Six-try All Blacks hammer Springboks

As expected, the All Blacks were convincing winners in Wellington on Saturday, running six tries past the Springboks in a 40-7 Tri-Nations victory.

No surprises then.  Few pundits gave the make-shift South African side much of a chance and they were comprehensively beaten.

Wingers Cory Jane and Zac Guildford both scored twice as the New Zealand led from start to finish, dominating every aspect of play to retain the Freedom Cup.

Over 20 missed tackled from the visitors didn't help their cause much, neither did their erratic line-out, usually their strongest weapon.  The South African's only reply came through a try from skipper John Smit.

Just how much can be read into this result is debatable but what is clear is that no more that two or three of these Boks can expect to make the first-choice side.

By contrast, they'll be no complaints from the Kiwi fans about their side's performance as the men in Black (with a new white collar) put on a master-class of clinical finishing to lead 18-7 at half-time before keeping a clean sheet in the second period.

With the game won, Graham Henry could even afford the luxury giving fly-half understudy Colin Slade some game time alongside maestro Dan Carter.

Carter's score-opening penalty in the third minute took him back to the top of Test rugby's all-time points-scorers list, moving ahead of Jonny Wilkinson.

Things didn't start well for South Africa as Morne Steyn missed his first attempt at goal soon afterwards -- his first miss in 39 Tri-Nations kicks.  It was omen for a very long night facing the tourists.

It wasn't long before the All Blacks took the game by the scruff of the neck as two tries in quick succession put the visitors behind the eight ball.  The result never realistically looked in doubt from then on.

With numbers on the outside and the Bok defence disorganised, Wyatt Crockett's first Test try wasn't difficult to score as he crossed in the corner after twelve minutes.

Just three minutes later the hosts struck again as they broke out from their own 22.  Guildford's pace finished it off -- it was also his first international try -- but all the credit must go to Carter, who got his side going forward with a clever chip and then split the Bok defence a phase later with a jink and a dummy.

South Africa hadn't looked like scoring in the first half-hour so it was brave call from Smit to opt for a line-out rather than take the points from rare a penalty.  The gamble paid off though as Smit himself received the ball as he wrapped around the line-out to barge over under the sticks.

That brief glimmer of hope was quickly extinguished however as two long passes set up a mismatch between Jane and Smit.  The Hurricane flyer easily stepped past the hooker before turning on the afterburners to give New Zealand an 11-point lead at the break.

It was much the same story in the second half.  Juan de Jongh did well to hold up Ma'a Nonu but from the ensuing scrum the hosts had another overlap out wide and Jane cruised in for his second try.

The home back line could do no wrong as Mils Muliaina stepped one way and popped a pass the other to Guilford, who could score untouched.

Guilford also had a hand in the final nail in the coffin as his inside pass found Slade, who cruised home.

Having each bagged a bonus point, next week's clash between New Zealand and Australia should be a thriller.

Man of the match:  Tough to pick out a single figure is such one-sided display but a mention must go to the entire All Black pack, who went forward at every scrum.  Jane and Guildford advanced their arguments for a berth in the World Cup 30 but we'll go for Dan Carter.  Despite missing a few conversion in difficult kicking conditions, The world-record holder made all the right decisions and played a significant role in two tries.

Moment of the match:  Not only was Guildford's first try was a gem, but it gave the hosts a 13-point lead.  The Boks were never going to back from there.

Villain of the match:  No nasty stuff to report.

The scorers:

For New Zealand:
Tries:  Crockett, Guildford 2, Jane 2, Slade
Cons:  Carter 2
Pens:  Carter 2

For South Africa:
Try:  Smit
Con:  Steyn

New Zealand:  15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Richie McCaw (C), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements:16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.

South Africa:  15 Morne Steyn, 14 Bjorn Basson, 13 Adi Jacobs, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Pat Lambie, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Danie Rossouw, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Gerhard Mostert, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Dean Greyling.
Replacements:  16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Ryan Kankowski, 19 Ashley Johnson, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Wynand Olivier, 22 Odwa Ndungane.

Venue:  Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Referee:Alain Rolland (Ireland)
Assistant referees:  Stuart Dickinson (Australia), James Leckie (Australia)
Television match officials:Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)
Assessor:  Tappe Henning

Boks butchered in Sydney

Australia opened their 2011 Tri-Nations account with a comprehensive 39-20 victory over South Africa in Sydney on Saturday.

The clinical Wallabies completely destroyed the bumbling Boks with a five-tries-to-two victory that will leave the world champions plenty to ponder ahead of next week's clash with New Zealand.

Wet weather was the forecast but the weatherman got it wrong, which meant an expected tight forward tussle was cancelled out by open rugby that quite literally played into the Wallabies hands as the hosts ran the Springboks ragged.

South Africa struggled to match their opponents on attack -- they looked flat and devoid of ideas when in possession, and just lacked the same skill-set as the Wallabies with their ball-in-hand approach.

The woeful Springboks didn't fare any better on defence either as Australia penetrated the visitors' green and gold brick wall with ease in dry conditions that the South Africans simply failed to adapt to.

On the other end of the scale, the Wallabies were in a class of their own -- showcasing some brilliant running rugby that left the home crowd begging for more.  Everything they touched turned to gold, and if there was any way to respond to last week's shock loss to Samoa -- this was certainly it.

The writing was on the wall for South Africa straight from the kick-off at ANZ Stadium, where Australia wasted little time showing their intentions with ball in hand.  And after five minutes, one sensed it was going to be a long day at the office for the Springboks.

This was confirmed after the Wallabies struck with two quick-fire tries to Ben Alexander and Digby Ioane in the space of two minutes that left John Smit's troops rattled and forced to play catch-up for the remainder of the match.

It was Reds magician Quade Cooper -- fully recovered from Friday's fight with 'flu -- who launched the Wallabies' attack for their first score from inside his own 22, stepping inside a host of tacklers to break clear.

Australia's pivot found Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor in support on the right, before the ball was worked to the other end of the pitch where captain Rocky Elsom offloaded to Alexander on his outside for the opening try.

O'Connor, who had a near-flawless night with the boot, added the extras from out wide.

Immediately from the restart, the Boks were at sixes and sevens after scrum-half Will Genia burst clear before releasing Ioane who staved off a poor tackle from Gio Aplon to cross for an unconverted try.

South Africa fly-half Morne Steyn reduced the deficit with a 30th-minute penalty but O'Connor restored the 12-point advantage with a penalty of his own.

Australia's impressive handling was proving too much for the visitors to handle, and only a spilled pass by lock James Horwill prevented another try for Robbie Deans' side.

After the half-time hooter has sounded, Steyn added another penalty to leave the Springboks trailing 15-6 at the break.

With plenty of work to do in the second half, South Africa were back in a huddle under the posts as O'Connor converted his own try set up by Cooper three minutes after the resumption.

South Africa's midfielders Wynand Olivier and Juan de Jongh held off Cooper allowing the unpredictable Wallaby playmaker to spear through a gap and send out a low pass that O'Connor stooped to gather and score.

The game was then effectively killed off as a contest as Australia wrapped up their four-try bonus point after hooker Stephen Moore crossed over besides the posts.  The grounding was confirmed by the TMO and converted by O'Connor to make it 29-6.

O'Connor added his second penalty shortly before more skilful offloading from Cooper created the fifth try as his flip pass sent centre Adam Ashley-Cooper into space, with Steyn missing a tackle to let the centre flop over the line.

O'Connor was once again on target with the extras.

The visitors briefly rallied with replacement hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle being bundled over from an effective maul, and then captain Smit burrowed over in the final minute for another consolation score.  Both tries were converted by replacement back Patrick Lambie.

The result means Australia keep the Mandela Plate they won last year with their fourth win in five Tests against the Springboks.

Man of the match:  To single out just one individual following this dazzling performance by the Wallabies isjust too hard.  So we're opting for a team award instead.

Moment of the match:  Phew, out of the five Wallabies' tries ... take your pick!

Villain of the match:  No punch-ups or any cards to speak of.  But maybe another team award should go to South Africa, who were their own worst enemy on attack and defence.

The scorers:

For Australia:
Tries:  Alexander, Ioane, O'Connor, Moore, Ashley-Cooper
Cons:  O'Connor 4
Pens:  O'Connor 2

For South Africa:
Tries:  Ralepelle, Smit
Cons:  Lambie 2
Pens:  Steyn 2

Australia:  15 Kurtley Beale, 14 James O'Connor, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (c), 5 James Horwill, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Sekope Kepu.
Replacements:  16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 Pekahou Cowan, 18 Nathan Sharpe, 19 Matt Hodgson, 20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Anthony Fainga'a.

South Africa:  15 Gio Aplon, 14 Bjorn Basson, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Ashley Johnson, 7 Danie Rossouw, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Dean Greyling
Replacements:  16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Ryan Kankowski, 19 Jean Deysel, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Adrian Jacobs, 22 Patrick Lambie.

Referee:  Chris Pollock (New Zealand)

All Blacks cruise past Fiji

New Zealand got their Test season off to a winning start on Friday with a comfortable 60-14 win over Fiji at Carisbrook in Dunedin.

As expected, the world's top-ranked team outclassed their visitors in almost every aspect, running in seven tries to two.

Despite the final scoreline, the Tri-Nations champions will not be overly happy with their performance as it sometimes lacked the accuracy that will be needed against the Springboks and Wallabies over the coming weeks.

Credit however must be given to Fiji, who claimed their best ever result against New Zealand, scoring both their tries in the second half.

A 'work in progress' would probably be the fairest assessment of the All Blacks after Friday as Graham Henry and co.  implement their new offensive structure.

After a somewhat rusty start from the All Blacks -- and some solid defending by the visitors -- New Zealand held an 18-0 lead after the opening half-hour.

The hosts gathered some momentum before the sides swapped ends though and took a 32-0 lead into the half-time break.

Deprived of any decent possession, Fiji never seriously threatened the try-line in the first half but matched the home side for half-an-hour after the break.

Colin Slade got the scoreboard ticking as the hosts took a cautious approach and opted for points from an early penalty.

Fijian-born Sitiveni Sivivatu was the first to cross the whitewash for New Zealand, finishing off in the corner just inside the ten-minute mark.

Slade showed great vision in scoring New Zealand's second try with a clever chip over the top which he chased down to score under the sticks after the ball ricocheted off the goal-post's padding.

The men in black continued to dominate possession and grabbed try number three when the ball was quickly spread wide to Andrew Hore, who had an easy run-in on the overlap.

Adam Thomson extended his try-scoring streak from Super Rugby as he burrowed his way over just before the break to give the hosts a 32-point head start going into the second forty.

Fiji made a much stronger start to the second half, enjoying an extended period of possession in the All Blacks' territory and were rewarded with a try when number eight Sakiusa Matadigo showed great pace in tearing down the touchline before offloading to scrum-half Nemia Serelevu who scampered over.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry was quick to call on his bench as he sent on Ben Smith, Sam Whitelock and Piri Weepu for Sivivatu, Jarrad Hoeata and Jimmy Cowan respectively.  The scrum-half would soon have an impact as his grubber set up Hurricanes team-mate Conrad Smith on the hour-mark.

