That was followed by Scotland convincingly defeating Italy with a 31-19 scoreline thanks to heroics from Huw Jones. It was the same old story for England, as they gave up a half-time lead to succumb to a narrow 27-22 loss to Ireland.

Ireland began its Six Nations three-peat bid by blowing away England during 30-plus minutes of controlled aggression in the second half for a 27-22 comeback victory in Dublin.

France totally dominant in opening Six Nations game, as they score seven tries against Wales in Paris. France secure bonus point before half-time, as Antoine Dupont runs the show. Wings Theo Attissogbe and Louis Bielle-Biarrey score two tries each before the break.

Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby has warned his Six Nations title-chasers that Scotland are capable of unleashing a formidable attack against them this weekend. Ireland can step up their pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive Six Nations crown when they face Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Superstar scrumhalf Antoine Dupont has set up three tries and France has overwhelmed Wales 43-0 in an impressive Six Nations opener in Paris.

AN EIGHT-DAY turnaround after a bonus-point win on the opening weekend of the Six Nations is just about the dream scenario. The extra day of recovery will help any Ireland player carrying the usual bumps and bruises that come with taking on a fired-up England team.