Six Nations 2016: Scores, Updated Table After Friday Round 3 Results
Wales shifted the pressure onto England in pursuit of Six Nations glory as they ground out a 19-10 win over France in Cardiff to move to the top of the tournament standings on Friday.
George North scored the only try for the hosts in an abrasive 80 minutes, with both defences on top throughout. France were hugely disappointing, especially after beating Ireland the last time out, and will feel as though they missed an opportunity to secure a crucial win after dominating possession for long spells.
On Saturday, Italy will host Scotland, with both sides looking for their first win, while England, who led the standings coming into this round of fixtures, face holders Ireland at Twickenham.
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Here’s the table after the Welsh triumph, how Friday’s clash panned out and a brief look ahead to the rest of the weekend’s games.
| 1 | England | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 79 | 28 | 6 |
| 2 | Wales | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 62 | 49 | 5 |
| 3 | France | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 43 | 49 | 4 |
| 4 | Scotland | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 68 | 62 | 2 |
| 5 | Ireland | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 35 | 47 | 1 |
| 6 | Italy | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 50 | 99 | 0 |
| Friday, Feb. 26 | Wales | 19-10 | France |
| Saturday, Feb. 27 | Italy | 20-36 | Scotland |
| Saturday, Feb. 27 | England | 21-10 | Ireland |
Wales 19-10 France
Friday's clash didn’t live up to the hype in Cardiff, with both sides below their best on the night. However, Wales were more ruthless when chances did come their way, and in Dan Biggar, they possess a kicker who is reliable.
The fly-half kicked 14 of Wales’ 19 points, as both teams toiled in open play. Indeed, one of the two tries in the game was fortunate, with North fluffing an attempted kick forward before grabbing at the second attempt.
As former England international Will Greenwood noted in the aftermath of the score, it was a clumsy moment that epitomised a scrappy contest:
Still, Wales moved to the top of the table and will be confident of moving through the gears with a couple of games remaining. Next up for them is a trip to Twickenham, too, where they secured a memorable win in the World Cup last year.
France impressed in their approach play but weren’t incisive enough in key periods. After the concession of the Wales try, they pinned the hosts back in their own 22-yard line for 12 minutes but were unable to find a way through. That lack of cutting edge will cost them a chance of winning this year’s tournament despite their bright start.
Weekend Preview
Scotland and Italy have resumed familiar roles in this Six Nations despite the improvements of each as of late, with the pair battling it out to avoid the Wooden Spoon, an accolade for the side that finish at the bottom of the pile.
Italy have shown some encouraging signs in both of their outings, having let the game slip away against France after a strong showing as well as matching England for an hour before capitulating late on. The same can be said for the Scots, who came up just short against England and Wales in tight tussles.
Here’s what Scotland coach Vern Cotter had to say about the opposition ahead of this one, per the team’s Twitter feed:
The Scots will be the favourites for the clash, and they will seek to deploy a similar game plan. If they can keep the game tight in what are always frantic early exchanges, their quality should eventually tell when the clash becomes stretched in the second half.
The marquee contest of the weekend will see reigning champions Ireland head to Twickenham in search of their first win, although the men in green will find it tough against Eddie Jones’ rejuvenated England team.
In a blow to the hosts, Joe Launchbury will miss this one, although his hamstring injury has paved the way for a debut for Maro Itoje, who will come in at lock. Paul Williams of Rugby World thinks the 21-year-old is poised to shine:
Ireland secured a brilliant win over England on their way to glory in the competition last season, but they have undergone a transition since then. So it’s difficult to see the visitors conquering the home side, who have executed the basics well under the tutelage of Jones.
Expect an attritional encounter rather than a fluid, free-flowing fixture but for an intriguing tactical battle to emerge nonetheless.
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