Slade's conversion was his last contribution of the match as he was soon replaced by Dan Carter, who was accompanied by the remainder of the Kiwi bench.

The hosts' sixth try came largely thanks to the replacements as Weepu's chip over the top created space for Mils Muliaina and Ben Smith, who offloaded to the supporting Weepu.

Fiji replied via a try from replacement Vereniki Goneva, who showed great skills to chip ahead and then volley again before touching down.

The visitors' scrum suffered for most of the match and conceded a penalty try in the closing stages.  Muliaina added try number eight at the death with a break-away score after collecting a long, floating inside pass from Zac Guildford.

Man of the match:  A mention for skipper Richie McCaw but we'll go with Colin Slade who responded to huge pressure with a cool-headed performance.

The scorers:

For New Zealand:
Tries:  Sivivatu, Slade, Hore, Thomson, C. Smith, Weepu, Penalty try, Muliaina
Cons:  Slade 4, Carter 3
Pens:  Slade 2

For Fiji:
Tries:  Serelevu, Goneva
Cons:  Bai 2

New Zealand:  15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Zac Guildford, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Liam Messam, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements:  16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Jerome Kaino, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Dan Carter, 22 Ben Smith.

Fiji:  15 Iliesa Keresoni, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Albert Vulivuli, 12 Ravai Fatiaki, 11 Napolioni Nalaga, 10 Seremaia Baikeinuku, 9 Nemia Serelevu, 8 Sakiusa Matadigo, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Rupeni Nasiga, 4 Sekonaia Kalou, 3 Deacon Manu (c), 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma'afu.
Replacements:  16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Setefano Somoca, 18 Josefa Domolailai, 19 Malakai Ravulo, 20 Vitori Buatava, 21 Taniela Rawaqa, 22 Vereniki Goneva.

Referee:  Stuart Dickinson (Australia)

Samoa knock stuffing out of Wallabies

Samoa sent a warning shot to their World Cup Pool rivals with a gutsy performance doing for the Wallabies 32-23 at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.

World rugby's second-ranked team were well beaten by the islanders just a week away from their Tri-Nations opener against South Africa.

The impressive Samoans outscored the two-time world champions four tries to two for their first win over Australia in five meetings.

Alesana Tuilagi, Paul Williams, Kane Thompson and George Pisi crossed for the visitors, with fly-half Tusi Pisi adding 12 points with the boot.

The Wallabies scored a try in each half through Digby Ioane and Matt Giteau, but were always struggling after the visitors had raced 17-0 ahead.

Samoa had never before beaten a top-five ranked country -- although they have beaten Wales three times, most notably at the 1991 World Cup.

The scorers:

For Australia:
Tries:  Ioane, Giteau
Con:  Giteau 2
Pen:  Giteau 3

For Samoa:
Tries:  Tuilagi, Williams, Thompson, G Pisi
Con:  T Pisi 3
Pen:  T Pisi 2

Australia:  15 Mark Gerrard, 14 Rod Davies, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Matt Hodgson, 6 Rocky Elsom (c), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Sitaleki Timani, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Sekope Kepu.
Replacements:  16 James Hanson, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Dan Vickerman, 19 Scott Higginbotham, 20 Beau Robinson, 21 Will Genia, 22 Kurtley Beale.

Samoa:  15 Paul Williams, 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 George Stowers, 7 Maurie Fa'asavalu, 6 Taisina Tuifu'a, 5 Daniel Leo, 4 Kane Thompson, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Mahonri Schwalger (c), 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements:  16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Census Johnston, 18 Filipo Lavea Levi, 19 Manaia Salavea, 20 Brenton Helleur, 21 Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu, 22 James So'oialo.

Referee:  Marius Jonker (South Africa)
Assistant referees:  Keith Brown (New Zealand), Vinny Munro (New Zealand)

Fiji stun Samoa in Suva

Fiji responded to their loss to Tonga by throwing the IRB Pacific Nations Cup wide open on Saturday, beating Samoa 36-18 in Suva.

The talking point in Suva was the turnaround by the Fijians.  With pressure on boss Sam Domoni, his side stepped up from the first whistle.

Both teams mixed it up in the middle but it was against the run of play that former Fiji sevens skipper Vereniki Goneva intercepted the ball from deep inside his 22 to sprint away for the opening try.  Nicky Little's conversion made it 7-0.

However, two penalties by Tasesa Lavea and James So'oialo got the Samoans back into the match but Little added another penalty after Samoa infringed at scrum time to make it 10-6.

However, from a nothing kick Samoan wing Sailosi Tagicakibau gathered and broke away to score a try for his side and the visitors took a 11-10 lead.

Unforced errors were the downfall for both sides and there was further blow for Samoa as they lost Filipo Levi to the sin bin for stamping on a Fijian player.

This gave Fiji an added edge and the side managed to get a try just before half time through Campese Ma'afu after several phases of play.  Little converted to make it 17-11 at half-time.

After the restart, Fiji cranked up another gear and outplayed Samoa in all facets, Goneva setting up inside centre Ravai Fatiaki for his first ever international try.

Little missed the conversion but Fiji led 22-11.  Samoa threw on the replacements but to no avail as indecisive play was their main enemy.

The little chance Samoa had to come back was shattered when Fiji full back Taniela Rawaqa intercepted deep in his 22 to sprint away under the posts and replacement fly half Waisea Luveniyali added the extras to make it 29-11.

Samoa did score through Timoteo Iosa but Fijian lock and former Otago player Sekonaia Kalou pounced on a loose ball and beat the cover defenders for the final try, which was converted by Luveniyali for the final 36-18 score.

''We had an action plan that we had to follow through the week after the Tonga game to rectify all our mistakes,'' said Fiji coach Sam Domoni.

The scorers:

For Fiji:
Tries:  Goneva, Ma'afu, Fatiaki, Rawaqa, Kalou
Con:  Little 2, Luveniyali 2
Pen:  Little

For Samoa:
Tries:  Tagicakibau, Iosa
Con:  Lavea
Pens:  Lavea, So'oialo

Fiji:  15 Taniela Rawaqa, 14 Ilikena Bolakoro, 13 Albert Vulivuli, 12 Ravai Fatiaki, 11 Vereniki Goneva, 10 Nicky Little, 9 Nemia Serelevu, 8 Sakiusa Matadigo, 7 Malakai Ravulo, 6 Rupeni Nasiga, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Sekonaia Kalou, 3 Deacon Manu (c), 2 Talemaitoga Tuapati, 1 Campese Ma'afu.
Replacements:  16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Penijamini Makutu, 18 Josefa Domolailai, 19 Malakai Volau, 20 Vitori Buatava, 21 Waisea Luveniyali, 22 Adriu Delai.

Samoa:  15 James So'oialo, 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua (c), 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Lualua Vailoaloa, 8 Taiasina Tuifua, 7 Manaia Salavea, 6 Ezra Taylor, 5 Daniel Leo, 4 Joe Tekori, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements:  16 Ole Avei, 17 Logovii Mulipola, 18 Filipo Levi, 19 Maurie Fa'asavalu, 20 Uale Mai, 21 Tasesa Lavea, 22 Timoteo Iosua.

Japan hit back against Tonga

Japan responded to their opening defeat to Samoa by edging Tonga 28-27 in the Pacific Nations Cup.

Japan crossed for three tries in 17 minutes either side of the break to seal a come-from-behind win.

Kurt Morath had put Tonga 17-7 up before the half-hour after recording a converted try, a penalty and two points from Viliame Ma'afu's effort.

But then Japan got into their stride thanks to tries from wing Kosuke Endo, Takashi Kikutani and Koji Taira going over and James Arlidge kicking the conversions, opening up an eleven-point lead.

Tonga then launched a comeback charge of their own but despite a try from replacement Hudson Tongauiha, they fell short of the mark.

The scorers:

For Japan:
Tries:  Holani, Endo, Kikutani, Taira
Con:  Arlidge 4

For Tonga:
Tries:  Ma'afu, Morath, Tongauiha
Con:  Morath 3
Pen:  Morath 2

Japan:  15 Sean Webb, 14 Kosuke Endo, 13 Koji Taira, 12 Ryan Nicholas, 11 Hirotoki Onozaw, 10 James Arlidge, 9 Fumiaki Tanaka, 8 Koliniasi Ryu Holani, 7 Michael Leitch, 6 Takashi Kikutani (c), 5 Luke Thompson, 4 Justin Ives, 3 Kensuke Hatakeyama, 2 Yusuke Aoki, 1 Hisateru Hirashima.
Replacements:  16 Shota Horie, 17 Naoki Kawamata, 18 Histoshi Ono, 19 Itaru Taniguchi, 20 Atsushi Hiwasa, 21 Go Aruga, 22 Takehisa Usuzuki.

Tonga:  15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Viliami Helu, 13 Alaska Taufa, 12 Andrew Mailei, 11 Viliame Longi, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Samisoni Fisilau, 8 Sione Kalamafoni, 7 Viliami Ma'afu (c), 6 Lisiate Faaoso, 5 Joe Tuneau, 4 Paino Hehea, 3 Semisi Telefoni, 2 Ifalemi Taukafa, 1 Alisona Taumalolo.
Replacements:  16 Ilaisa Ma'asi, 17 Maleko Latu, 18 Tukulua Lokotui, 19 Sione Vaiomounga, 20 Soane Havea, 21 Hudson Tonga'uiha, 22 Mateo Malupo.

Samoa win in Tokyo

Alesana Tuilagi scored two tries as Samoa beat Japan 34-15 in their Pacific Nations Cup opener at Tokyo's Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground on Saturday

Tuilagi scored his first try in the third minute and gave Samoa a commanding 15-0 lead midway through the first half with his second after some poor one-on-one tackling from the hosts.

Full-back James So'oialo's conversion widened the lead to 17-0 lead.  Japan weren't helped by some poor goal-kicking as they missed two early penalties and it wasn't until the 20th minute that they finally got on the scoreboard with a try by Koliniasi Ryu Holani who crashed over from five metres out.

Manaia Salavea ran in Samoa's third try in the 34th minute and So'oialo's third conversion gave the visitors a solid 24-8 lead at half time.

A far better performance in the second half saw Japan close to 24-15 thanks to a good try by Takehisa Usuzuki as the Japanese backs finally stretched the Samoan defence to give the crowd of 9,700 something to cheer about.

With Japan camped on the Samoan line for an extended period it seemed Kirwan's team were about to get within a score of the Samoans.  But they were unable to turn all that pressure into points, with at least three tries missed when the final pass failed to go to hand.

George Pisi scored rubbed salt into the wound by scoring against the run of play in the 59th minute as Samoa ensured there was no way back for Japan.

All but Saturday's match in this year's tournament were moved from Japan to Fiji because of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Earlier on Saturday, Tonga upset Fiji 45-21 in the opening match in Lautoka.

