Credit ©INPHO/Craig Watson
Scotland vs England
Ahead of the game at Broadwood there were fears that this year would be like the five before it – a wipe out. At first glance the 0-32 score line doesn’t suggest any different and a series of triumphant English articles by journalists who clearly didn’t watch the match suggested a return to type for this fixture.
However, the scoreline belied what was the most competitive fixture between these two sides in a decade. A handful of English breaks flattered what may have been a disappointing performance for a side looking to target the championship, with an attack that looked heavily pressured by Scottish line speed and was all-too-willing to throw away multiple overlaps. Although the basics worked well for England, and their well-conditioned players seized on breaks in open play well, they will need to capitalise on try-scoring chances in set plays if they’re to beat their challengers for the cup.
Scotland boasted what may have been their best performance the big Broadwood crowd has seen. An aggressive defensive line made things difficult for the English and forced multiple handling errors through the match, and a strong kicking game gave them plenty of time in the English half. However familiar problems persisted, with multiple phases on the English line failing to be converted into tries, struggles to contain the opposition in broken play and fading attacking opportunities later in the second half.
Plenty to work on for both sides, but an important 5 points for England and an encouraging showing for the home side leaves both in good stead going forwards.
Scotland’s stand-out player: Sarah Law
Law put on a masterclass from scrum half on Friday night, controlling her forwards well, organising the defence and repeatedly shutting down wide breaks with strong tackles. Her distribution made things easy for Lisa Martin’s tactical kicking and continued performances like this could help shape the tournament in Scotland’s favour.
England’s stand-out player: Harriet Millar-Mills
Millar-Mills was imperious across the park at Broadwood, as useful crossing the gain line as causing problems at the break down: a completely deserved man of the match performance. Mention must also be made of Lauren Cattell who was the source of a great deal of England’s territorial gains with breaks and fantastic distribution.
Ireland vs Wales
In stark contrast to the earlier game at Broadwood, the 21-3 win for Ireland may have flattered their opponents, who were comprehensively shut out of the game within the first half. After losing in the championship warm-up fixture, it was clear that Ireland had a point to prove.
The opening exchanges saw Wales take an early lead with the kind of dynamism that started their campaign off with a bang last year. However, the response was swift and Ireland evened the score at 3-3. From this point on the Irish attack began to turn the screws and the pressure told, pinning the Welsh side in their own half. The pressure saw a yellow card and despite impressive man-down defence, a try twenty minutes in.
Wales fought back after half time only for an unfortunate handling error to end a good try-scoring opportunity. From that point on the half was a tale of Irish dominance of possession and territory. Despite numerous mistakes from the Irish, losing them a number of scoring opportunities, the Welsh were unable to leave their half, pinned back by a ferocious defensive display.
Wales will walk away bruised and concerned at their weakness at the breakdown against an aggressive Irish pack, knowing Scotland may well fancy their chances with a repeat display next weekend. Ireland, despite all their defensive positives, will be concerned at their inability to score points with nearly half an hour spent in opposition territory. They face their sternest test against France next weekend who will not leave that kind of inefficiency unpunished.
Ireland’s stand-out player: Sophie Spence
It may start sounding like a broken record but in Spence Ireland have a world-class lock, a key part of their set piece and an assured gain-line breaker. Despite being bumped by a Welsh carrier early in the second half Spence was otherwise her usual dominant self in the contact.
Wales’ stand-out player: Rebecca Rowe
In a game that left Wales defending constantly it was Spence’s opposite number who seemed to get around to defend almost everywhere. Getting the job done carrying, it was partly her constant pressure on the Irish line that kept the score line down in a one-sided second half.
Italy vs France
France entered this game as favourites, and they left as winners with a comprehensive victory over an Italian side many saw as the big improvers of the last couple of years. The 39-0 win at home was a revenge for their surprise defeat last year.
With over 11,000 fans packed in to watch the game the French were utterly imperious with a performance that was a great advert for the women’s game. Italy, despite some signs of strength and a showing that will keep their other opponents on their toes, were completely blown away by a French side that seemed to be without an obvious weaknesses, dominant everywhere from the set piece to the wide channels.
After taking control in the first half the French opened up and seemed to start enjoying themselves in front of a passionate crowd in the second – a few more mistakes and missed chances were merely a result of a more open and creative game that gave them the chance to show off to their more formulaic top-three opponents. If the men’s team seems to have lost their Gallic flair, they could do worse than looking to their women for inspiration.
France’s stand-out player: Julie Billes
Billes was the epitome of an exciting French display. A proven try scorer, the extent to which she seems to enjoy breaking open opposition defences is fantastic to watch.
Italian stand-out player: Sara Barattin
The Italian captain could do little in the face of the French onslaught but she comes out of the match without any points against her. She kept heads high in an overpowered pack and distributed well to give the Italians what few attacking chances they had.
By Tristan Gray (@RuckingGray)