It has been a good weekend for the club’s international players.
On Friday night George North’s try proved crucial in setting Wales on their way to a 19-10 win over France in Cardiff. Although France had plenty of possession and territory the Welsh defence lived up to its reputation, denying the visitors a try until it was too late to make a difference.
For North it is two tries in consecutive Six Nations matches, but team mate Jonathan Davies said that the Welsh national football team might not be calling on the winger’s footballing skills ahead of Euro 2016, saying: “That was a bit more Carmarthen Town. I don’t think there is any danger of George playing for Manchester United!”
Tough game last night but great to get the win. Let's not talk about my football skills 🙈. Feet up and watch the other games! #dammdaniel
— George North (@George_North) February 27, 2016
There were better footballing skills shown elsewhere on Friday night, Rory Hutchinson kicking seven points to help Scotland Under-20 record their second win of the tournament, coming home from Padova with a 24-14 win over Italy under their belt. Scotland’s next opponents are France, who they play in Glasgow on March 11th.
Then on Saturday Dylan Hartley led England to their third win of the campaign, maintaining his own unbeaten start to his captaincy in the process.
England made hard going against an Ireland team beset by injuries, and despite having plenty of ball in the visitors’ 22 only led 6-3 at half-time. Ireland did hit the front in the second half, but a score apiece from Anthony Watson and Mike Brown, together with two vital try-saving tackles, combined to see the hosts home by 21 points to 10.
Courtney Lawes came off the bench at Twickenham, with Paul Hill an unused replacement.
Next weekend sees a break in the Six Nations action, with England and Wales going head-to-head at Twickenham on March 12th, a game supporters can watch in the bars at Franklin’s Gardens straight after Saints have played Sale (KO 2pm; tickets at www.tinyurl.com/SAI-SAL-1516).