The scorers:

For Japan:
Tries:  Ryu Holani, Usuzuki
Con:  Webb
Pen:  Webb

For Samoa:
Tries:  Tuilagi 2, Salavea, Pisi
Cons:  So'oialo 4
Pens:  So'oialo 2

Japan:  15 Goshi Tachikawa, 14 Kosuke Endo, 13 Yuta Imamura, 12 Ryan Nicholas, 11 Takehisa Usuzuki, 10 Shaun Webb, 9 Fumiaki Tanaka, 8 Koliniasi Ryu Holani, 7 Michael Leitch, 6 Takashi Kikutani (c), 5 Luke Thompson, 4 Toshizumi Kitagawa, 3 Kensuke Hatakeyama, 2 Yusuke Aoki, 1 Hisateru Hirashima.
Replacements:  16 Takeshi Kizu, 17 Naoki Kawamata, 18 Justin Ives, 19 Itaru Taniguchi, 20 Atsushi Hiwasa, 21 Murray Williams and 22 Hirotoki Onozawa.

Samoa:  15 James So'oialo, 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua (c), 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Lualua Vailoaloa, 8 George Stowers, 7 Manaia Salavea, 6 Ezra Taylor, 5 Daniel Leo, 4 Joe Tekori, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements:  16 Ole Avei, 17 Logovii Mulipola, 18 Filipo Levi, 19 Maurie Fa'asavalu, 20 Uale Mai, 21 Tasesa Lavea and 22 Timoteo Iosua.

Head Coach:  Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua.

Tonga down Fiji in Nations Cup opener

Tonga pulled off a shock 45-21 victory over hosts Fijii in the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup in Lautoka.

The visitors' hero was their fly-half Kurt Morath, who contributed 20 points, via four penalties and four conversions.

The Fijians, who started the tournament as favourites, opened the scoring through a penalty in the third minute by veteran fly-half Nicky Little.

But Tonga struck back soon after, with a try by lock Samiu Vahafolau, which Morath converted.

Little succeeded with another penalty, and at 7-6, the Fijians were still in with a shout.

However, after that, Tonga took control of proceedings.  Morath slotted three more penalties and he also converted a try by Alaska Taufa.

Fiji's only other points came through another penalty by Little, and at half-time Tonga held a commanding 23-9 lead.

Three minutes into the second half, Tonga extended their lead with a penalty try before Morath kicked another penalty, and with the score at 33-9 it looked like they had the match in the bag.

However, Fiji fought back with tries by Sekonai Kalou and Malukai Ravulo, to narrow the gap to 33-21.

Ravulo's try came when Tonga had 14 players on the field after their prop Alisona Taumalolo was yellow carded.

Taumalolo made up for that indiscretion with a try when he returned to the field, and Tonga sealed their win with another touchdown by Viliame Iongi.

Tonga's next match is against Japan and Fiji face Samoa in the second round of the competition next weekend.

The scorers:

For Tonga:
Tries:  Vahafolau, Taufa, Iongi, Taumalolo, Penalty
Con:  Morath 4
Pen:  Morath 4

For Fiji:
Tries:  Kalou, Ravulo
Con:  Little
Pen:  Little 3

Tonga:  15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Viliami Helu, 13 Alaska Taufa, 12 Andrew Mailei, 11 Viliame Longi, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Samisoni Fisilau, 8 Sione Kalamafoni, 7 Samiu Vahafolau (c), 6 Lisiate Faaoso, 5 Tukulua Lokotui, 3 Kisi Palu, 4 Paino Hehea, 2 Ifalemi Taukafa, 1 Alisona Taumalolo.
Replacements:  16 Semisi Telefoni, 17 Tonga Lea'aetoa, 18 Joe Tuneau, 19 Sione Vaiomounga, 20 Soane Havea, 21 Hudson Tonga'uiha and 22 Mateo Malupo.

Head Coach:  Isitolo Maka.

Fiji:  15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Albert James Vulivuli, 12 Gabiriele Vododuadua Lovobalavu, 11 Timoci Nagusa, 10 Nicky Little, 9 Nemia Serelevu Ranuku, 8 Dominiko Maiwiriwiri Waqaniburotu, 7 Ratu Malakai Mana Ravulo, 6 Josefa Ulago Domolailai, 5 Tevita Gucake Naqaqa Cavubati, 4 Sekonaia Kalou, 3 Deacon Manu, 2 Viliame Veikoso, 1 Graham Dewes.
Replacements:  16 Talemaitoga Dautu Tuapatu, 17 Ratu Penijamini N Makutu, 18 Leone Nakarawa, 19 Malakai Volau, 20 Vitori Tomu Buatava, 21 Waisea Sedre Luveniyali and 22 Adriu Delai.

Head Coach: Samu Domoni.

Azzurri hold on

In Sunday's second match, Italy 'A' survived a second-half Russian fightback to book their place in the Churchill Cup Plate final with a 24-19 win.

The Azzurri led 18-6 at the break but they held on by their fingertips in the last 20 minutes to set up a showdown with Tonga at Sixways on Saturday.

''It was a tough game and in the second half they put some width of the game.  But our scrummage was good and gave us a foundation,'' said former Gloucester lock Marco Bortolami.

Senior Italian assistant coach Alessandra Troncon added: ''It was a very important to win because last week we lost to Canada.  Russia arein our pool during the World Cup so to win is a good.  The scrum saved us a few times so I think it as key for us today.''

Russia face a Bowl final against their World Cup opponents USA and Bears' boss Kingsley Jones said: ''It's a game we should have won.  These lads can really play rugby but there was some naivety and not being street wise.  But there are a lot of positives.  A lot of the players showed what they can do in open space.  The line-out improved but the scrum was an issue for us.''

Italy led by nine at halftime thanks to tries from Matteo Pratichetti and Giulio Toniolatti, who went into the corner after a drive and deft offload from loosehead prop Alberto de Marchi.

Russia had to rely on the boot of Yury Kushnarev, who kicked two penalties and then added a third early in the second half to close the gap to nine points.

Tito Tebaldi landed a third penalty but then the tide turned as Russia scored the try of the match, a breakaway from their own 22 when Andrey Bykanov scooped up a loose ball, fed Kushnarev and when Rushan Yagudin took the ball on halfway he stepped out of the tackle and raced away.

With Tebaldi in the sinbin for killing the ball after Vasily Artemyev's break, Riccardo Bocchino stretched the lead.

Kushnarev failed with two attempts that could have put Russia right back into the game and was soon replaced by Anton Ryabov.

Tebaldi missed a penalty and Russia almost hit the killer button when Alexander Shakirov made the break and only a last ditch tackle from Matteo Pratichetti stopped him delivering the final pass to Yagudin.

Russia had a final crack with a freekick which they ran close to the Italian line but they could not capitalise and the chance was lost.

The scorers

For Italy A:
Tries:  Pratichetti, Toniolatti
Con:  Tebaldi
Pens:  Tebaldi 3, Bocchino

For Russia:
Try:  Yagudin
Con:  Kushnarev
Pens:  Kushnarev 4

Italy A:  R. Trevisan, G. Toniolatti, A. Pratichetti, A. Pratichetti, M. Sepe;  R. Bocchino, T.Tebaldi;  A. De Marchi, T. D'Aspice, F. Staibano, J. Furno, V. Bernabo (C), F.Minto, M. Bergamasco, M. Vosawai Reps: A. Manici, M. Aguero, D. Chistolini, M. Bortolami, D. Gerber, G. Venditti, N. Belardo

Russia:  I. Klyuchnikov;  V. Artemyev, M. Babaev, S. Trishin, R. Yagudin;  Y. Kushnarev, A. Bykanov;  G. Tsnobiladze, V. Tsnobiladze, A. Chernyshev, A. Panasenko, D. Antonov, V. Gresev, M. Sidorov, V. Grachev (C) Reps: V. Korshunov, A. Travkin, I.Prishchepenko, A. Garbuzov, A. Shakirov, A. Ryabov, I. Galinovsky

Saxons demolish Tonga

England Saxons cruised into the Churchill Cup Final on Sunday with a 41-14 win over Tonga at a soggy Kingsholm.

Saracens prop Matt Stevens was a standout performer as the Saxons scrum power produced three penalty tries with England boss Martin Johnson an interested onlooker.

A try from captain Jordan Crane and the first two penalty tries helped the Saxons to a 24-0 half-time lead.  Billy Twelvetrees also got on the scoresheet after the break.

The result sets up a repeat of last year's final against the Canucks (England won 38-18).

''I thought our scrummaging was outstanding,'' said Saxons Head Coach Stuart Lancaster.

''We gave a couple of kgs away per man but technically we were better.  If you'd have said at the start of the game that we were going to win 41-14 I would have taken that.  Our objective was to reach the final and now we want to win it - last year Canada gave us a real hard game and I am sure it will be the same this time.''

Tonga will now play Italy A or Russia in the Plate final.

''It was a very tough match.  I am very disappointed with the penalty tries.  Without them we would have been in the game,'' said Tonga coach Isitolo Maka.

The Saxons broke through after just 11 minutes when referee Roman Poite lost patience with the collapsing Tongan scrum and awarded a penalty try which Rory Clegg converted.

And four minutes later they were 14-0 up when Crane picked up and drove over to give Clegg another two points.

Tonga struggled to make any inroads into the Saxons 22 with their only good run coming from centre Suka Hufanga but the move broke down.

The Saxons pack were in the ascendency as they sent the Tongan scrum upwards and backwards and Poite headed to the posts for another penalty try.

Right on halftime Clegg made it 24-0 with a penalty and the Saxons continued to turn the screw early in the second half when the fly half landed another.

However, Tonga refused to throw in the towel and they were rewarded for their endeavour to take the line-out rather than penalty kick when captain Kisi Pulu took the ball at the back and when the ball was recycled Scarlets bound- Sione Timani drove over.

But it was small respite as the Saxons forwards overpowered their opponents in another scrum and Poite awarded a hat-trick of penalty tries in the 63rd minute and Ofa Fainga'anuku was yellow carded for his sins.

Mike Brown made an impact when he came on and made a midfield break before Crane showed some deft footwork with a grubberkick for Twelvetrees to gather and score.

That was the end of Twelvetrees' involvement as he was sent to the sinbin and Pepa Kolomotangi scored a consolation try when he picked up and drove over.

The scorers:

For Saxons:
Tries:  Crane, Twelvetrees, Penalty tries 3
Cons:  Clegg 5
Pens:  Clegg 2

For Tonga:
Tries:  Koloamatangi, Timani
Cons:  KS Morath 2

Yellow cards:  Fainga'anuku (Tonga - 62nd min);  Twelvetrees (England - 73rd min)

England Saxons:15 Alex Goode 14 Charlie Sharples , 13 Henry Trinder, 12 Billy Twelvetrees, 11 Topsy Ojo, 10 Rory Clegg, 9 Paul Hodgson, 8 Jordan Crane(c), 7 Tom Johnson, 6 James Gaskell, 5 Dave Attwood, 4 Mouritz Botha , 3 Matt Stevens, 2 David Paice, 1 Matt Mullan.
Replacements:  16 Joe Gray, 17 Kieran Brookes, 18 Graham Kitchener, 19 Jamie Gibson, 20 Micky Young, 21 Jordan Turner-Hall, 22 Mike Brown.

