The 2025 Six Nations Championship matches, held over the weekend of February 22-23, delivered some high-intensity rugby, with each game having its own set of dramas and controversies.
Wales vs. Ireland (18-27)
At the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Ireland secured a 27-18 victory over Wales, clinching the Triple Crown in the process. Despite leading 13-10 at half-time and gaining a numerical advantage following Garry Ringrose's red card, Wales couldn't capitalise.
Ireland's late surge, highlighted by impactful performances from substitutes Bundee Aki and James Ryan, overturned the Welsh lead. However, a significant moment of contention arose when a potential try by Ellis Mee was disallowed after a TMO review, a decision that sparked frustration among Welsh supporters and players alike.
While this defeat extended Wales' worst-ever losing streak to 15 matches, many were left feeling positive after a resurgent performance by the young team, especially so soon after the exit of head coach, Warren Gatland.
England vs. Scotland (16-15)
Twickenham hosted a nail-biting encounter where England edged out Scotland with a 16-15 win. England finally reclaimed the Calcutta Cup since 2020 despite Scotland’s superior attacking prowess, earning them three tries to England's one.
This game was marred by controversy. The referee awarded England's Tommy Freeman a try despite inconclusive video evidence, frustrating Scotland. Maro Itoje’s turnover on Blair Kinghorn also raised concerns, as he appeared to dive off his feet without penalty.
Another pivotal moment saw officials penalise Rory Darge and Tom Jordan for lifting Ben Curry out of a ruck, setting up England’s match-winning penalty— a decision Scotland’s coach Gregor Townsend later questioned.
However, Finn Russell’s missed conversions proved decisive, including a crucial one after Duhan van der Merwe’s 79th-minute try that could have secured a draw. England’s narrow victory drew mixed reactions, with some fans audibly booing, frustrated by Steve Borthwick’s pragmatic playing style.
Italy vs. France (24-73)
In Rome, France dominated Italy with a resounding 73-24 victory. Captain Antoine Dupont led the charge, scoring twice in a record-breaking match featuring 14 tries.
Despite early resilience from Italy, including tries from Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex, they struggled to contain France’s relentless attack. The one-sided result reignited debates about the tournament’s competitive imbalance and Italy’s ongoing struggles against the more elite teams.
Conclusion
As the championship progresses, these matches and regulatory changes continue to fuel discussions among fans and analysts, underscoring the dynamic and often contentious nature of international rugby competition.
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