The Guinness Six Nations is off and running, with Wales, Ireland and France opening their campaigns by claiming home wins.
Here, the PA news agency looks at five things we learned from the opening weekend.
Edwards makes an instant impact
May and Adams racing ahead as Lions Test wings
Hat-trick hero! @JoshAdams951 + ? + tryline in sight = TRY #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/ArX3YjvqRG
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 3, 2020
A lot of water will pass under the bridge before British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland announces his 2021 tour squad for South Africa, but – form and fitness permitting – England speedster May and Wales flyer Josh Adams look nailed-on Test starters. Both made dazzling impacts on the opening weekend, with May scoring two tries during England’s defeat against France and Adams claiming Wales’ first Five/Six Nations hat-trick in a home game since 1969 as Italy were thumped 42-0. Between them, May and Adams have scored 43 tries in 75 Tests. It is some strike force that awaits Gatland.
England look muddled in selection
Tompkins a centre of attention that England missed
Exquisite footwork ➕ Quick turn of pace = Dream debut for Nick Tompkins. #WALvITA pic.twitter.com/h6uLOHyLHS
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 1, 2020
Saracens centre Nick Tompkins played for England Under-20s and England Saxons, but it was in the red shirt of Wales that he made his senior Test debut. And it was an international bow to savour, with the 24-year-old scoring a brilliant solo try after coming on as a second-half substitute against Italy and making strong claims to start in next Saturday’s Dublin appointment with Ireland. Tompkins qualifies for Wales through his Wrexham-born grandmother, and he took his chance in spectacular fashion. England fans must be wondering how he slipped through the net.
Italy on course for another wooden spoon
