The 6 Nations Rugby competition kicked off this weekend.  No big upsets, as Ireland, England and France won their games.  Although some would have backed the Welsh to beat England, given their current form.  Ireland 29 – 11 Italy, England 30 – 17 Wales and France 18 – 9 Scotland.

Another crunching tackle by the French

Ireland ground out a victory against Italy, Ronan O’Gara had a great game with the boot, but the defending Grand Slam champions are going to have to up their game if they want to beat the better teams.

Wales were on the back foot early, when their lock, Alun-Wyn Jones was sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes for deliberately tripping.  The Welsh were 20-3 down after the sin binning, they managed to score 2 tries to narrow the gap to 20-17.  But England’s James Haskell scored a late try to seal victory for the English.

France’s powerful centre, Mathieu Bastareaud, scored 2 tries to power France to victory over Scotland. The French forwards dominated and their back line looked superb at times – Scotland were mostly desperate in defense.

From first signs it looks like France is on form and is the team to beat, but you just never know with the French, as they blow hot and cold!