Tonga:  15 Etimoni Paea, 14 Viliami Helu, 13 Suka Hufanga, 12 Etueni Siua, 11 Viliami Iongi, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Daniel Morath, 8 Pasuka Mapakaitolo, 7 Pepa Koloamatangi, 6 Josh Afu, 5 Emosi Kauhenga, 4 Sione Timani, 3 Kisi Pulu, 2 Semisi Telefoni, 1 Tonga Lea'aetoa.
Replacements:  16 Antonio Halangahu, 17 Ofa Fainga'anuku, 18 Paino Hehea, 19 Tevita Ula, 20 Soane Havea, 21 Sione Fonua, 22 Mateo Malupo.

Canada make Final

Canada reached a second straight Churchill Cup final with a 34-18 win over Russia.

Having beaten Italy A 26-12 in their opening game, the Cannucks sank their opponents with nineteen unanswered second-half points after trailing by three at the break.

Justin Mensah-Coker, Connor Trainor, Ander Munro, Chauncey O'Toole and Matt Evans all crossed to ensure Canada will await England Saxons or Tonga in the final on June 19.

Igor Klyuchnikov and Vasily Artemyev both got over for Russia.

Canada:  15 James Pritchard, 14 Matt Evans, 13 Conor Trainor, 12 Mike Scholz, 11 Justin Mensah-Coker, 10 Ander Munro (capt), 9 Sean White, 8 Aaron Carpenter, 7 Chauncey O'Toole, 6 Jebb Sinclair, 5 Jamie Cudmore, 4 Tyler Hotson, 3 Scott Franklin, 2 Ryan Hamilton, 1 Tom Dolezel.
Replacements:  16 Pat Riordan, 17 Andrew Tiedemann, 18 Hubert Buydens, 19 Mitch Gudgeon, 20 Nanyak Dala, 21 Ed Fairhurst, 22 Phil Mackenzie

Russia:  15 I Klyuchnikov;  14 V Artemyev, 13 I Makovetskiy, 12 A Makovetskiy, 11 V Ostroushko, 10 Y Kushnarev, 9 S Shakirov, 8 V Grachev, 7 A Garbuzov, 6 A Temnov, 5 A Voytov, 4 V Boltenkov, 3 I Prishchepenko, 2 V Korshunov (capt), 1 S Popov.
Replacements:  16 V Tsnobiladze, 17 A Travkinm, 18 A Panasenko, 19 V Gresev, 20 A Bykanov, 21 S Trishin, 22 A Ryabov.

Referee:  Nigel Owens

Tonga beat USA

Viliami Iongi scored four tries as Tonga tore the USA apart in a 44-13 scoreline in their Churchill Cup clash at Esher on Wednesday.

The Brumbies Academy winger showed plenty of class, going over for two tries in each half as Tonga turned a 13-10 half-time lead into a canter.

USA and Canada last met in the 2007 World Cup in France when Tonga won 25-15 -- but this ranking Test match was far from a close game.

Pasuka Mapakaitolo also crossed while former Dragon Paul Emerick scored their opponents' only try.

Tonga:  15 M Malupo, 14 V Helu, 13 S Hufanga, 12 E Siua, 11 V Iongi, 10 K Mortath, 9 S Havea, 8 V Ma'Afu, 7 P Koloamatangi, 6 P Mapakaitolo, 5 E Kauhenga, 4 S Timani, 3 K Pulu, 2 I Ma'Asi, 1 T Lea'Aetoa.
Replacements:  16 A Halangahu, 17 O Fainga'Anuku, 18 J Afu, 19 P Kaho, 20 D Mrath, 21 E Paea, 22 S Taumoepeau.

USA:  15 R Suniula, 14 C Hawley, 13 P Emerick, 12 A Suniula, 11 K Swiryn, 10 N Malifa, 9 T Usasz, 8 N Johnson, 7 T Clever (capt), 6 I Basauri, 5 S Lavalla, 4 L Stanfill, 3 S Pittman, 2 C Biller, 1 M Moeakiola.
Replacements:  16 P Thiel, 17 E Fry, 18 J Van Der Giessen, 19 P Danahy, 20 M Petri, 21 T Enosa, 22 T Hall.

Referee:  Romain Poite (France)

Canada beat Italy

Canada got their Churchill Cup campaign off to a winning start on Saturday with a 26-12 win over Italy ''A'' at Franklin's Gardens.

The Canadians ran in three tries past their opponents with the Italians unable to score one of their own, giving credit to the winners runners-up finish in last year's tournament.

Number eight Aaron Carpenter, prop Jason Marshall and full-back James Pritchard all went over the white-wash in a 12-minute blitz just after half-time.

Pritchard also bagged eight points with the boot, while fly-half Ander Munro slotted a first-half drop goal.

However, Valerio Bernabo's yellow card early into the second half reduced the Azzuri to 14 men and gave the Canucks the upper hand, the Canadians duly took advantage, racing out into a 16-9 lead.

Man-of-the-match Chauncey O'Toole, who set up the try for Pritchard, said:  ''That was great win for us -- we are really pleased with that.  It was a great effort at the end to keep them out.''

The scorers:

For Italy A:
Pens:  Tebaldi 4

For Canada:
Tries:  Carpenter, Marshall, Pritchard
Cons:  Pritchard
Pens:  Pritchard 2
Drops:  Monro

Italy A:  15 Ruggero Trevisan, 14 Andrea Bacchetti, 13 Denis Majstrovic, 12 Matteo Pratichetti, 11 Michele Sepe, 10 Riccardo Bocchino, 9 Tito Tebaldi, 8 Manoa Vosawai, 7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 Valerio Bernabo' (capt), 5 Marco Bortolami, 4 Corniel Van Zyl, 3 Fabio Staibano, 2 Tommaso D'Apice, 1 Alberto de Marchi.
Replacements:  16 Andrea Manici, 17 Matias Aguero, 18 Dario Chistolini, 19 Joshua Furno, 20 Francesco Minto, 21 Giulio Toniolatti, 25 Durandt Gerber.

Canada:  15 James Pritchard, 14 Ciaran Hearn, 13 Conor Trainor, 12 Ryan Smith, 11 Phil Mackenzie, 10 Ander Monro, 9 Ed Fairhurst, 8 Aaron Carpenter, 7 Chauncey O'Toole, 6 Jebb Sinclair, 5 Brian Erichsen, 4 Tyler Hotson, 3 Jason Marshall, 2 Pat Riordan (C), 1 Hubert Buydens.
Replacements:  16 Ryan Hamilton, 17 Andrew Tiedemann, 18 Mitch Gudgeon, 19 Nanyak Dala, 20 Sean White, 21 Mike Scholz, 22 Matt Evans.

Venue:  Franklin's Gardens
Referee:  Dave Pearson (England)

Saxons crush USA

England Saxons destroyed the USA 87-8 in their opening match of the Churchill Cup at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.

A hat-trick from winger Miles Benjamin, as well as a brace from full-back Mike Brown, helped the Saxons put 13 tries plus a penalty try past the hapless Eagles.

The home pack's dominance was underpinned by an eye-catching display from Matt Stevens who was making his first appearance in England colours since serving a two-year ban for drug use.

Rory Clegg contributed with a 22-point haul from the kicking tee.

Surprisingly, it was the Americans who took the lead, with Tai Enosa landing an early penalty, but it was one-way traffic from there as Stuart Lancaster's outfit laid down an early marker in the defence of their Churchill Cup crown.

A surge from captain Jordan Crane created the chance for Benjamin to cross for his first try and Brown took advantage of sloppy American play to take England clear.

Brown kicked through for Benjamin to sprint on and touch down for his second five-pointer, and Micky Young pounced soon afterwards to inflict more pain on former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan's team.

The penalty try moved Saxons 33-3 ahead, and the tries continued to flow after the interval, Brown adding another in the early stages of the second half and Tom Johnson dashing over in fine style before Billy Twelvetrees added his name to the scoresheet.

Henry Trinder and Charlie Sharples kept the score ticking over before Kitchener scored one and set up another for Hodgson who cantered over under the posts.

The most scant of consolations arrived late on for the United States as Scott Lavalla powered over from close range.

The scorers:

For England Saxons:
Tries:  Benjamin 3, Brown 2, Young, Penalty try, Johnson, Twelvetrees, Trinder, Sharples, Kitchener, Hodgson
Cons:  Clegg 11

For USA:
Tries:  Lavalla
Pens:  Enosa

England Saxons:  15 Mike Brown, 14 Topsy Ojo, 13 Henry Trinder, 12 Billy Twelvetrees , 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Rory Clegg, 9 Micky Young, 8 Jordan Crane (c), 7 Tom Johnson, 6 James Gaskell, 5 Dave Attwood, 4 Mouritz Botha, 3 Matt Stevens, 2 Joe Gray, 1 Matt Mullan.
Replacements:  16 David Paice, 17 Kieran Brookes, 18 Graham Kitchener, 19 Jamie Gibson, 20 Paul Hodgson, 21 Alex Goode, 22 Charlie Sharples.

USA:  15 Mike Palefau, 14 Mile Pulu, 13 Tai Enosa, 12 Junior Sifa, 11 Colin Hawley, 10 Troy Hall, 9 Mike Petri (capt), 8 JJ Gagiano, 7 Danny LaPrevotte, 6 Pat Danahy, 5 Scott LaValla, 4 John van der Giessen, 3 Will Johnson, 2 Phil Thiel, 1 Eric Fry.
Replacements:  16 Chris Biller, 17 Shawn Pittman, 18 Louis Stanfill, 19 Inaki Basauri, 20 Tim Usasz, 21 Roland Suniula, 22 Andrew Suniula.

Venue:  Franklin's Gardens
Referee:  Nigel Owens (Wales)

France end on a high

France ended their Six Nations campaign on a high after beating Wales 28-9 in Paris, and in the process leap-frogged their visitors into second place in the final championship standings.

Lock and man-of-the-match Lionel Nallett scored a try either side of half-time to kill off any chances the Welsh had of winning this match, while wing Vincet Clerc effectively ended the contest after touching down under the posts whilst James Hook was serving 10 minutes in the bin.

Ireland's 24-8 win over England in Dublin earlier in the day meant Wales went into the match knowing they had to beat France by 27 points -- they never came close and finish the tournament fourth overall.

Wales weren't helped with controversy surrounding defence coach Shaun Edwards after he was banned from any involvement in the game at the Stade de France after internal disciplinary action.

The result restored French pride after last week's humiliating loss to Italy in Rome and also confirmed England as this year's Six Nations champions.

James Hook got his team on the board as early as the second minute with a well-struck penalty that sailed straight and true between the uprights from a difficult angle.

First blood to Wales but Morgan Parra was quick to level the scores with an equally impressive strike 10m in from the touchline.  Hook had a chance to reclaim Wales' lead, but this time pulled his second attempt wide.

Wales then suffered a major blow after flank Sam Warburton was forced to leave the field with an injury and replaced by Jonathan Thomas.

