France enter the competition with high expectations, finding victory over the defeated Welsh. Both wingers, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Theo Attisogbe, scoring two tries to solidify the victory for Les Bleus. One of the most important takeaways for the side was their ability to hold Wales to 0 points for the whole 80 minutes. Wales were left with no choice but to focus on their defence as the team struggled to find any attacking platform to earn points. (FRA 43-0 WAL)
The 'men in green' overpowered England in the second half
Ireland failed to show their complete package in their performance against England, allowing attacking opportunities through conceding penalties. Through the introduction of returning hooker Dan Sheehan, and experienced replacements, however, the 'men in green' overpowered England in the second half. White jerseys controlled territory, even leading in the first half, but failed to maintain their presence. Cadan Murley had a solid debut, scoring the opening try, but found himself under the pressure of the dynamic Irish backs putting him in some troublesome situations. (IRE 27-22 ENG)
The Italians will be disappointed with their attacking game and ability to hold out against Scotland down the middle. However, outside centre and player of the match, Huw Jones, scored a hat-trick, suppressing the chance for Italy to come back into the game. This allowed Scotland to set their foundations for a great tournament following the return to fitness of sensational winger, Darcy Graham beating 11 defenders and assisting one of Jones’ tries. (SCO 31-19 ITA)
This allowed Scotland to set their foundations for a great tournament
At the end of Round One the French top the table on points difference, with Ireland and Scotland also at 5 points. England, the only team in the bottom half of the table to have earnt a losing point from the added bonus points, that can edge a team over another in the table based upon either scoring 3 tries in the game or losing the game but being within 7 points of the winning side.