Six Nations round-up: Super Ireland thrash Italy, France controversially beat Scotland, England edge Wales

Robbie Henshaw of Ireland in their Six Nations clash against Italy

In an enthralling second weekend of Six Nations action there was more drama, controversy and tries as Ireland comfortably beat Italy, England edged Wales and France bounced back to beat Scotland.

Grand slam champions Ireland continued their pursuit of a second consecutive title with a dominant 36-0 win against Italy.

Jack Crowley opened his international try-scoring account as he dotted down within seven minutes, and then Andy Farrell’s men extended their lead as Gavin Sheehan continued his good start to the tournament with another try.

Jack Conan scored Ireland’s third just before the break, then Sheehan got his third of the tournament which secured the bonus point for the impresssive Irish.

Winger James Lowe capped off a good day with his side’s fifth try, then Calvin Nash wrapped up the victory late on to make sure Ireland go into the two-week break with their Grand Slam hopes in tact.

France controversially beat Scotland 20-16 at Murrayfield, which reignited their title hopes.

Les Bleus looked to be on the way to a second consecutive defeat after Scotland were in the lead for most of the match thanks to Ben White’s early try.

The French, who had reduced arrears with a Gael Fickou try, took the lead 10 minutes from full-time, with a moment of inspiration from Louis Bielle-Biarrey giving his side the lead.

There was more late drama to come though, as the Scots, who were looking to start their campaign with back-to-back wins, were denied a win as Sam Skinner’s try was controversially disallowed as the TMO concluded that he had not grounded the ball.

Wales’ Twickenham hoodoo continued as England edged out Warren Gatland’s men 16-14 in a tight contest.

Wales took the lead through a penalty try, but England bounced back as Ben Earl peeled away from the back of the scrum to produce an intelligent finish.

George Ford had the chance to convert the try but he was timed out by the shot clock and England missed the chance to draw level.

Gatland’s troops extended their lead just before half-time as the impressive Tommy Reffell opened up the England defence, allowing Alex Mann the space to score a try.

England’s attack continued to frustrate the Twickenham faifthful after the break, but after huffing and puffing, Fraser Dingwall blew the door down and seized the opportunity following a Josh Adams knock-on and scored the all-important try that took Steve Borthwick’s side to within a point of the Welsh.

A late penalty from Ford gave England the win and despite a ‘perfect’ start to the Six Nations, they will need to improve their attacking game if they want to stand a chance of claiming the championship for the first time since 2020.