Santiago Saiz

Updated Saturday, March 16, 2024-20:02

The Six Nations is a celebration.

Ireland celebrates Saint Patrick after revalidating the title with authority.

They sealed it this Saturday by beating Scotland (17-13) in a match that was decided in the last minutes.

And yet, their championship has a certain aroma of a missed opportunity.

The defeat in England, a week ago, has prevented the island team from completing its second undefeated tournament and stringing together twelve victories for the first time.

The setback occurred in the English countryside, with time running out and expectations skyrocketing.

Because the Six Nations is, above all, rivalry.

Even so, Ireland's merit is undeniable.

After falling in the quarterfinals at the World Cup, they return to where they were, to dominate rugby in the north.

Beating France (17-38), beating Italy (36-0), beating Wales (31-7) and a tight victory against a tough Scotland.

Now without the retired Sexton, well replaced by Crowley,

the Clover XV

has played with its codes the rugby that it dominates and that makes it dominate.

He has been the leader in points, in tries, in meters traveled carrying the ball, in passes, in breaks of the rival defensive line.

Often relentless in the rival 22, although this Saturday they missed up to three clear opportunities to distance themselves on the scoreboard.

The 2024 Six Nations will be the one of consolidation for Italy

.

Two wins and a draw in five games.

On the third day he almost achieved the feat in France: he crashed the penalty shot that would have given him the victory into a post (13-13).

Their forward has reduced the disadvantage compared to the rest.

And in addition, Gonzalo Quesada's fifteen has made the most of the aggressiveness of his line, with three quarters that carry the ball and attack the defender looking for the gap or the pass after contact.

Last weekend, against Scotland, the Rome crowd enjoyed a comeback and the first home victory since 2013. This Saturday, in Wales, a victory with note.

Italy has planted itself very well in defense, has closed the spaces, has recovered balls and has struck with the speed of its three quarters.

Italy, finally, enjoys more than suffers.