Eire claimed a historic Six Nations victory on Saturday, rounding off the event with a convincing 29-16 win against England to be topped Grand Slam champions.
It has been an epic marketing campaign for Andy Farrell’s aspect, who didn’t go behind by greater than six factors in any recreation throughout the marketing campaign, displaying that they’re the workforce to beat heading into the 2023 Rugby World Cup in just below six months time.
Whereas Eire had been celebrating, England in the meantime, completed didn’t dwell as much as expectations, ending fourth within the desk, behind France and Scotland who each proved their power with the ball in hand all through the event.
Wales in the meantime sunk to fifth within the standings on Warren Gatland’s returned to the Welsh camp, whereas Italy completed backside of the desk, failing to win a recreation.
SportsMail’s Rugby Union correspondent Chris Foy provides his verdict on an enthralling Six Nations marketing campaign.
Eire have claimed the 2023 Six Nations championship and Grand Slam after win vs England
Johnny Sexton (left) turned the very best ever factors scorer within the event’s historical past
Finest match
Eire v France. The assembly between the highest two was a pulsating basic, however France v Scotland got here a detailed second because the guests fought again from 19-0 down, with Finn Russell in his ingredient in Paris.
Worst match
England v France. What occurred at Twickenham remains to be a thriller. It was an insipid give up by England and, Steve Borthwick will hope, a stunning anomaly.
High attempt
There have been so many in a high-class marketing campaign. Many had been superbly choreographed, particularly by Eire. However Damian Penaud’s strike in opposition to the Irish was a private favorite, a long-range expression of instinctive French brilliance.
Loudest ovation
Eire supporters made an astonishing noise in tribute to Johnny Sexton when he limped off with a groin damage on Saturday night, after turning into the nation’s highest points-scorer in Six Nations historical past.
Peak trolling
FINN Russell chasing Owen Farrell at Twickenham to chuckle at his reverse quantity as Duhan van der Merwe surged by way of England’s defence to attain a solo attempt for Scotland.
Finn Russell (pictured) was seen trolling Owen Farrell throughout Englands loss to Scotland
Italy’s new sensation Ange Capuozzo was additionally dubbed the ‘racing snake’ by a commentator
International Lions-in-waiting
There may very well be loads of Southern Hemisphere accents within the subsequent Lions Check workforce, in Australia in 2025, particularly out extensive, the place the likes of Mack Hansen, James Lowe and Van der Merwe will probably be within the combine.
High new nickname
Italy’s new sensation, Ange Capuozzo (under), supplied proof of his supreme expertise firstly of the championship and was referred to on commentary as a ‘racing snake’.
Past the decision
Ken Owens was named captain of a Wales aspect in transition and shortly needed to entrance the strike dispute on behalf of aggrieved Welsh gamers. He was sincere sufficient to confess: ‘We seem like a laughing inventory.’
Lookalike
Martin Castrogiovanni made an look at Twickenham in a vibrant blue go well with to look at the England v Italy recreation and the thought occurred: has Scotland prop Pierre Schoeman ever been seen in the identical room because the Azzurri icon?
Finest anthem
Italy. Once more and all the time. It’s simply so joyous, which means it narrowly beats La Marseillaise. However the very best anthem singer is England’s Freddie Steward. Pure ardour. Granted, that’s based mostly on visible affect reasonably than sound high quality!
All quiet in Cardiff
There had been a lot anticipation concerning the ambiance in Cardiff for the go to of England, however it was oddly quiet. OK, Wales had been struggling and the roof was open, however it was nonetheless a let-down.
Indicators of future prosperity
The Irish golden period might run and run. The day earlier than they beat England, there was an enormous crowd for the Leinster Faculties closing as Gonzaga School beat mighty Blackrock School. The sport is booming in Eire.
Owen Farrell (left) and his dad Andy embraced in a healthful second after England’s loss
Wales captain Ken Owens admitted Wales ‘seem like a laughing inventory’ after fallout on contracts
Indicators of future hassle
England’s Underneath 20s had been dismantled by France, however the worst ordeals had been inflicted on the junior Scots. They conceded 54 factors in opposition to the French, then 82 at residence to Eire earlier than a 40-17 defeat by Italy yesterday.
Everlasting optimists
For all of the chaos engulfing their workforce, Wales followers nonetheless journey in huge numbers to help them, as was evident in Rome when Warren Gatland’s aspect gained. Perhaps it’s only a metropolis break with a match thrown in.
Proud son and father
Owen Farrell. The England captain has develop into extra comfy talking publicly about his father, Andy — and in addition about his sons, in addition to divided loyalties in his household. It has been good to see him mellow on such private issues.
Largest Injustice
Steward’s pink card. One thing has to alter. The sport will probably be ruined by this pursuit of punishment for accidents. It’s not a slo-mo sport. Frequent sense is important. It was by no means a pink.