Parra put France in front for the first time in the match with a penalty goal in the 25th minute, but failed with his third attempt to extend Les Bleus' lead even futher.

Wing Leigh Halfpenney looked to be home and dry for Wales' opening try, but a last-gasp ankle tap by fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc saved the day for France.

Instead it was France who crossed over for the first five-pointer thanks to a brilliant bull-dozing run by Nallett after throwing a dummy and stepping on the gas.  The former French skipper took two Welsh defenders over the line with him in the corner, but Parra couldn't follow up the try with a conversion.

At half-time, France deservedly held an 11-3 lead.

It didn't take long for Hook to get his side within five points of the French with a penalty two minutes into the second half but the Perpignan-bound pivot was soon guilty of gifting France their second try.

Hook's attempted clearance kick was charged down by Julien Pierre, who offloaded for his second-row partner Nallet to touch down for the second time.  Parra rediscovered his range with the conversion to pad France's advantage to 18-6.

An exchange of penalties between Hook and Parra made it 21-9 before the officials made a decisive intervention.

Hook was shown the yellow card by referee Craig Joubert, who -- acting on the advice of his touch judge -- deemed the Wales fly-off guilty of a dangerous tackle on Parra.  Replays suggested it was a harsh call, Hook having lifted Parra off the floor before easing him back to the ground rather than simply dropping him.

The extra man told immediately, Clerc added France's third try by collecting Trinh-Duc's chip over the onrushing defence.

Wales almost kept things interesting when, after a breakout against the run-of-play, Davies was stopped just short of the posts and France were able to prevent the ball being recycled quickly with plenty of red shirts waiting out wide.

Clerc was denied a second try of his own when his dive for the right corner saw him stopped just short and France then comfortably ran the clock down as La Marseillaise rang out around a contented Stade de France.

Man of the match:  Two tries, too good -- take a bow Lionel Nallet.

The scorers:

For France:
Tries:  Nallett 2, Clerc
Cons:  Parra 2
Pens:  Parra 3

For Wales:
Pens:  Hook 3

France:  15 Maxime Médard, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 David Marty, 12 Damien Traille, 11 Alexis Palisson, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Imanol Harinordoquy, 7 Julien Bonnaire, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 5 Lionel Nallet, 4 Julien Pierre, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 William Servat, 1 Thomas Domingo.
Replacements:  16 Guilhem Guirado, 17 Luc Ducalcon, 18 Pascal Papé, 19 Alexandre Lapandry, 20 Julien Tomas, 21 Fabien Estebanez, 22 Yoann Huget.

Wales:  15 Lee Byrne, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 Jamie Roberts, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 George North, 10 James Hook, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Ryan Jones, 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun-Wyn Jones, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Matthew Rees (c), 1 Paul James.
Replacements:  16 Richard Hibbard, 17 John Yapp, 18 Jonathan Thomas, 19 Rob McCusker, 20 Dwayne Peel, 21 Stephen Jones, 22 Morgan Stoddart.

Referee:  Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Slam party pooped by rampant Ireland

Ireland produced the performance that their whole nation had been waiting for on Saturday as they defeated old rivals England 24-8 at Aviva Stadium.

Declan Kidney's side were arguably three gears up from their showings in earlier rounds and consequently stunned the Grand Slam chasers, with tries from Tommy Bowe and Brian O'Driscoll sealing a much-needed win to lift team morale.

England in contrast were not quite at the races and will now face a slightly anxious wait to see how France and Wales pans out in Paris.  A points difference of 26 points is the task for Wales if they are to claim the Six Nations crown at the death.

A recalled Jonathan Sexton was deadly in front of goal for the fired-up Irish and struck four penalties in all while the score for O'Driscoll brought his total championship try tally up to a record 25.

However a large amount of credit for the victory must go to their back-row of Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien and David Wallace, with the latter duo immense both in contact and in the loose.

England seemed confident at kick-off, although Ireland's defence immediately held up well and they soon won a penalty after their pack dominated the opening scrum.

They won another too when England strayed offside at a line-out after six minutes, with Sexton kicking three points from in front of the posts.  3-0 it was to Ireland.

Martin Johnson's side lost promising possession when trying to break through the midfield soon after, and although Ireland's counter ended with a knock-on, their next brought a high tackle by an, at times angry, Chris Ashton on Sexton.  He found the target and England found themselves 6-0 down after fifteen minutes.

Four minutes later Wallace ended the attempts of Ben Youngs to attack and the nine was then penalised at the scrum for knocking the ball out the hands of an opponent.

Sexton kicked for the corner and with territory established, Ireland worked the ball up and back down the line.  Although O'Driscoll then crossed in the left-hand corner, Bowe's pass to the overlap was adjudged forward.

Still, there was the consolation of another three points for Sexton and the knowledge that they held the upper hand.  It was to get worse for England.

Having been awarded a penalty in the 25th minutes that he would surely have normally taken, an out-of-sorts Tony Flood was found wanting with the boot.

Ireland pressed forward immediately and caught England flat-footed, with a busy Bowe this time making no mistake as he took a smart Sexton's pass to cross.

Sexton could not convert, but Flood could at least put England's first points on the board with a penalty just past the half hour.  And boy did they need it.

They could not use that to fashion a response though;  instead Wallace came close to scoring after England's backline were dispossessed dealing with a high kick.

Youngs had helped bundled Wallace into touch but he was then sin-binned for throwing the ball into the crowd and preventing the quick throw.  Sexton kicked his fourth, with Wallace almost crossing one minute before the half time interval.

England appeared just as nervous at the start of the second half as Ireland piled on more heat, although they failed to make the man advantage pay off.  But with Danny Care replacing Youngs it didn't matter as O'Driscoll picked up a loose ball to cross in the left-hand corner after 46 minutes, with Sexton converting.

Ashton then burst for the line but his final pass found Gordon D'Arcy.  However, Ireland gifted their opponents a try on 52 minutes after a line-out went awry and Thompson took advantage, England's record-cap hooker racing over for a try.

Jonny Wilkinson added the two and it was around this time that England finally appeared to get their act together and consistently apply pressure themselves.

Ireland's defence remained unbreached, however, and with heavy rain falling, the hosts got some respite when Care struggled to control the ball on the wet surface.

Ireland remained ahead on territory in the closing ten minutes and try as England might, their increasingly tired-looking attacks never looked likely to prosper.

Victory was celebrated like a championship for Ireland but who can blame them?  Success against their old foes and depriving them of a Grand Slam, the Six Nations title?

Man-of-the-match:  Leinster flanker Sean O'Brien was once again immense for Ireland with his carrying strength killing England.  David Wallace and Jonathan Sexton also deserve a big mention for their efforts but captain and centre Brian O'Driscoll gets the gong for his all-action showing that saw him become the top try-scorer in Five/Six Nations history.

The scorers:

For Ireland:
Tries:  Bowe, O'Driscoll
Con:  Sexton
Pen:  Sexton 4

For England:
Tries:  Thompson
Pen:  Flood

Ireland:  15 Keith Earls 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (capt), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Sean O'Brien, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements:  16 Sean Cronin, 17 Tom Court, 18 Leo Cullen, 19 Denis Leamy, 20 Peter Stringer, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Paddy Wallace.

England:  15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Matt Banahan, 12 Shontayne Hape, 11 Mark Cueto, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Nick Easter, 7 James Haskell, 6 Tom Wood, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Louis Deacon, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Alex Corbisiero.
Replacements:  16 Steve Thompson, 17 Paul Doran-Jones, 18 Simon Shaw, 19 Tom Croft, 20 Danny Care, 21 Jonny Wilkinson, 22 David Strettle.

Referee:  Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Assistant referees:  Nigel Owens (Wales), Tim Hayes (Wales)
Television match official:  Giulio De Santis (Italy)

Scots hand wooden spoon to Italy

Scotland crossed the line twice on Saturday to claim a morale-boosting 21-8 victory, thus condemning Italy to the Six Nations wooden spoon.

Line-out accuracy and goal-kicking had let down Italy early on as Leonardo Ghiraldini and Mirco Bergamasco struggled to find their range.

But hitting the target was no such problem for the hungry Scots as tries from Nick de Luca and Nikki Walker finally ended an embarrassing run that had seen their last score at Murrayfield coming in November 2009.  Andy Robinson was happy.

It was by no means a classic for what was a basement battle in Edinburgh.  Both sides were desperate to avoid bottom spot in a World Cup year and the efforts showed a great deal of guts while the showmanship was duly sacrificed.

Scotland did show flashes of good rugby though and it can't be underplayed how much makeshift centre Sean Lamont has brought to their midfield alongside Joe Ansbro, who was unfortunately carried from the action early on with a knee injury.

But his replacement -- Nick De Luca -- was to be the man to finally put an end to their unwanted Murrayfield try-scoring record as he was on the end of a well-worked move down the left wing, finishing soundly in the corner on 47 minutes.  Chris Paterson was unsuccessful with the conversion but did contribute eleven points on the day while making another try-saving tackle.

Italy were very much in proceedings though and were in fact ahead at the break, courtesy of an Andrea Masi try, with Bergamasco adding three points to 20 minutes later.

Scotland however moved back into the lead in the 55th minute, when Walker shrugged off replacement Luke McLean's challenge to atone for his earlier missed tackle with a try.

The Italians fought gamely to try and force their way back into it, but Paterson added another penalty before making that fantastic late tackle on McLean to deny the Italians a score.

Man-of-the-match:  Despite being outrun by a hooker when he probably should have scored, Sean Lamont was superb for Scotland.  Strong in the tackle and powerful when in possession, his move to inside centre could now be permanent.

The scorers:

For Scotland:
Tries:  De Luca, Walker
Con:  Paterson
Pen:  Paterson 3

For Italy:
Try:  Masi
Pen:  Bergamasco

Scotland:  15 Chris Paterson, 14 Simon Danielli, 13 Joe Ansbro, 12 Sean Lamont, 11 Nikki Walker, 10 Ruaridh Jackson, 9 Rory Lawson, 8 Kelly Brown, 7 John Barclay, 6 Nathan Hines, 5 Alastair Kellock (capt), 4 Richie Gray, 3 Geoff Cross, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements:  16 Scott Lawson, 17 Euan Murray, 18 Richie Vernon, 19 Alasdair Strokosch, 20 Mike Blair, 21 Dan Parks, 22 Nick De Luca.

Italy:  15 Andrea Masi, 14 Tommaso Benvenuti, 13 Gonzalo Canale, 12 Alberto Sgarbi, 11 Mirco Bergamasco, 10 Kris Burton, 9 Fabio Semenzato, 8 Sergio Parisse (capt), 7 Paul Derbyshire, 6 Alessandro Zanni, 5 Carlo Antonio Del Fava, 4 Quintin Geldenhuys, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1 Salvatore Perugini.
Replacements:  16 Carlo Festuccia, 17 Andrea Lo Cicero, 18 Valerio Bernabo, 19 Robert Barbieri, 20 Pablo Canavosio, 21 Luciano Orquera, 22 Luke McLean.

