Finn Russell masterminded Scotland’s first win against Wales in a decade, England overcame an innovative Italy at Twickenham and Ireland outmuscled France in Dublin on another entertaining RBS 6 Nations weekend.
British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland was in the stands in Edinburgh to watch a powerful first-half performance from Alun Wyn Jones before Stuart Hogg, Russell and Tommy Seymour shone as Scotland scored 20 unanswered points in a 29-13 victory.
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In Dublin, Jonathan Sexton and Conor Murray looked as if they had never been apart, controlling the show as the Leinsterman scored 11 points in a 19-9 win over Les Bleus to take them second in the RBS 6 Nations table.
Italy arrived at Twickenham and employed an innovative approach, committing no numbers at the ruck and applying huge pressure to Danny Care before England powered through to a bonus point.
With sensational skill from Lion Hogg, tactical expertise from Sexton and powerful running from Ben Te’o, social media lit up.
Here’s our top picks:
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon can’t hide her pride:
What an outstanding @scotlandteam performance – heroes each and every one. Congratulations on a famous victory. #AsOne #OurDay
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) February 25, 2017
After creating a try with his deft flick, Lion Stuart Hogg was ecstatic:
Great to come away with the win yesterday against a tough Welsh side. Boys were outstanding. BT Murrayfield, you were amazing. @Scotlandteam
— Stuart W Hogg (@StuartWHOGG_) February 26, 2017
Half-back pair revel in major win:
Great way to bounce back and get a win against at tough Welsh side yesterday. The support was amazing again! #asone pic.twitter.com/Z0mvMXfxJB
— Finn Russell (@finn_russell) February 26, 2017
Two-time Lion Adam Jones was taken aback by the performance of Hamish Watson:
Fair play Hamish Watson was unbelievable!
— Adam Jones (@adamjones3) February 25, 2017
Niall reckons Conor Murray is heading in the right direction:
. @ConorMurray_9 was absolutely phenomenal today . He's in a different league to most 9's on the planet !
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) February 25, 2017
@matt9dawson @Rhys_W009 @Gar_Davies9 @benyoungs09 @dannycare well it's a great problem to have , they're all great .Murray is the man though
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) February 26, 2017
Lion Sexton thumps over a monster drop goal:
Smart option with advantage being played and a lovely strike from Johnny Sexton. Plenty of legs on it. pic.twitter.com/lKfmT1GsgV
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) February 26, 2017
Numbers add up for Murray and Sexton:
6 – No scrum half has scored more Test tries than @IrishRugby's @ConorMurray_9 since the beginning of 2016 (6). Sniping.
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) February 25, 2017
3 – That was just the third drop goal Johnny Sexton has slotted for @IrishRugby and the first since 2011. Unfamiliar.
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) February 25, 2017
Mike Brown’s RBS 6 Nations record is quite something:
16 – @mikebrown_15 has now won his last 16 @SixNationsRugby games, Geoff Wheel the only player to have gone longer (1975-80, 17). Streak. pic.twitter.com/3LOSFqQjZM
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) February 26, 2017
Vernon Kay can’t wait for the Calcutta Cup:
Well that @EnglandRugby game sets up a beauty against Scotland.
— Vernon Kay (@vernonkay) February 26, 2017
Ugo Monye praises innovative Italy after they test England:
Fanscinating game of rugby. Another win for England and job done, but credit a spirited enterprising thoughtful approach from Italy too ?
— ugo monye (@ugomonye) February 26, 2017
