Paris (AFP)

France, clinically effective with Italy, is alone in the lead after the first day of the Six Nations Tournament, marked by the surprise defeat of England against Scotland and the laborious success of the Welsh against the Irish, reduced to fourteen.

Uncompromising Saturday in Rome with the "Nazionale" (50-10), France is the only one to have five points at the top of the standings, thanks to its seven tries synonymous with enhanced success.

But this easy victory against the weakest team in the Tournament, which has not won in the competition since February 2015, requires confirmation next Sunday in Dublin.

France has not imposed itself in the Irish capital since 2011.

And the XV of Clover will be revenge after the defeat (35-27) suffered on October 31 at the Stade de France, which cost him the coronation at the end of the 2020 edition. Especially, Andy Farrell's men do not. will not have the right to make mistakes under penalty of mortgaging their chances of title.

They have already said goodbye to the Grand Slam after the setback recorded Sunday in Cardiff (21-16) and will have to do without the flanker Peter O'Mahony who received a red card after a quarter of an hour for a high tackle.

Despite their numerical inferiority, the Greens did better than resist.

The Welsh waited until the second half to register two tries (North 49th, Rees-Zammit 59th) and come back in front.

But they trembled until the end.

The issue came in stoppage time with a missed penalty from Billy Burns.

Penultimate of the 2020 edition, with only one victory against Italy, the XV of Le Leek offers a breath of fresh air, his coach Wayne Pivac with.

This match caused damage on both sides.

Welsh third line Dan Lydiate, in particular, came out before the quarter of an hour of play on injury.

On the Irish side, second row James Ryan was also released in the first period.

As for captain and opener Jonathan Sexton, he had to leave the pitch ten minutes from time for a concussion protocol.

Disturbing one week from receiving the French leader.

For England, defending champion, next weekend is also synonymous with redemption after the almost historic defeat conceded Saturday at Twickenham against Scotland (11-6).

The XV du Chardon had not won in London since 1983. The XV de la Rose will have the opportunity to bounce back by receiving Italy on Saturday, which piled up in Rome a 28th straight defeat in the competition.

Scots and Welsh will meet in Edinburgh on Saturday.

A duel that will be expensive on the road to the Grand Slam.

© 2021 AFP