with Schoeman. [George Horne](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/george-horne/) – 6.5 Another who worked hard, and made metres in close quarters while adding to the defensive effort. Led from the front and won the crucial penalty that sealed victory. Guilty of giving away the penalty that saw England lead at the break, but otherwise a solid showing before departing on 58 minutes. [George Turner](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/george-turner/) – 6.5 Won’t want to see Dan Cole’s first scrum again, and departed shortly after. Another mixed bag from Scotland’s mercurial talisman. Recovered from a ropey start where he was sat down by Steward and put Jones over with a deft grubber. Has been questioned defensively in the past, but kept ex-Quins colleague Marchant well-marked throughout. Had another couple of chances that he couldn’t take, but was defensively sound and can be pleased with his day’s work. The former skipper had been a doubt with a heel injury and wasn’t at his world-class best.

Two brilliant tries by Duhan van der Merwe helped a tenacious Scottish side retain the Calcutta Cup.

England's Steve Borthwick era got off to a inauspicious start on Saturday as two superb tries by Duhan van der Merwe helped a tenacious Scotland to a famous ...

There were blips but it felt like we had good energy and were in the fight all the way through." "To see the way the players came back, in a venue we struggled for a lot of occasions, shows what a team we have and we weren't at our best today. "For now, we will give credit to Scotland for sticking at it like they did. We spoke about getting our first win of the Six Nations and next week we need to take some confidence from that," said Van der Merwe. Farrell missed his second successive conversion but then slotted a penalty to send the hosts in 13-12 ahead. "The game needed to break out, and it wasn't until the last 20 minutes where we started to force the issue in a positive way and move the ball to edges - that was great to see.

Sione Tuipulotu inspired Scotland to memorable Calcutta Cup victory as Ben Curry had a day to forget for England.

5 Grant Gilchrist Messy moment at the lineout and made little impact in the loose before he was replaced. 4 Richie Gray Preferred to his younger brother and shone, particularly in the buildup to winning try. 9 Ben White Opportunistic try, finished with the zip that sums him up. Two fine passes in buildup to winning try. Out of position for Malins’ first try but came up with the winning score. Polished in every facet of the game. Precise kick for Jones’s try and always picked the right pass. In terms of effort, did not deserve to end up on losing side. 6 Lewis Ludlam Hunted Russell early on and passed to Malins for his second try. Borthwick’s kind of player. 5 Ollie Chessum Discipline not perfect but has an incredible engine and can do a bit of everything. 4 Maro Itoje Conceded a needless penalty but a nuisance at lineout – some things never change.

Duhan van der Merwe grabbed two tries, including a breathtaking solo effort, as Scotland spoiled new England coach Steve Borthwick's start.

“There is some stuff we need to get better at," Farrell said. "Fair play to Scotland. England was its own worst enemy as it sought to eke out victory in the second half, with a dropped restart by No. “As a winger you don’t get a lot of opportunities to score so I needed to take them,” he said. * It marked the first time Scotland has secured back-to-back wins at Twickenham in rugby's oldest international fixture that dates to 1871.

23.09.19 - Wales v Georgia - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Wales head coach Warren Gatland. Wales 10-34 Ireland. Warren Gatland's return to Wales over the ...

But I took a lot of positives out of that performance, apart from the scoreboard.” As for Ireland, this was a significant win for them. With Alun Wyn Jones failing an HIA and ruled out of next week’s game in Scotland, Gatland is going to have to make changes to both personnel and performance. Ireland took their foot off the gas, even giving Wales a glimmer of hope when Liam Williams reduced the arrears following a period of pressure. Both Andrew Porter and Iain Henderson were perhaps fortunate not to see yellow, while Wales were reduced to 14 men in contentious circumstances as Williams was shown a yellow card by English referee Karl Dickson for a high tackle, with his shoulder, on Sexton. But I’m comfortable with the refereeing decisions.” Their bench wrestled back control of the contest with Josh van der Flier, the World Rugby player of the year, scoring a deserved bonus-point try late on. “I thought the second half was a huge improvement,” he said. The problem was the game as a contest was effectively over by then. And the game itself is in crisis mode in these parts with allegations of bullying, sexism and racism raising serious questions for the WRU, not to mention the state of Welsh club rugby. After this performance, many will be of the opinion that the New Zealander, who led the country to four Six Nations titles, including three grand slams during his first stint in charge, will need to perform a miracle if he is to turn the red ship around. “Our exits, our restarts, the intercept...

