The opening weekend of the Six Nations looked promising on paper, but it would have been a bold fan who called both of these games the way they turned out.
Scotland were up first, hosting Ireland – winners of the tournament in 2014 and 2015. A tough task then for the Scottish, but one they were very much up to.
Scotland Rugby captain Greig Laidlaw celebrates as his kick goes over the bar as Scotland beat Ireland at Murrayfield #RugbyPhotographer pic.twitter.com/xbZ7hROlox
— Craig Watson (@CraigWatsonpix) February 4, 2017
80' PEN! Laidlaw sends the ball sailing through the posts!!!!!!!!!! #SCOvIRE (27-22)
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 4, 2017
Scotland went 21-5 up in the first half, thanks to two tries from full back Stuart Hogg.
Epic victory for Scotland. Best since 1999. The holy grail of 'momentum' is with them. A total classic at Murrayfield
— Tom English (@BBCTomEnglish) February 4, 2017
But Ireland roared back in the second half, going 22-21 ahead.
Out from behind the sofa to say
WELL DONE SCOTLAND!
Now, don't EVER put me through a second half like that again…
(but you probably will)— William Duguid (@WilliamDuguid1) February 4, 2017
Greig Laidlaw sealed the game for Scotland however, with two late penalties making it 27-22 when the final whistle blew.
Absolutely superb. @Scotlandteam, you did yourselves, and Scotland, proud today #SCOvIRE #AsOne #RBS6Nations
— Alex Salmond (@AlexSalmond) February 4, 2017
And breathe, Scotland!!!!! Fantastic @Scotlandteam – what a great start to @SixNationsRugby #scovire #AsOne #backingblue
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) February 4, 2017
Balls.
Well done Scotland.
Gutted for Ireland.
No one expected this.#ScovIre— Síle Seoige (@SileSeoige) February 4, 2017
Quite remarkable – but the day was far from over.England hosted France in a huge opening fixture for Eddie Jones’ reigning champions, which it’s fair to say did not go to plan.England were lucky France failed to capitalise on their weaknesses in the first half, going in at the break 9-9 before coming from behind to win thanks to a Ben Te’o try.
Definitely the worst English performance of Eddie Jones' reign, but we still ground out the win. The Grand Slam dream lives on! #ENGvFRA
— Jonathan Deighton (@JonDeighton) February 4, 2017
The general mood was that although England had played awfully, the win was the only thing of importance.
That was an atrocious England performance for about 70 minutes. Not entirely convinced they deserved the win, but I'll take it! #ENGvFRA
— James Deeley (@JamDelay) February 4, 2017
A wins a win and all that ????@EnglandRugby We go again #sixnations #ENGvFRA
— Richie Warriner (@RichieWazza) February 4, 2017
I like Eddie Jones. Ugly game, beautiful result. Immediately questioned his own preparation before the game. #ENGvFRA
— Rachel Burden (@rachelburden) February 4, 2017
Eddie Jones’ tactical knowledge was praised by some.
Jones wins the coaching battle. Taking off your 10 and captain in the last 10 min of a tight game away from home …… #ENGvFRA
— Jamie Cudmore (@JNCudmore) February 4, 2017
But most importantly, England managed to get the ball rolling in this year’s tournament, breaking the national record for consecutive wins as well.
England are now unbeaten in 15 matches
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W??Their longest ever winning streak#sixnations #ENGvFRA pic.twitter.com/RLMh924NpE
— BBC 5 live Sport (@5liveSport) February 4, 2017
That breaks the record of Sir Clive Woodward’s England side ahead of their 2003 World Cup triumph – could this team go on to replicate their success?
