Week one of the Women's Six Nations brought tantalising encounters with ultimately widely predicted outcomes. Wales pushed Scotland all the way in Edinburgh but were edged out 24-21 in the end. Ireland will feel that their game against France was a missed opportunity with the French going down a player whilst up by less than a converted try towards the end. England won comfortably in York against Italy but suffered an inexplicably quiet second half. With that in mind, here are the main things to take away from each match as we look forward to the second round of games.
Scotland vs Wales
- Sean Lynn's Wales look massively improved and will be a tricky encounter for most teams they play. They lead for significant periods but couldn't manage the score as well as their Scottish rivals. However, there were enough positives to look forward to what this team can do with more time under Lynn's tutelage.
- The gap between Scotland and Wales was at risk of growing after differing fortunes in WXV last year but Wales seem to be keeping in touch with their Scottish counterparts.
- Both teams suffered from disciplinary issues in quick succession. They'll feel the pain in their next games with both having a player suspended. Wales will be missing Evans and Scotland will be missing Gallagher so both nations will be looking for other players to step up st number eight.
France vs Ireland
- Ireland had a real shot in this game to earn another upset win against a top four nation. This would've catapulted them into a position to potentially be England's biggest challenger for the title but that will now have to wait for next year after multiple squandered opportunities in attack.
- Aoife Wafer is a top player. That is stating the obvious but it is worth repeating. The 22-year old scored twice for Ireland and was otherwise excellent.
- France were challenged greatly in this match and were put under even more pressure when their star player, Vernier, was sent off. Despite that, their defence held strong and actually won the home side, the game. Ireland were squeezed out of playing on the front foot and found themselves suffocated by France's line speed.
England vs Italy
- England won comfortably as was expected. The game was, predictably, over by the half way point in York making for a pretty comfortable day for the tournament favourites.
- After an impressive first half, England found themselves bogged down in the second. and only able to muster one try. The Italia defence stiffened but England seemingly took their foot off the gas and suffered as a result.
- To give Italy their due credit, it would have been easy to fold at half time when down by four tries. They didn't and actually became England's equals for the last forty minutes. The performances of Italy and Wales mean that this Six Nations will be packed with intrigue every week.
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