The Guinness Men’s Six Nations got underway on Thursday and started with France laying down a marker by running in five tries at home to Ireland.
The Guinness Men’s Six Nations got underway on Thursday and started with France laying down a marker by running in five tries at home to Ireland.
Italy and Scotland followed up by playing out an unforgettable match in soggy Rome, while England heaped more misery on Wales.
Down in the South Pacific the build up to Super Rugby Pacific’s start reached fever pitch, and the 2023 World Cup was given greater shape with the match schedule being announced with Australia facing debutants Hong Kong China in Perth first up.
There was more reaction to Scott Robertson’s sacking, sevens action in Perth, and the return of one of rugby’s wise old heads.
Here’s what’s sent ATR into a spin this week…
“At the end when we found ourselves defending in our half, we had to fight with our hearts. In those last minutes we had to show the how much the shirt means, how much the teams means, and how much our teammates alongside us mean. In those moments, we showed our identity and our desire to show who we are.”
It wasn’t pretty, but Italy captain Michele Lamaro and his team deserved their win:
“Some class from them, but not good enough from us. We didn’t shut them down early enough. We allowed them to play some of their flowing, attacking rugby. Not good enough from us in the collision, and our kick-chase let us down, connections-wise. Some grit and determination in the second half and good impact from our bench, but very disappointing overall.”
Ireland captain Caelan Doris pulls no punches after their horror show against France:
“We looked at the weather all week and you don’t know how it’s going to be. The start of the game was fine, the conditions were good, both teams were moving the ball around. Then the worst conditions we’ve probably seen since England in 2020. So, it’s six years we’ve not had conditions like that. It does change the game.”
Come on Gregor Townsend, are you really blaming the weather for Scotland’s defeat?
“It’s pure speculation. I’ve not signed a contract beyond the World Cup with anybody. It’s a story that I think has been put out there to try to disrupt before this week’s game (against Italy) or next week’s game against England.”
Townsend again, pouring cold water on those Newcastle Red Bulls rumours:
“We said at the end of the game that we let ourselves down and people at home down. We spoke all week about what we were going to produce and we didn't do it. There's no other way to say it, there's no point just talking about things.”
Honesty from Wales captain Dewi Lake after their latest loss:
“We all know Henry is a player who has an incredible ability running with the ball and his ability to find a way to the try line is excellent. What I have been really impressed is over the last number of months is his attitude to go and improve other aspects of his game. He has worked exceptionally hard and has come back to the Six Nations an even better player.”
England head coach Steve Borthwick praises hattrick hero Henry Arundell:
“Certainly, as much as we can support him, we’ll support him, and I hope the right story comes out with the right result. He worked incredibly hard and I enjoy him as a person. I don’t think he intentionally did anything wrong.”
Springboks coach, Rassie Erasmus gives his backing to prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who is facing doping charges:
“When they get all their internationals back, they’re one of the best teams in the world. The amount of x-factor they have is really tough to verse (play against). I’ve got no doubt any team versing Fiji will be very worried about them.”
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson knows the threat Fiji can provide these days:
“There are no restrictions now on the guy coming into contest for the ball. That it’s too easy for wingers just to be a nuisance. It lacks a bit of skill, just being able to just throw your body in and flail an arm. A law change where they would have to make a genuine attempt to catch the ball, I’d be an advocate of that.”
England fullback Freddie Steward isn’t happy with the aerial contest rules:
“I think I could have been better, but I couldn’t be much better. I sort of had a ceiling that I capped. I was never going to be world-class. I was always at a level where I knew what I was good at, and I tried to maximise that.”
Joe Marler may not consider himself world class, but ATR reckons he did alright:
“There are a few flyers in the England team, but I do love Manny Feyi-Waboso. He’s an exciting player and he reminds me a little bit of myself back in the day. He’s really quick, he’s strong, he breaks the tackle and he builds momentum. He certainly can finish and score tries, so he’s a key player.”
Jason Robsinson reckons Immanuel Feyi-Waboso only needs a World Cup final try to match him:
“We missed some experienced players in Singapore, but the younger guys will be better this weekend. That is how you gain experience, to learn from your mistakes, something we all know now. That said, we are very eager to get to the training field tomorrow, get rid of the gremlins and arrive Saturday as the team we know we are.”
Ryan Oosthuizen promises an improved Blitzbok performance when the HSBC SVNS tour hits Perth:
“He’s been used as a scapegoat when he’s probably just expressed his views in a review, and it’s come out. A lot of people expressed their views in the review; everyone in the team does. I suppose it’s just easy to latch onto him because he’s probably the best player in the world at the moment. It’s a bit disappointing, but people are going to say what they’re going to say.”
All Black second row Patrick Tuipulotu sticks up for embattled Ardie Savea:
“I have realised I have got itchy feet, and I want to get back into the game. I feel that I would like to be involved again with an international team or mentoring. Once you are away from the team environment, it takes a bit of time to get used to, and after three years, I miss it more than I thought I would.”
Dean Richards is back coaching, this time with level six side Wymondham:
“It is going as well as it can. He is a very diligent rehabber. The issue with Len is that it was a more significant injury than was hoped when the surgeon actually got into the joint. We will know a lot about where he is going to be after the Six Nations.”
Rob Baxter reveals that Exeter Chiefs’ Len Ikitau will be out for longer than originally expected: