Italy finally conquer England, and Scotland put 50 points on the French. With the "Murrayfield Faithful" in full voice and Steve Borthwick facing an England "collapse", the Six Nations has never been more unpredictable. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
The Six Nations has spectacularly delivered for over a century, and it is little wonder the participants jealously guard its integrity, making it clear that the door is closed to potential gatecrashers such as South Africa.
The latest remarkable milestones for the tournament are Italy’s first victory over England — achieved in their 32nd attempt — and Scotland whacking a record 50 sparkling points past a France team that had been red hot but was made to look rather ordinary.
Murrayfield for once was bathed in sunshine and, as Scotland’s try count mounted to seven, the bright light took on a celestial sheen for the euphoric home fans. Scotland will regret conceding four tries in the last 15 minutes to give France respectability on the scoreboard at 50-40, but the French know as well as anyone that this was a rout.
Three of Scotland’s tries were scored by South Africans.
Pierre Schoeman showed striking athleticism for a bulky prop when he scrambled over, while Kyle Steyn was magnificent in scoring a brace. The product of Trinityhouse High School in Johannesburg cut a dashing figure as he sped through the French defence; his popularity among the Murrayfield faithful was evident when he was given a standing ovation when taken off injured.
Across Europe, in Rome, the Italians figured it could be their day too when the news filtered through that Scotland had humbled France.
At the anthems, captain Michele Lamaro belted out Fratelli d’Italia with a puffed-out chest and teary eyes. But at 18-10 well into the second half, England would have been confident that they were back to winning ways after dispiriting losses to Scotland and Ireland.
However, the door was opened for Italy by an unlikely source. England captain Maro Itoje petulantly leaned over a ruck and slapped the ball out of the scrum-half’s hands.
His yellow card was embarrassing, and the player advantage inspired the Azzurri’s comeback. It was Itoje’s second card of the tournament, while earlier in the game, Sam Underhill had also been sent to the bin.
A wonderful aspect of Italy’s 23-18 victory is that not long ago, there were calls for them to be dumped from the Six Nations or, at least, play a promotion-relegation match. Over seven years, Italy lost 36 consecutive Six Nations matches. The freefall was halted two years ago when the canny Argentine Gonzalo Quesada took the reins.
No wonder a beaming Lamaro said after the victory: “I don’t think there is enough Frascati (wine) in Rome to satisfy our changing room.”
A month ago, Steve Borthwick was talking about building an empire. How fitting that this latest loss occurred at the Stadio Olimpico, which is surrounded by the ruins of the Roman Empire.
Four years ago, it was jeering from the England fans that signalled the end for Eddie Jones. Borthwick could well be in for the same fate if England lose to France next week. If they lose, it will be the first time since 1976 that they have suffered four defeats in a tournament.
The former England wing Ugo Monye summed up the pressure on Borthwick in a television interview: “The conversation about Steve Borthwick has to start now.
"I don’t think the potential of the players is being met by the vision of the coach.”
Something is wrong in an England team that in their last four games have suffered seven yellow cards and one red. While Scotland, Italy, and Wales are improving, England are the only team getting worse. Few will back them to win in Paris on Saturday, and who is next for England?
A Springbok side licking its lips.
* Mike Greenaway is a senior rugby reporter at Independent Media and contributor on our Last World on Rugby podcast on our YouTube channel, The Clutch.