Rugby Hotlist: Italian Star Rising, Borthwick & Dupont Under Fire | Planet Rugby
The script is flipping in the Six Nations. While France captain Antoine Dupont is accustomed to dictating play and inspiring victories, a costly performance in Scotland exposed even the most celebrated players to fallibility. Meanwhile, Italy’s stunning victory over England isn’t just a result; it’s a statement about a team undergoing a genuine transformation under Gonzalo Quesada.
Italy’s Ascent and England’s Descent
For the first time in their history, Italy defeated England in a men’s Test rugby match, securing a 23-18 win. This wasn’t a case of England simply underperforming; it was Italy actively seizing the opportunity. The Azzurri, historically prone to squandering chances, displayed a resilience and tactical maturity that belied their past struggles. The victory, secured on , wasn’t flawless, but it didn’t need to be against a vulnerable English side.
Central to Italy’s success is the emergence of Tommaso Menoncello. Described as “world-class,” the 23-year-old midfielder is rapidly gaining recognition, with many believing he’s on track to become a household name in the rugby world. His performance against England – a swashbuckling endeavor in the 34th minute and a crucial assist in the 72nd – showcased the creativity and attacking flair that England’s midfield desperately lacked. The contrast was stark, highlighting a fundamental difference in attacking intent.
England’s situation, conversely, is deteriorating. Head coach Steve Borthwick is facing increasing scrutiny after another disappointing weekend. The loss to Italy piles further pressure on a team struggling to find consistency and identity. Borthwick’s decision to overhaul the backline with a lineup that had minimal prior experience playing together – essentially a team of “bibs” as one report described it – appears to be a desperate attempt to spark change. The latest-glance backline’s only significant experience together came in training sessions.
Borthwick’s Gamble and the ‘Bibs Backline’
Borthwick’s strategy represents a significant departure from his previously stated emphasis on continuity and cohesion. He’s seemingly abandoned that philosophy in favor of “selection shock therapy,” hoping a radical change will cure England’s malaise. The limited connections within the new backline are striking. Fly-half Fin Smith and inside centre Seb Atkinson have a history from their time in the Worcester youth system, while Smith and outside centre Tommy Freeman are club teammates at Northampton. Beyond that, the combinations are sparse, with only a handful of players having previously featured together in any meaningful capacity.
Borthwick defended the selection, stating that the players had “trained for four or five weeks together and trained very, very well.” He emphasized the importance he places on training performance, suggesting that players are being rewarded for their efforts in practice. However, the lack of established partnerships and game experience raises serious questions about the viability of this approach, particularly in the high-stakes environment of the Six Nations.
Dupont’s Rare Off-Day and Scotland’s Surge
While Italy’s triumph and England’s struggles dominate the headlines, Scotland’s impressive 50-40 victory over France is equally significant. The Scots, after a mixed campaign with both highs and lows, delivered a stunning performance at Murrayfield, dashing France’s hopes of a Grand Slam. The match was a high-scoring affair, but it was marred by uncharacteristic errors from Antoine Dupont, the French captain and arguably the world’s best scrum-half.
Dupont, renowned for his exceptional skill and strength, made two critical mistakes that directly led to Scottish tries. A loose pass was intercepted, and an inexplicable forward pass behind his own tryline further compounded the errors. Dupont himself acknowledged his mistakes, stating, I made two costly mistakes.
This admission underscores the fact that even the most dominant players are susceptible to off-days, and that even small errors can have a significant impact on the outcome of a match.
Scotland’s victory has significantly boosted their chances of winning their first ever Six Nations title. Their home form has been exceptional, transforming Murrayfield into a fortress after a brief wobble in November. The win over France was an unexpected but welcome development, injecting renewed optimism into the Scottish camp.
Looking Ahead
The Six Nations is shaping up to be a fiercely contested tournament. Italy’s emergence as a genuine contender adds another layer of complexity, while England’s struggles raise serious questions about their future direction. Scotland’s impressive form and France’s unexpected setback mean the title race remains wide open. The final weekend of the tournament, particularly France’s match against England, promises to be a pivotal moment, potentially deciding the championship’s fate. The pressure is mounting on Steve Borthwick to find solutions, and quickly, as England’s season hangs in the balance.