Six Nations
2011 Six Nations Review
England travelled to Dublin in search of a Grand Slam but on this occasion that particular prize would elude them as an Irish team with a serious point to prove came out with all guns blazing. The Irish ran out eventual 24-8 winners but for Declan Kidney’s men, it was a very disappointing campaign and one plagued with indiscipline and escalating penalty counts. However against the old foe, the Irish got their pre-RWC build-up back on track and will go into the summer with a pep in their step.
Wales travelled to France needing to win by 27 points to deny the English the championship, however a French side, reeling from scathing remarks by head coach Mark Lievermont after the Italy game, showed some semblance of style and comfortably put the visitors to the sword 28-9 handing the English the championship.
In truth it was England who much deserved the championship following consistent performances throughout and Martin Johnson will be relatively happy with his team’s performances and results.
For many the highlight of the tournament was Italy’s 22-21 victory over France on 12th March. In truth the Azzuri probably deserved to claim Ireland’s scalp but for a last minute Ronan O’Gara saving the day for the men in green.
Talking points
Wales v Ireland - Wales Mike Phillips scores from a quick lineout which was illegally taken quickly - hats off to the ballboy!
Irish penalty count - Indiscipline cost Ireland with silly penalties when the players should have known better
Irish Outhalf - Sexton or O'Gara? Sexton shocker as replacement against Wales. Kidney keeps the faith and Sexton repays that faith against England
Fullback - Luke Fitzgerald started well at fullback, but was found wanting against Wales. Kidney elected to start Keith Earls at fb against England and it proved an inspired move.
Scrum & Lineout - Mike Ross answered his critics with superb performances at tighthead prop. He is now the natural replacement for John Hayes. Paul O'Connell took a few games to find his form but by the end of the tournament he was back to his powerful self. As a result the Irish lineout and scrum was much improved
RBS 6 Nations 2011 Standings
| Pos |
|
Team |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
PD |
TF |
Pts |
| 1 |
 (1) |
England |
5 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
132 |
81 |
51 |
13 |
8 |
| 2 |
 (3) |
France |
5 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
117 |
91 |
26 |
10 |
6 |
| 3 |
(4) |
Ireland |
5 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
93 |
81 |
12 |
10 |
6 |
| 4 |
 (2) |
Wales |
5 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
95 |
89 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
| 5 |
(6) |
Scotland |
5 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
82 |
109 |
-27 |
6 |
2 |
| 6 |
(5) |
Italy |
5 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
70 |
138 |
-68 |
6 |
2 |
2011 Six Nations Results
| Date |
KO (GMT) |
Home |
Score |
Away |
Venue |
| Fri 4th Feb 11 |
19:45 |
Wales |
19 - 26 |
England |
Millennium Stadium |
| Sat 5th Feb 11 |
14:30 |
Italy |
11 - 13 |
Ireland |
Stadio Flaminio |
| Sat 5th Feb 11 |
17:00 |
France |
34 - 21 |
Scotland |
Stade de France |
| Sat 12th Feb 11 |
14:30 |
England |
59 - 13 |
Italy |
Twickenham |
| Sat 12th Feb 11 |
17:00 |
Scotland |
6 - 24 |
Wales |
Murrayfield |
| Sun 13th Feb 11 |
15:00 |
Ireland |
22 - 25 |
France |
Aviva Stadium |
| Sat 26th Feb 11 |
14:30 |
Italy |
16 - 24 |
Wales |
Stadio Flaminio |
| Sat 26th Feb 11 |
17:00 |
England |
17 - 9 |
France |
Twickenham |
| Sun 27th Feb 11 |
15:00 |
Scotland |
18 - 21 |
Ireland |
Murrayfield |
| Sat 12th Mar 11 |
14:30 |
Italy |
22 - 21 |
France |
Stadio Flaminio |
| Sat 12th Mar 11 |
17:00 |
Wales |
19 - 13 |
Ireland |
Millennium Stadium |
| Sun 13th Mar 11 |
15:00 |
England |
22 - 16 |
Scotland |
Twickenham |
| Sat 19th Mar 11 |
14:30 |
Scotland |
21 - 8 |
Italy |
Murrayfield |
| Sat 19th Mar 11 |
17:00 |
Ireland |
24 - 8 |
England |
Aviva Stadium |
| Sat 19th Mar 11 |
19:45 |
France |
28 - 9 |
Wales |
Stade de France |
2010 Six Nations Review
France Secure Grand Slam
France proved to be the team of the RBS Six Nations in 2010. Les Bleu secured the Grand Slam by beating England in their final outing.
Ireland on the other hand, narrowly missed out on a Triple Crown after Scotland ended their hopes in Croke Park in the last game. It was Scotland's first win of the tournament, having previously thrown away a 10 point lead against Wales in a game they should have won. Scotland then let England come back into the game and that one ended in a draw, however against Ireland, it all came together for the Scotts and they got their well deserved victory.
U20s secure Six Nations
The Senior team may have struggled to live up to the previous seasons achievements, however for the U20's they carried the Irish flag and took the top honours in the Under 20 Six Nations. It all came down to the final game and with England still within a mathematical chance and although they did manage to beat France, Ireland secured the title on points difference.
Womens Six Nations
England women secured the Womens Grand Slam setting out their marker with the Womens World Cup looming on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Ireland Women under the guidance of Kevin West who was in his first season as head coach, finished a credible third, continuing their steady progress and development.
Click here for Ireland v Italy match report
Click here for Ireland v France match report
Click here for Ireland v England match report
Click here for Ireland v Wales match report
Click here for Ireland v Scotland match report
Meanwhile the Wolfhounds (Ireland A), Women and Under 20s also got their respective campaigns off to fantastic winning starts.
Click here to view Wolfhounds match report
Click here to view the Womens match report
Click here to view the U20s match report
Final 2010 RBS Six Nations Table
| |
|
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
PD |
TF |
PTS |
 |
1 |
France |
5 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
135 |
69 |
66 |
13 |
10 |
 |
2 |
Ireland |
5 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
106 |
95 |
11 |
11 |
6 |
 |
3 |
England |
5 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
88 |
76 |
12 |
6 |
5 |
 |
4 |
Wales |
5 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
113 |
117 |
-4 |
10 |
4 |
 |
5 |
Scotland |
5 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
83 |
100 |
-17 |
3 |
3 |
 |
6 |
Italy |
5 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
69 |
137 |
-68 |
5 |
2 |