Following a 29-23 victory for Scotland over England in their Six Nations fixture, here's our five takeaways from the game at Twickenham.

Their effort in the back five of the pack was quite remarkable at times in defence, and their set-piece was as solid as Ben Nevis itself. Joe Marchant was selected to do a job for this fixture and, quite frankly, he failed to have the impact required and Borthwick will surely rue releasing Manu Tuilagi back to Sale Sharks in a match where his directness was sorely needed. Indeed, Ludlam was a beacon of excellence in a back-row that came off substantially second best, as he hit 17 carries for 72 metres, a wonderful run and feint to sent Max Malins over and was one of England’s main contributors in their mainly five man pod lineout approach. Conversely, Scotland’s visits to the red zone lasted only one minute and 44 seconds, yet saw them cross four times, a remarkable efficiency rate, but one probably enhanced by the powerful running of Van der Merwe. He put in an astonishing 27 tackles, many at the first phase of the gain line, battering the England carriers into submission as they failed time after time to make metres in contact. With possession stats of 70% v 30% in favour of the hosts, the sheer efficiency of the Scots with ball in hand and in contact was staggering.

Warren Gatland's return as Wales coach has got off to a major false start as his side were trounced 34-10 by Ireland in Cardiff in the Six Nations opener.

But I think we showed character in the second half. "We left a couple of scores out there which could have tightened up the game. Lowe intercepted a Dan Biggar pass and sprinted clear to score unopposed as the visitors built a huge 27-3 lead by halftime.

Scotland boss Gregor Townsend said Duhan van der Merwe's sensational try was something out of a PlayStation game in their win against England.

“They didn’t get a lot of chances but the chances they got they took ruthlessly. “We saw some growth, particularly in the attacking side of the game. The team looked like they had points in them and try-scoring potential. “I felt a lot of emotion at the final whistle,” said Townsend. The coach had beaten [England](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/england/) in their previous trip to the famous ground two years ago but the game was played behind closed doors. [Townsend](https://www.planetrugby.com/tag/gregor-townsend/) lauded the superstar wing for both his tries in what was a stunning performance.

CARDIFF (Reuters) -Clinical Ireland scored three tries in the opening 20 minutes and cruised to a 34-10 bonus-point victory over Wales to spoil coach Warren ...

But I think we showed character in the second half. Lowe intercepted a Dan Biggar pass and sprinted clear to score unopposed as the visitors built a huge 27-3 lead by halftime. The visitors’ early dominance was rewarded with two tries inside nine minutes that were almost identical in their execution.

Crucially, Italy finally snapped a 36-game losing streak that had dragged on since 2015 in their match of the championship last year. That Ange Capuozzo break ...

Coverage starts at 2.15pm for the 3pm kick-off. “We believe that the journey is far from over. Having said that, France are still blessed with a plethora of quality across the park and in all likelihood will have too much for their European rivals. Federico Ruzza packs down alongside the elder Cannone, Niccolò, in the engine room. Danilo Fischetti and Simone Ferrari are the props either side of hooker Giacomo Nicotera. Crucially, Italy finally snapped a 36-game losing streak that had dragged on since 2015 in their match of the championship last year. He is joined by full-back Thomas Ramos and Damian Penaud in the back three. Kieran Crowley said: “We have worked well in these two weeks. Antoine Dupont captains the side from scrum-half and will renew his partnership with Toulouse colleague Romain Ntamack who is outside him at No 10. - France won the Grand Slam in last year’s Guinness Six Nations and have won their opening match of the Championship in each of their last four campaigns as reigning champions; no side has ever completed back-to-back Grand Slams in the Six Nations, with Les Bleus the last team to achieve that feat in the Five Nations (1997 & 1998). Luca Morisi and Juan Ignacio Brex make up the centre partnership. - Italy won their last match of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations (22-21 v Wales)after losing 36 in a row previously, however, they haven’t won at home in the competition since March 2013 (22-15 v Ireland) and have won back-to-back games just twice previously.

Will last season's grand slam winners France open their campaign with victory in Rome, or could Italy produce a shock? Join Lee Calvert.