Referee:  Steve Walsh (Australia)
Assistant referees:  Alan Lewis, John Lacey (both Ireland)
TMO:  Hugh Watkins (Wales)

England scrape past brave Scots

England kept their Grand Slam dreams alive, but only just, after seeing off Scotland 22-16 in an unconvincing performance at Twickenham on Sunday.

It was by no means a performance to savour, but the result will be a relief for the home side.  It was another tight contest that could so easily have gone the way of the Scots, but England held on.

England manager Martin Johnson should be livid with his charges.  They produced a flat display in the first half, and were fortunate to head into the break with the scores all square at 9-9.

They played with more intensity in the second half though, but just couldn't convert their opportunities until replacement forward Tom Croft powered over for the match-defining try.

And although Scotland wing Max Evans crossed late on for the visitors to set up a nervous finale, the trusty boot of Jonny Wilkinson settled matters in the final minute.

Scotland enjoying an early lead after Chris Paterson got the first points on the scoreboard thanks to a fourth-minute penalty goal that barely made it over the posts.

England fly-half Toby Flood had a chance to level the scores, but pushed his relatively easy first attempt wide of the posts, but made amends with another straight-forward shot five minutes later.

The battle of the boot between the two pivots continued -- Paterson banging over his second successful penalty of the match to reclaim Scotland's lead, before Flood tied up the scores once more.

England went in front for the first time in a tight encounter ten minutes from half-time after Flood raised the flags once more with his third successful attempt.

The Scots threatened England's line twice but were denied on both occasions through some fierce defence from the home side, but Martin Johnsen's men couldn't keep out a perfectly struck drop goal from Ruaridh Jackson on the stroke of half-time.

Jackson's strike meant the sides went into the break all square at 9-9 all -- a fair reflection of a dull and uninspiring opening forty minutes.

As the teams ran out for the second half, it was interesting to see replacement Matt Banahan in for captain Mike Tindall, with word from the England camp putting it down to a 'tactical move'.

It nearly proved to be a masterstroke from manager Johnson as England came out firing from the restart, flanker Tom Wood getting hauled down inches from Scotland's try-line.  And Banahan's damage was already evident after powering into Kelly Brown, that would leave the Scotland number eight having to be stretchered off the pitch -- a horrible sight for any spectator.

Scotland continued to dig deep in pressure situations to hold out several England attacks, before John Barclay was sin-binned for an infringement close to the visitors' line -- a decision that was perhaps a wee bit harsh by referee Romain Poite on the Scottish flank.

Flood then put England back in front with the ensuing penalty, while Scotland made their way back for the restart 14 men down.

The game was interrupted moments later when referee Poite limped off with a calf injury to be replaced by touch judge Jerome Garces.

Scotland needed a last-ditch tackle from Paterson to deny Ben Foden a try in the corner, and with 15 minutes remaining Johnson sent on England's reinforcements, bringing on hooker Steve Thompson, lock Simon Shaw, Croft and Wilkinson.

The new blood had the required effect and on 68 minutes, Croft crashed over after being released by Mark Cueto with what looked like a forward pass.

Wilkinson converted and England looked to be poised for victory at 19-9 up.  However a clever individual try by Evans, chippping and gathering his own kick ensured a nail-biting finale before Wilkinson gave England a five-point cushion with a nerveless late penalty.

The win means that England will travel to Dublin next Saturday knowing that victory over Ireland will give them their first Grand Slam in eight years.

However England know they will have to improve significantly if they are to defeat the Irish at Lansdowne Road after a disjointed and error-strewn performance.

And as Scotland's 28-year losing streak at Twickenham continued, Andy Robinson's troops now face a must-win clash against Italy at Murrayfield to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.

Man of the match:  The official man of the match may have gone to England flank James Haskell, but we disagree.  Our vote goes to veteran Chris Paterson who showed there's an abundance of life left in those old legs yet.  The full-back made a superb try-saving tackle and other crucial defensive interventions, as well as being typically flawless with the boot.  It's just a shame he was on the losing side after a complete performance.

Moment of the match:  There weren't many in a rather dour encounter.  Whilst Tom Croft's try brought on the loudest roar at Twickenham, and Max Evans' five-pointer gave the Scots hope of an upset -- Paterson's try-saving tackle on Foden takes the cake.

Villain of the match:  A yellow card to Scotland flank John Barclay but no malice in it.

The scorers:

For England:
Try:  Croft
Con:  Wilkinson
Pens:  Flood 4, Wilkinson

For Scotland:
Try:  Evans
Con:  Paterson
Pens:  Paterson 2
Drop:  Jackson

England:  15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Mike Tindall, 12 Shontayne Hape, 11 Mark Cueto, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Ben Youngs , 8 Nick Easter , 7 James Haskell, 6 Tom Wood, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Louis Deacon, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Alex Corbisiero.
Replacements:  16 Steve Thompson, 17 Paul Doran-Jones, 18 Simon Shaw, 19 Tom Croft, 20 Danny Care, 21 Jonny Wilkinson, 22 Matt Banahan.

Scotland:  15 Chris Paterson, 14 Simon Danielli, 13 Joe Ansbro, 12 Sean Lamont, 11 Max Evans, 10 Ruaridh Jackson, 9 Rory Lawson, 8 Kelly Brown, 7 John Barclay, 6 Nathan Hines, 5 Alastair Kellock (capt), 4 Richie Gray, 3 Moray Low, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements:  16 Scott Lawson, 17 Geoff Cross, 18 Richie Vernon, 19 Alasdair Strokosch, 20 Mike Blair, 21 Dan Parks, 22 Nick De Luca.

Referee:  Romain Poite (France)

Ball decision seals victory for Wales

Wales kept alive their slim hopes of lifting the Six Nations trophy with a 19-13 victory over Ireland in a dour clash at the Millennium Stadium.

Controversy will forever be attached with this March 12 fixture as a Mike Phillips score that should never have been awarded will leave the whole of Ireland fuming on Saturday evening.

It came from an Irish clearance that led to Wales captain Matthew Rees taking a line-out quickly.  However, television replays proved the eyebrow raisers correct in that it was a different ball that the hooker picked up and used on the touchline.

But the history books will show a Welsh victory, one that puts them level on points with current leaders England, who play Scotland on Sunday.

Ireland had gone into the dressing room at half-time with a 13-9 lead thanks to a try from Brian O'Driscoll, but were left pointless in the second period as they chose to kick more than they ran.  Paddy Wallace will also be kicking himself for looking for an easier conversion for Jonathan Sexton instead of just taking the try at the death.

But in truth, the sporadic drama cannot disguise what was a dismal 80 minutes.

The game took just 20 seconds for the first replacement to be made and it may be a record for the shortest period of time on a field.  Scrum-half Eoin Reddan was withdrawn after copping a ball in the face from Lee Byrne's hefty clearance directly from the kick-off.

Peter Stringer came on in his place at the base and was, in fact, the player to fire out a pass to returning Ireland winger Tommy Bowe, who subsequently created a hole for captain and outside centre O'Driscoll to dive over and open the scoring in the early stages.

If that substitution is to be an unwanted tag for scrum-half Reddan, it was one of three records or milestones to be beaten or matched within the first four minutes.  O'Driscoll's smartly-taken try now propels him to joint top try-scorer in Five/Six Nations history while Ronan O'Gara reached 1000 Test points with the extras.

Wales quickly needed to find their footing and two James Hook penalties pulled them back to within a point before the hour, with Ireland giving away sloppy offences at the breakdown.

Hook's inclusion over the veteran fly-half Stephen Jones did not really lead to much creation though, as both sides maybe felt the need to claim victory before looking to cut loose.

O'Gara did boot a long-range penalty on 33 minutes and one on the half-time hooter to extend the lead, but it was only a three-point lift due to Leigh Halfpenny's own strike.

The second-half was one to forget for Ireland as replacement Sexton endured a difficult half-hour.  First he pushed a cross-field effort into touch before missing a simple penalty.

Then came the moment that will be tagged to this game as Rees threw to Phillips from the touchline and the scrum-half showed his pace and power to go over.  Hook's conversion was the further twist of the knife into Ireland's side as the momentum had consequently swung.  Jonathan Kaplan had requested confirmation from touch judge Peter Allan, who said it was the same ball, but replays conclusively illustrated that the officials were wrong.

Ireland cannot say that they didn't have a chance to banish their upcoming nightmare tonight though, with Wallace's big blunder on the hooter ending Ireland's hopes of silverware.

Man-of-the-match:  For his general game-management, James Hook.

Moment-of-the-match:  Is there any other contender?  The controversial try for Mike Phillips.  Ireland will no doubt be fuming and talking about this one for a good while yet.

Villain-of-the-match:  I don't mean to pick on an official but it has to go to Peter Allan for not spotting the different ball being used in the lead-up to Mike Phillips' try.

The scorers:

For Wales:
Try:  Phillips
Con:  Hook
Pen:  Hook 3, Halfpenny

For Ireland:
Tries:  O'Driscoll
Con:  O'Gara
Pen:  O'Gara 2

Wales:  15 Lee Byrne, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 Jamie Roberts, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Shane Williams, 10 James Hook, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Ryan Jones, 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun-Wyn Jones, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Craig Mitchell, 2 Matthew Rees (c), 1 Paul James.
Replacements:  16 Richard Hibbard, 17 John Yapp, 18 Jonathan Thomas, 19 Rob McCusker, 20 Dwayne Peel, 21 Stephen Jones, 22 Morgan Stoddart.

Ireland:  15 Luke Fitzgerald, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian 0'Driscoll (c), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Sean O'Brien, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements:  16 Sean Cronin, 17 Tom Court, 18 Leo Cullen, 19 Denis Leamy, 20 Peter Stringer, 21 Jonathan Sexton, 22 Paddy Wallace.

Referee:  Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Assistant referees:  Craig Joubert (South Africa), Peter Allan (Scotland)
Television match official:  Geoff Warren (England)

Italy shock the defending champions

Italy made history on Saturday when they recorded their first ever Six Nations victory over France, winning 22-21 in a nail biter in Rome.

The defending Six Nations and Grand Slam champions outscored their hosts two tries to one but made far to many errors, allowing Mirco Bergamasco to slot six penalties and convert Andrea Masi's try to hand Italy the biggest victory in their rugby history.

So often the weak link in the Azzurri's game, Bergamasco landed six out of his eight kicks from the tee to punish the French for their sloppy indiscretions.

Indeed les Bleus will head back to Paris ruing a string of mistakes.  Many were made under pressure but some will leave coach French fans pulling their hair out and pointing fingers with wing Yoann Huget amongst those in the firing line.

10/1 underdogs at kick-off, Italy produced yet another courageous effort and must be given full marks for effort and commitment.  By contrast, their visitors seemed flat, uninspired and were unable to match the home side for physical intensity.

Contrary to what has become the norm, Italy's success was not built on scrum domination.  In fact, it was the French set piece that had the upper hand, and one could argue that they had a case for a potentially match-winning penalty in the dying minutes.  But rather than crying over split milk, Marc Lièvremont's team should look to their chronic sterility on attack and their knack for fluffing opportunities, exemplified by Aurelien Rougerie dropping the ball in the act of scoring for the second straight match.

