Wales can look to the World Cup with genuine ambition after sealing a third Six Nations Grand Slam for head coach Warren Gatland, while England and Ireland step away to lick several wounds.
Here, Press Association Sport examines the end of tournament report cards for the Six Nations teams.
WALES
Good morning @WelshRugbyUnion fans ?#GrandSlam #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/6VJBt0Jjcl
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 17, 2019
Wales once again got it right when it mattered, winning a fifth Six Nations title and record fourth Grand Slam. Their success was built on a rock-solid defence – just seven tries conceded in five games – an inspirational captain in Alun Wyn Jones and a head coach, Warren Gatland, whose ability to generate the best from his players knows no limits. Wales will head to the World Cup in six months’ time as major contenders, underpinned by an enviable strength in depth throughout their squad.
ENGLAND
IRELAND
FRANCE
SCOTLAND
? HIGHLIGHTS: ENG 38-38 SCO
Look back at a barely fathomable match at Twickenham, the highest scoring draw in Test history #ENGvSCO #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/HNpUm6t0Ux
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 16, 2019
Gregor Townsend’s side will trudge away from this year’s championship frustrated but perhaps not for the reasons they expected ahead of their astonishing Twickenham thriller. Plagued by injuries, the Dark Blues looked incapable of lifting a hand to defend themselves as Ireland, France and Wales eased to victories. Things then went from bad to worse as for 31 brutal minutes England ran riot in London – only for the Scots to come desperately close to pulling off one of the most remarkable comebacks in sporting history before George Ford rescued the Auld Enemy at the death. The 38-38 draw may not have ended their 36-year wait for victory down south but it most definitely salvaged some pride for Townsend’s team.
ITALY