Italy come back at them from the lineout and create a little gap for Capuozzo out wide, but the ball is slightly behind him and snaffled by Ramos. Dupont has a dart left off the back of a big French maul in the Italy half. Allan call for the tee and puts his side on the board. Some outstanding attacking patterns and handling from Italy follows a big maul drive, and France are scrambling all over the place in their own half. On another advantage, Italy are attacking on the France 22, and the intricacy of their attacking patterns is outstanding. The work it with several carries from the forward tight around the ruck, before the ball rolls loose and is regathered. Italy manage something resembling a reasonable exit from the kick-off, and France have their first attack of the half from the resulting lineout. Well, yes, in that he blew the whistle to award the penalties that gave Italy either territory or a chance to kick posts. The Azzuri pack catch and drive it and on the second shove they are this close to forcing the ball over the line but Ollivon illegally pulls the maul down. France have some decent possession of the first time in a while and from a maul on the right the fire it left into midfield. Fusco has added a bit more zip with his passing from the breakdown as Italy try to run it from their own half. Les Bleus had a chance to close out the game with a lineout in the Italy half, but the imprecision comes to the fore once more as they can’t claim their own throw.

Live updates from Sundays Round 1 2023 Six Nations clash between defending Grand Slam champions France and Italy from the Stadio Olimpico in Rome (3pm ...

ROME (Reuters) – France captain Antoine Dupont is confident Les Bleus will overcome a series of injuries as they start their Six Nations campaign with an ...

“And we’ve seen their (Italy’s) recent achievements: they won in Cardiff (22-21 in the Six Nations last year) and beat Australia (28-27 last November). “The World Cup is in the background and we all have it in the back of our minds,” said Dupont. France are on a 13-match winning streak and have the World Cup in mind, but they are fully focused on the Six Nations and will not take anything for granted against Italy.

The defending champions were 24-22 down going into the last 15 minutes before replacement flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert scored the decisive try after Thibaud ...

France player ratings: It would have been near unthinkable for France to have lost their Guinness Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome...

[Sekou Macalou](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/sekou-macalou/) threw himself about and brought some much-needed energy to an emotionally flat French side. He isn’t the first and he won’t be the last. [Gregory Alldritt](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/gregory-alldritt/) – 6 His yellow card that conceded a penalty try in the 51st minute triggered France’s considerable wobble. Back in blue after missing the Autumn Nations Series with injury and was on light piano shifting duties today. The man mountain was sporting a slimmer physique and looked all the fitter for it. Was asked by referee Matthew Carley if we wanted to be marched by back after moaning following a penalty in the 29th minute. A constant menace who seemed to cause panic in the Italian ranks every time he was on the ball. [Yoram Moefana](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/yoram-moefana/) – 6 Hard to oversell just how much value he brings to the French midfield. The Bordeaux-bound Penaud got on the end of a few decent attacking shapes but was kept relatively quiet in the first half. Looked flighty late on, not a characteristic any side wants in a fullback.

France survived a huge scare as they started their Six Nations campaign with a nerve-racking 29-24 away victory over Italy on Saturday.

Italy made it to the board with Allan's first penalty but the Azzurri were on the brink. There are regrets but also a lot of pride," said Italy fullback Capuozzo, who scored his sixth try in eight international appearances. With an extra man on the field and a one-point deficit, the hosts were fired up and they took the lead just before Ollivon returned to the field with Allan’s fourth penalty.

France put down a daring Italy 29-24 and played its part in setting the stage for the eagerly awaited Six Nations showdown with Ireland next weekend.

France were making uncharacteristic errors and conceded a yellow card for the first time in more than a year. Italy hammered France to the end, though. Italy fought back from 19-6 down to lead for the first time in the match at 24-22 with less than a quarter to go.

Tries from Thibaud Flament, Thomas Ramos, Ethan Dumortier and Matthieu Jalibert saw Les Bleus seal a bonus-point win, with Ramos also kicking nine points. Italy ...

Ramos added three more but Ollivon was soon punished for bringing down the maul and the penalty try was awarded after a review. [France](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/france) were on the scoresheet after four minutes when Italy scrum-half Stephen Varney attempted a box-kick only to be thwarted by the six-foot-eight Flament, who intercepted before going on an unstoppable run over the whitewash, with Ramos adding the extras. [Italy](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/italy) came agonisingly close to claiming a memorable victory though, with Ange Capuozzo’s score and a penalty try added to by four penalties from Tommaso Allan.

The defending champions were 24-22 down going into the last 15 minutes in Rome on Sunday before replacement flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert scored the decisive try.

There are regrets but also a lot of pride," said Italy fullback Capuozzo, who scored his sixth try in eight international appearances. With an extra man on the field and a one-point deficit, the hosts were fired up and they took the lead just before Ollivon returned to the field with Allan's fourth penalty. Italy made it to the board with Allan's first penalty but the Azzurri were on the brink.