An early try from Vincent Clerc gave France an 8-6 lead at the break.  It was a classic winger's try as Clerc latched onto Rougerie's long pass out wide before chipping over the last defender and using his pace to get to the ball first.

The game looked dead and buried when François Trinh-Duc and Morgan Parra linked up to slice through the Italian defence to put the scrum-half in under the sticks.

18-6 down going into the final quarter, a lesser team would have buckled.  But Italy never let there heads drop and were back in the game when Fabio Semenzato found Andrea Masi on the blindside and the full-back darted over from short range to revive his team's hopes.

Bergamasco landed two more penalties to Parra's one to set up a grandstand finish.  With just four minutes left on the clock the Italian wing landed his sixth successful kick to give the hosts the lead for the first time.

France plied the pressure in the dying minutes, but with Stadio Flaminio in full voice, the visitors were denied the penalty they sought.

And thus history was made.

Man of the match:  Tough one to call.  Sergio Parisse was at his brilliant best but how can we deny the try-scorer on such an historic occasion?  Andrea Masi was solid as a rock at the back and was rewarded with a try he'll never forget.

Moment of the match:  Italy trailed for 76 minutes, but the roar from the crowd when Mirco Bergamasco's final penalty split the uprights left no doubt as to who was ahead on the scoreboard when it mattered.

Villain of the match:  No rough stuff to report.

The scorers:

For Italy:
Try:  Masi
Con:  Bergamasco
Pens:  Bergamasco 5

For France:
Tries:  Clerc, Parra
Con:  Parra
Pens:  Parra 3

The teams:

Italy:  15 Andrea Masi, 14 Tommaso Benvenuti, 13 Gonzalo Canale, 12 Gonzalo Garcia, 11 Mirco Bergamasco, 10 Luciano Orquera, 9 Fabio Semenzato, 8 Sergio Parisse, 7 Robert Barbieri, 6 Alessandro Zanni, 5 Carlo Antonio Del Fava, 4 Santiago Dellape, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Carlo Festuccia, 1 Andrea Lo Cicero.
Replacements:  16 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 17 Salvatore Perugini, 18 Quintin Geldenhuys, 19 Paul Derbyshire, 20 Pablo Canavosio, 21 Kristopher Burton, 22 Luke McLean.

France:  15 Maxime Médard, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Aurelien Rougerie, 12 Yannick Jauzion, 11 Vincent Clerc, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Sébastien Chabal, 7 Julien Bonnaire, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 5 Lionel Nallet, 4 Julien Pierre, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 William Servat, 1 Sylvain Marconnet
Replacements:  16 Guilhem Guirado, 17 Luc Ducalcon, 18 Jerome Thion, 19 Imanol Harinordoquy, 20 Julien Tomas, 21 Damien Traille, 22 Clement Poitrenaud.

Venue:  Stadio Flaminio, Rome
Referee:  Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Assistant referees:  Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland), Stuart Terheege (England)
Television match official:  Jim Yuille (Scotland)

Three-try Ireland win at Murrayfield

Ireland scored three unanswered tries to beat Scotland 21-18 in a closely contested Six Nations game in Edinburgh on Sunday.

Jamie Heaslip, Eoin Reddan and Ronan O'Gara touched down for the visitors as Ireland kept their Six Nations title hopes alive -- although based on this performance it's difficult to see them lift the championship trophy next month.

Neither side can be blamed for not trying to play attractive rugby as there was plenty of positive intent from the protagonists.  Unfortunately, the harsh truth is that the skills levels failed to match their ambitions as a plethora of errors made the encounter a stop-start affair.

If anything, Scotland were once again victims of their own attacking mindset as their expansive style left them empty handed when a more pragmatic approach -- especially in the closing minutes when they were desperate for territory -- could have put Ireland under pressure.

Ireland were clearly the stronger side on the day but will head back to Dublin with plenty to think about as their knack for giving possession away through silly mistakes could well have cost them victory if Scotland were more clinical.

It took just six minutes for Ireland to find their way over the try-line as some slack Scottish defending around the fringes saw Heaslip cruise in for the opening score.

Scotland turned up the intensity and are were able to narrow to gap to a single point as Ireland were pressured into transgressions at the breakdown and Paterson could land two penalties.

Ireland would cross the whitewash again just before the half-hour mark after scrum five metres from the Scottish line.  A huge scrum provided the platform for Heaslip to break off.  Two defenders were unable to pull him down before he could off-loaded to Eoin Reddan, who burst over the line untouched.

O'Gara slotted his second conversion but Scotland continued to hang on as Paterson added his third penalty to leave the sides separated by just five points going into the break at 14-9.

The home side's hopes of victory took a major blow when loosehead prop Allan Jacobsen was sent to the bin for scrummaging in.

A minute before Jacobsen returned from the field Ireland broke through again as O'Gara found himself at the end of a massive overlap.  The visiting fly-half duly added the extra points and the game looked settled at 21-9.

The Scots kept coming however as Ireland seemed content to try defend their lead.  Another penalty for Paterson and then one for replacement fly-half Parks put Scotland back in contention.

It was all Scotland in the final ten minutes but the hosts couldn't find the gap that would have brought a famous comeback victory.

A date with England at Twickenham now looks a daunting task for Andy Robinson's men.

Man of the match:  Jamies Heaslip deserves a mention for scoring one try and creating another.  Max Evans was Scotland's most dangerous runner.  But the gong goes to the man who, on his return to the starting XV reminded everyone why he has been Ireland's go-to man for years.  Ronan O'Gara's try was just reward for a top performance.

Moment of the match:  Ireland led from start to finish thanks to Heaslip's try.  That early score had Scotland playing catch-up for 74 minutes.

Villain of the match:  No nasty stuff to report.

The scorers:

For Scotland:
Pens:  Paterson 4, Parks
Drop:  Parks

For Ireland:
Tries:  Heaslip, Reddan, O'Gara
Cons:  O'Gara 3

Yellow cards:  Jacobsen (Scotland -- 44th min -- illegal scrummaging)

The teams:

Scotland:  15 Chris Paterson, 14 Nikki Walker, 13 Nick De Luca, 12 Sean Lamont, 11 Max Evans, 10 Ruaridh Jackson, 9 Mike Blair, 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 John Barclay, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Alastair Kellock (capt), 4 Richie Gray, 3 Moray Low, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements:  16 Scott Lawson, 17 Geoff Cross, 18 Nathan Hines, 19 Richie Vernon, 20 Rory Lawson, 21 Dan Parks, 22 Simon Danielli.

Ireland:  15 Luke Fitzgerald, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (capt), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Sean O'Brien, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements:  16 Sean Cronin, 17 Tom Court, 18 Leo Cullen, 19 Denis Leamy, 20 Peter Stringer, 21 Jonathan Sexton , 22 Paddy Wallace.

Venue:  Murrayfield
Referee:  Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees:  Andrew Small (England), Pascal Gauzere (France)
Television match official:  Graham Hughes (England)

Foden try settles Le Crunch

England took pole position in the Six Nations title race on Saturday with a 17-9 win over France in a high-paced encounter at Twickenham.

A Ben Foden try early in the second half proved to be the difference between two very evenly-matched sides in a clash high on intensity but littered by errors.

The result brings an end to France's Grand Slam defence and leaves England as the only unbeaten side in the championship.

It was all square after a hotly-contested first half that was somewhat tainted by a number of handling errors from both sides, who were looking to play positive rugby but struggled to come to grips with a slippery ball.

France enjoyed the ascendancy in terms of both territory and possession for much of the game but les Bleus will head home regretting a handful of missed opportunities.

England on the other hand confirmed their status as the northern hemisphere's leading nation as the home pack matched their much-vaunted visitors in the tight exchanges and the back three once again looked dangerous whenever on the ball.

Toby Flood opened the scoring from the kicking tee early on but was answered almost immediately by Dimitri Yachvili.

The respective place kickers continued to trade penalties until the French scrum-half had a chance to put France ahead for the first time just before the break.

His attempt sailed just wide however to leave the sides locked at 9-9 as they headed for the changing rooms.

England took the lead again soon after the restart when Foden scored an excellent try.  Tom Palmer had put England on the attack by charging down Yachvili and after sending the ball to one touchline, England brought it back to the other as Flood had three runners coming off his shoulder.  Foden showed tremendous strength to muscle his way over, despite the attention of two French defenders, for the game's only try.

Jonny Wilkinson added three points within seconds of coming on for an injured Flood to move ahead of Dan Carter as the world's top Test points scorer and extend England's advantage at 17-9.

Yachvili hit the upright with penalty attempt and Aurélien Rougerie knocked on in the act over diving over the try-line to leave France frustrated but the status quo on the scoreboard.

England must now host Scotland before travelling to Dublin as they seek to repeat their Grand Slam of 2003.

Man of the match:  Not too many stand out candidates here.  Toby Flood was good but didn't last the distance after hurting his ankle.  Rougerie was a class act but that knock-on when France desperately needed a try ruined his team's night.  We'll back up the official choice and go for Tom Palmer who hit rucks hard all night and was key in setting up England's try.

Moment of the match:  There can be only one:  Foden's try was the match-clincher.

Villain of the match:  A cheeky one here.  Steve Thompson matched Brian Moore's record for caps at hooker for England, but his jersey was way to small for the size of his stomach!

The scorers:

For England:
Try:  Foden
Pens:  Flood 3, Wilkinson

For France:
Pens:  Yachvili 3

The teams:

England:  15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Mike Tindall (capt), 12 Shontayne Hape, 11 Mark Cueto, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Nick Easter, 7 James Haskell, 6 Tom Wood, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Louis Deacon, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Andrew Sheridan.
Replacements:  16 Steve Thompson, 17 Alex Corbisiero, 18 Simon Shaw, 19 Hendre Fourie, 20 Danny Care, 21 Jonny Wilkinson, 22 Matt Banahan.

France:  15 Clement Poitrenaud, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Aurelien Rougerie, 12 Yannick Jauzion, 11 Vincent Clerc, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc, 9 Dimitri Yachvili, 8 Sebastien Chabal, 7 Imanol Harinordoquy, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 5 Lionel Nallet, 4 Julien Pierre, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 William Servat, 1 Thomas Domingo.
Replacements:  16 Guilhem Guirado, 17 Sylvain Marconnet, 18 Jerome Thion, 19 Julien Bonnaire, 20 Morgan Parra, 21 Damien Traille, 22 Alexis Palisson.

Venue:  Twickenham, London
Referee:  George Clancy (Ireland)
Assistant referees:  Alan Lewis (Ireland), Tim Hayes (Wales)
Television match official:  Giulio De Santis (Italy)

Chance goes begging for Italy

Italy blew a massive chance to move off the bottom of the Six Nations table on Saturday as they fell 24-16 to Wales.

Ten points were missed from the tee by wing Mirco Bergamasco and replacement fly-half Luciano Orquera in a result that will hurt Italy.

