Ireland claimed their third bonus point victory, Scotland beat England for the fourth time in a row and Italy came close to a historic victory before drawing with France.
The third weekend of the 2024 Six Nations had everything from drama to individual brilliance.
What are the key topics in the mid-rounds of the competition?
England's attack continues to struggle
6 tries in 3 games. England's attacking line-up has yet to fire up this season, with time running out with only two rounds remaining.
There is a lot of attention on replicating South Africa's blitz defense system under new manager Felix Jones.
But when George Furbank made a well-timed strike play to open the scoring at Murrayfield, it looked like both sides of the ball were coming together.
However, England ultimately lacked fluency in attack, making 24 handling errors that plagued the team. 4 consecutive losses in Calcutta Cup.
Former Scotland captain John Barclay said: “England aren't doing too well. When they're struggling to impose themselves, they go back to their kicking game.” Six Nations Rugby Special.
Former Scotland international Jonny Beatty believes three-quarters of Premiership teams are “better than England's attack”.
“As the game progressed and England went through multiple stages, it looked foreign to them. They looked restless and didn't know how to play with each other,” Beattie said. Rugby Union Daily.
Steve Borthwick has now scored just one try bonus point in eight Six Nations games.
England next face an Irish attacking force on March 9th, who have scored at least four tries in every round so far.
Van der Merwe added to highlight reel
“I don't know what it is. I'm sure he's just waking up and thinking about scoring a try.”
There's death, taxes and Duane van der Merwe's tryst against England.
The prolific winger has scored six tries in the last four Calcutta Cup matches. His solo try in 2023 won him World Rugby's try of the year, and Saturday's second one this year may not be far behind.
He picked up the loose ball, evaded Ben Earl, accelerated and cleared it, finishing in the corner.
Former England winger Chris Ashton said: “After retiring, this is the only time I've watched rugby and thought I wanted to play rugby.'' Rugby Union Daily.
“Like all the kids watching the game, I was like, 'I want to be that guy someday.'”
In addition to a strong finish to 2021, Van der Merwe is developing his own highlight reel for this fight.
“I wouldn't say his high balls or his defensive positioning are his strengths. His strengths are finishing and scoring outrageous tries,” Beatty added.
“He's just a monster athlete. A pure athlete.”
The winger will aim to increase his try tally against Italy on March 9.
The 'physicality' that makes Ireland 'terrifyingly distinct'
Back-to-back Grand Slams have never been played in the Six Nations before.
It's a goal that Andy Farrell's side have prioritized since their heartbreaking defeat to New Zealand in the World Cup quarter-finals. victory over wales In Dublin he kept them on track.
Former Wales captain Sam Warburton believes Ireland's improved physical level has set them apart from other teams in the competition by a “frightening margin”.
“Ireland are winning the clash, certainly because they're in good form, but they're putting in the effort now. That's why they're frighteningly ahead of other teams in the Six Nations,'' said Waugh. Burton said. Six Nations Rugby Special.
The introduction of 22-year-old Lockjaw McCarthy helped add further dimension to Ireland's forward game.
“They are by far the best team in the Six Nations. Leinster have been criticized in the past and Ireland were criticized when they played more physical teams,” Warburton said.
Despite suffering three consecutive defeats, Wales' young team once again showed signs of promise.
The curse of the shot clock
of shot clock This was introduced in January 2023 to “speed up the game,” and it certainly made coach Paolo Garbisi feel rushed.
Italy had never beaten France in a Six Nations and Garbisi was attempting to score the winning penalty in stoppage time when the ball fell off the tee.
After a quick readjustment, his rushed attack hit the post. The match was tied.
“He's got 12 seconds to reset and calm his head and that's just not enough time. He's just desperately unlucky,” Barkley said.
Owen Farrell became the first player in World Cup history to be timed out for more than 60 seconds against Samoa.
Garbisi had a chance to seal the victory from a more comfortable position, converting from outside wide to meet Ange Capozzo's try.
However, the shot clock sounded again.
Is France in crisis?
During last fall's World Cup, France was in complete cruise control, defeating Italy 60-7.
In just a few months, Italy's Garbisi missed the chance to make Italian history.
Since the crash Lost to South Africa in the quarterfinalsFrance were also thrashed by Ireland in Marseille, and their controversial victory at Murrayfield was far from convincing.
“Just 18 months ago we thought they were going to win the World Cup,” Barkley said.
“How do you go from beating Italy 60-7 to now almost losing to Italy? The more they play, the worse it looks like.”
Jonathan Danti also became the second French player to be sent off this season, along with Paul Willemse, perhaps reflecting their frustration.
“France have fallen back and look more physical and emotional, but they were noticeably lacking in attack,” Warburton added.
France next face Wales in Cardiff on March 10, but will need to improve their discipline if they are to win away.
