Whether you’ve been watching the Six Nations with rapt attention or you’ve been keeping track with match highlights, it goes without saying that the 2023 Six Nations has delivered some exceptional performances and exciting games.
While it seems that Ireland may well win this year’s tournament, it’s certainly not over yet, which means there’s still plenty to play for. With that being said, we’ve taken a closer look at the two most impressive teams thus far: Ireland and Scotland.
Ireland
Ireland delivered a string of spectacular victories during the first three rounds of the 2023 Six Nations. This included their opening match against Wales at Millennium Stadium. Despite the fervour surrounding head coach Warren Gatland’s return to the Wales side, it was Ireland that piled on the pressure and won this particularly memorable Six Nations rugby fixture 34-10.
Ireland repeated this impressive victory on home soil during their round two game against France. Les Bleus delivered a compelling performance, scoring a penalty early on and securing a 13-7 lead, but their winning streak didn’t last long. Ireland refused to let up and beat their opponents 32-19.
By week three, Ireland took to the pitch at Stadio Olimpico feeling confident and the team certainly didn’t disappoint. The Irish side secured the lead just three minutes in and although the Italian squad fought valiantly, they failed to turn the tide and were beaten 34-20.
Scotland
With two wins under their belt, Scotland delivered a truly memorable performance during their opening game. The Scottish side faced England at Twickenham Stadium, but if the team felt the pressure, they certainly didn’t show it.
Duhan van der Merwe – top try scorer in the 2021 Six Nations – scored a phenomenal try, by-passing five opposing players to secure his sensational touchdown. Although England fought back, the Scots just couldn’t be defeated and won the match 29-23 to claim their 47th Calcutta Cup victory.
Next came their round two performance against Wales. The game got off to a flying start as Kyle Steyn scored a brace of tries during the first seven minutes. Spurred on by a home crowd, the team refused to let-up and Scotland achieved a new record win against Wales. They beat the Welsh side 35-7, a score that beat their previous record of 35-10 from 1924.
Two more weeks of the 2023 Six Nations
With not long left to go, Ireland are still in with a chance of securing the Grand Slam. Plus, with the 2023 Rugby World Cup looming on the horizon, fans will be watching to see if the world number one can claim their first Webb Ellis Cup.
Scotland are another firm favourite for the 2023 Six Nations. While the Scottish side may have said goodbye to the Grand Slam, there’s still hope for this impressive team.