Wales did not help themselves in the opening stages when, after Stephen Jones had opened the scoring, they gifted the Azzurri a try on five minutes.  The Welsh were looking to adopt their expansive game right from the off and it was that that cost them when a stray pass from lock Bradley Davies was swooped upon by centre Gonzalo Canale.  His chip and chase eventually saw him regather to send the Stadio Flaminio into raptures.  Bergamasco missed the extras.

A response was needed in order to quieten the Italy support.  And so it came as the visitors marched downfield and crossed wide on the left courtesy of Scarlets wing Morgan Stoddart, who was awarded the try after a long wait for the TMO.

The match conditions were helping the game no end and it didn't take long for the third five-pointer to arrive, which was arguably the pick of the bunch in Rome.  From a breakout in midfield, full-back Lee Byrne hit a magnificent angle -- similar to the one he did in Paris a few years back -- and James Hook had the simple task of drawing the last man and sending over Sam Warburton.  Stephen Jones sent over the simple conversion and the score was up to 15-8 to Wales on fourteen minutes.

But despite their seven-point cushion, one had the feeling that the lead was unlikely to grow dramatically.  Italy were matching their visitors play by play and in fact cut the arrears ten minutes later when a backtracking Stoddart was blown for not releasing the ball.

Then came a moment that full-back Luke McLean might lose sleep over tonight as his somewhat overambitious penalty touch-finder did not make its target, with that ultimately costing the hosts six points via the boot of Jones that sent them in 21-11.

Wales' form dipped somewhat in the second period as they enjoyed little territory and/or possession.  However for all the Azzurri's dominance and hunger, it was a constant lack of cutting edge that's required to win such internationals that will annoy Nick Mallett the most.

Number eight Sergio Parisse did show real strength to cross on the left wing -- shrugging off pivot Jones to ground and reduce the gap to just five points -- to continue the momentum.

But for all their ball and will to upset Warren Gatland's charges, it was fitting that a Hook drop-goal took the game beyond doubt.  A lesson for Italy that they need to take their chances and kick their goals, but one that needs to be absorbed.

Man-of-the-match:  He was a different class.  Sergio Parisse.

Moment-of-the-match:  Scrum-half and scrum-half, you wouldn't expect to witness such physicality.  If you haven't seen it yet, try and find Mike Phillips' bump off Fabio Semenzato.

The scorers:

For Italy:
Tries:  Canale, Parisse
Pen:  Bergamasco 2

For Wales:
Tries:  Stoddart, Warburton
Con:  Jones
Pen:  Jones 3
Drop:  Hook

Italy:  15 Luke McLean, 14 Andrea Masi, 13 Gonzalo Canale, 12 Alberto Sgarbi, 11 Mirco Bergamasco, 10 Kris Burton, 9 Fabio Semenzato, 8 Sergio Parisse (c), 7 Robert Barbieri, 6 Alessandro Zanni, 5 Quintin Geldenhuys, 4 Santiao Dellape, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1 Salvatore Perugini.
Replacements:  16 Carlo Festuccia, 17 Andrea Lo Cicero, 18 Valerio Bernabo, 19 Manoa Vosawai, 20 Pablo Canavosio, 21 Luciano Orquera, 22 Tommaso Benvenuti.

Wales:  15 Lee Byrne, 14 Morgan Stoddart, 13 James Hook, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Michael Phillips, 8 Ryan Jones, 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun-Wyn Jones, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Craig Mitchell, 2 Matthew Rees (c), 1 Paul James.
Replacements:  16 Richard Hibbard, 17 John Yapp, 18 Jonathan Thomas, 19 Josh Turnbull, 20 Tavis Knoyle, 21 Rhys Priestland, 22 Leigh Halfpenny.

Referee:  Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees:  Dave Pearson (England), John Lacey (Ireland)
TMO:  Iain Ramage (Scotland)

Ireland blow chance against France

France managed to keep their Grand Slam hopes alive on Sunday after winning a hotly-contested clash with Ireland 25-22 at Aviva Stadium.

Ireland gave a massively improved performance than the one that saw Italy come so close to causing the upset in the championship's history.

But their efforts were not enough to overcome a les Bleus outfit who will be relieved to escape Dublin with two points that puts them joint-top.

The classy visitors had gone in 15-12 down at the interval after Leinster winger Fergus McFadden and Munster scrum-half Tomas O'Leary had crossed the whitewash, with France maestro Morgan Parra on target with four penalty goals.

However, a well-taken Maxime Médard try on 55 minutes was the catalyst of a French revival in the second-half as their bench proved too strong.

Ireland supporters will be cursing their luck though in the aftermath of this one as they blew an opportunity to score what would've been a match-winning try in the 79th minute, but replacement hooker Sean Cronin knocked-on at the vital time.

The underdog hosts in fact looked superior in flashes, but were undone by their ill-discipline as six penalties saw Marc Lievremont's charges edge the battle on a brisk afternoon.

Ireland began at great pace and were rewarded with a fifth-minute try when McFadden muscled his way over from close-range with his leg drive stunning France's ruck guards.

However, the assured boot of Parra replied quickly for the visitors and he went on to land three further before the interval while O'Leary answered some of his critics with another strong finish fifteen in from the left touchline.  An out-of-sorts Sexton missed the extras.

Following the break another Parra penalty drew the French level before the stadium fell silent on the hour when Aurelien Rougerie shrugged off Gordon D'Arcy to send Medard in.

A sixth French penalty -- this time from replacement number nine Dimitri Yachvili -- piled on the misery and although returning number eight Jamie Heaslip dived over in the corner to make it a three-point game, Cronin spilt the chance of a winning try at the death.

The scorers:

For Ireland:
Tries:  McFadden, O'Leary, Heaslip
Con:  Sexton, O'Gara
Pen:  Sexton

For France:
Try:  Medard
Con:  Yachvili
Pen:  Parra 5, Yachvili

Ireland:  15 Luke Fitzgerald, 14 Fergus McFadden, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (capt), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Sean O'Brien, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements:  16 Sean Cronin, 17 Tom Court, 18 Leo Cullen, 19 Denis Leamy, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Paddy Wallace.

France:  15 Clément Poitrenaud, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Aurélien Rougerie, 12 Damien Traille, 11 Maxime Médard, 10 François Trinh-Duc, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Imanol Harinordoquy, 7 Julien Bonnaire, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 5 Lionel Nallet, 4 Julien Pierre, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 William Servat, 1 Thomas Domingo.
Replacements:  16 Guilhem Guirado, 17 Sylvain Marconnet, 18 Jerome Thion, 19 Sébastien Chabal, 20 Dimitri Yachvili, 21 Yannick Jauzion, 22 Vincent Clerc.

Referee:  Dave Pearson
Assistant referees:  Wayne Barnes (England), David Changleng (Scotland)
Television match official:  Geoff Warren (England)

Wales back to winning ways

Wales ended their eight-Test winless drought thanks to a scrappy 24-6 Six Nations victory over Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Under-fire coach Warren Gatland will be relieved after his team did enough to upset the formbook and put their championship campaign back on track.

Recent results suggested that the odds were against the Welsh having triumphed just twice in their last 14 games, but Gatland's troops -- at one stage down to just 13 players -- did enough in the opening quarter of the match to rain on Scotland's parade.

Wonder wing Shane Williams ran in two tries and fly-half James Hook scored the rest of the points, kicking four penalties, a conversion and creating the first try in a fine all-round performance.

Scotland, who went into the contest with high hopes after opening their Six Nations campaign with a brave display against France, could only muster six points through the boot of Dan Parks.

Coach Andy Robinson cut a frustrated figure as a mistake-riddled Scottish performance underlined their chronic lack of consistency.  The hosts have now lost two from two this season and could end up in a battle with Italy to avoid the wooden spoon.

The visitors enjoyed a strong start -- surging towards the Scotland try-line just after the five-minute mark -- and took the lead through a Williams try.

Hook, starting in the number ten jersey for the first time in two years, broke through the defence to play in his Ospreys team-mate for a simple try, which he then duly converted.

Hook then extended the advantage in the 14th minute as he slotted home a penalty from the right after the hosts had been penalised for strolling offsides.  And the 25-year-old made it 13-0 just after 18 minutes were in the clock when he nailed another penalty after Scotland had come in from the side at a ruck.

Scotland full-back Hugo Southwell was then taken off the pitch with blood poring from his face after catching a boot when challenging opposite number Lee Byrne.  He would not return.

Another infringement at the breakdown then allowed Hook to score his third penalty, but Scotland were given a boost when Bradley Davies was yellow carded for cynically kicking the ball away from a dangerous ruck.

And when Byrne took out Max Evans with a dangerously high tackle, Scotland were given a two-man advantage.

The ever-reliable Parks got Scotland on the board after Dan Lydiate had conceded a penalty but they would have wanted more then three points by the time Byrne re-entered the fray to even the numbers.

Parks then slipped as he was attempting another kick at goal after Wales prop Craig Mitchell failed to bind at the scrum, leaving the scoreline 16-3 at the half-time interval.

After the restart, Hook attempted to increase the advantage with an attempt from almost 50 metres, but although his kick had the legs it drifted just wide.

Parks reduced the arrears by another three points after Wales were penalised for hinging down at a scrum as the contest became more and more scrappy.

Wales centre Jamie Roberts was on his way to killing the game off as he raced towards the line after Scotland gave the ball up but Sean Lamont made a terrific try-saving tackle.

The visitors came away with three points, however, as Hook kicked his third penalty and shortly afterwards Williams ran onto a Jonathan Davies kick to touch down again and put the result beyond doubt.

It is now a case of back to the drawing board for Scotland after arguably their worst performance of Robinson's reign, which came just three days after he signed a contract extension to incorporate the 2015 World Cup.

Man of the match:  Group effort.  The Wales back row of Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton and Ryan Jones were a key element in the visitors' defensive effort -- especially when the Welsh were down to thirteen men.  The triumvirate were tireless at the tackle area and completely outplayed their highly-rated Scottish counterparts.

The scorers:

For Scotland:
Pens:  Parks 2

For Wales:
Tries:  Williams 2
Cons:  Hook
Pens:  Hook 4

Scotland:  15 Hugo Southwell, 14 Nikki Walker, 13 Joe Ansbro, 12 Nick De Luca, 11 Max Evans, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Rory Lawson, 8 Richie Vernon, 7 John Barclay, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Al Kellock (c), 4 Nathan Hines, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Rosss Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements:  16 Scott Lawson, 17 Moray Low, 18 Scott Macleod, 19 Ross Rennie, 20 Mike Blair, 21 Ruaridh Jackson, 22 Sean Lamont.

Wales:  15 Lee Byrne, 14 Morgan Stoddart, 13 Jamie Roberts, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Shane Williams, 10 James Hook, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Ryan Jones, 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Craig Mitchell, 2 Matthew Rees (c), 1 Paul James.
Replacements:  16 Richard Hibbard, 17 John Yapp, 18 Jonathan Thomas, 19 Josh Turnbull, 20 Tavis Knoyle, 21 Stephen Jones, 22 Rhys Priestland.

Referee:  George Clancy (Ireland)