Six Nations Rugby

With the tournament is approaching it’s final weekend, I figured I should make an attempt to post something. Since offering to help run this blog, I have had a change in circumstances meaning that I haven’t had the opportunity to sit and write like you need to for a blog like this.

I shall attempt to do summaries of weeks 1-4 before the matches kick-off at the weekend… let’s see how this goes.

Last spring I founded a tumblog dedicated to the Six Nations rugby tournament.  I kept up with it pretty well for most of the tournament but near the end I really dropped the ball.  Streaming the matches took a lot of effort on my part and then I was without internet for a large part of the tournament.

Anyway, today was the opener and there is absolutely no way I will be able to even attempt to run this blog properly this spring.  I am far too busy teaching and student-ing.  If anyone is interested in taking it over please let me know.

(This is cross-posted at Into the Strenuous Briefness and Six Nations.)

I am so freaking far behind.  The tournament ended this past weekend, as all of you in Europe are well aware.  That damn 9 or 10 days without Internet really screwed me up.  But for you Americans, and for you Europeans who want to relive the last several matches, I will finish my match recaps.  This week.

Promise.

Ireland defeats Wales, 27-12.

Wales got the first points in this match, with Stephen Jones scoring a penalty at the 9 minute mark.  Ireland’s Jonathan Sexton answered with a penalty at the 17 minute mark.  Just six minutes later another penalty by Sexton put Ireland ahead, 6-3.  At 24 minutes, Wales’ Lee Byrne was sinbinned, giving Ireland an extra man advantage which they seized.  Keith Earls scored the first Irish try just minutes after Byrne left the field, bringing the score to 11-3 (Sexton failed to convert).  Only five minutes later Thomas O’Leary scored another try for Ireland, making the score 16-3 (another failed conversion by Sexton).  Jones kicked a penalty for Wales just before halftime, bringing the score to 16-6.

The first points of the second match were scored by Ireland, with Sexton making a penalty at the 50 minute mark.  Jones responded almost immediately with a penalty for Wales, making the score 19-9.  Ireland all but secured the match at the 60 minute mark when O’Leary made another try.  Wales’ Jones answered the try with another penalty, but those 3 points were the last Wales would score.  Ireland’s Sexton managed to make a drop goal just as the match ended, for a final score of 27-12.

Looks like a very well-played match by Ireland, good to see them back on form.  Welsh side looks weak here, but they’re also plagued by injuries and suspensions this tournament, which is surely having an effect on their play.

This is long overdue, I know.

Italy finally gets a win in this match, 16-12.

The first score came at 9 minutes, Italy’s Bergamasco with a penalty.  Italy was awarded another penalty just four minutes later, and Bergamasco brought the score to 6-0.  At 21 minutes, Scotland got the chance to answer with a penalty of their own and Parks reduced the deficit to only 3 points.  Another penalty allowed Parks to bring the score to a tie at 6-6 at the 32 minute mark.

The second half opened with an Italian penalty by Bergamasco, putting Italy back in the lead.  Scotland nearly managed a try at the 44 minute mark, but the video referee ruled against the try, saying that Jacobsen had not made it over the line.  At 51 minutes Parks made a drop goal for Scotland, tying up the score again.  13 minutes later a penalty by Parks put Scotland in the lead, 9-12.

The first try of the game came at the 67 minute mark, with Italy’s Canavosio putting up five points.  Bergamasco was successful on the conversion, bringing the score to 16-12.

Italy must have felt great after this, their first Six Nations win since 2008.  But it certainly wasn’t a particularly impressive match by either side.  A loss to Italy is embarrassing for Scotland, frankly, but given how poorly the Scottish side was playing Italy should have had a more decisive win.  

Thanks for the follow, everyone!

And for the patience—I have been without Internet for the last 9 days.  Updates soon.