Six Nations 2016: Talking Points From The Opening Weekend

With the opening weekend of the 2016 RBS Six Nations now behind us, Total Sport takes time to digest some of the key talking points as the championship table slowly begins to take shape.

1. England get off to winning ways

Okay, it may not have been pretty, and it may well have been the dictionary definition of digging in and grinding out the win, but the Red Rose took the victory and that will be all that counts for Eddie Jones and his side right now. Stepping up to the plate both Billy Vunipola and tighthead Dan Cole put in imperious displays for the new head coach, while newcomer Jack Clifford put in a promising test debut following his late introduction. England's win sent them top from the off, sitting at the happy end of the league standings alongside France. Further drilling and the ironing out of mistakes is undoubtedly required by this England side, along with the determining call as to whether George Ford and Owen Farrell can adequately figure as a long term 10-12 duo throughout the test. Regardless though, the first punches have been thrown and England have come out on stop. Confidence building, it's time for the Red Rose to bloom.

2. A strong Scotland squad began to waver with inconsistency

Heading into this year's test, many believed Vern Cotter was in possession of one of the strongest Scotland squads assembled for some time. The men in blue evidently have quality within their ranks and exhibited their capabilities handsomely during the 2015 World Cup; defeating giant-killers Japan and running Australia close to the line. The problem which befell the Scots at Murrayfield on Saturday was a heavy dose of inconsistency. Heading into the half-time interval, England lead by only a single point, yet were able to go on and grind out the win as Cotter's side had already revealed their strongest hand. Talisman Greig Laidlaw even admitted following the full time whistle that his side made life easy for England in the second. There is much more to come from Scotland, but consistency must feature as a priority. 

3. France energetic, but all over the place

Many punters would be excused for feeling like they had physically participated in the France - Italy game following the final whistle, such was the frenetic nature. The French did well to get their victory safely in the bag, but showcased to the rugby world their blatant need to polish their left to right passing game. For all their virtues Les Blues did seem as though they could get picked apart at any given moment. They seemed to struggle uncomfortably with the Italian driving maul, look uneasy at the set piece and generally cover each blade of grass in a haphazard fashion. Nonetheless, what shouts loudest at the end of the day is the result, and the French can have no queries on that front. Ireland are the next visitors to the Stade De France, an opponent who may well be much less forgiving.

4. Fast-starting Ireland didn't look like champions

They may have won the previous two championships, but the men in green appeared less than convincing as they took on Wales at the Aviva Stadium. Joe Schmidt's side looked good for their money in the early stages, throwing themselves into the tie and holding possession of the ball well. Their dominance looked to increase once Wales lost influential Dan Biggar, but the tale did not pan out quite as expected. Ireland can consider the draw points lost, but will be buoyed by the hopeful return of Sean O'Brien and Rob Kearney for the weekend's trip to France - a game which now has added emphasis.

5. Comeback kings Wales should have pushed on for the win

As the tide began to turn early on at the Aviva Stadium, many believed Wales were staring down the barrel of an opening defeat. A large portion of the Red Dragon's problem was, once back in the ascendency, their long spells of dominance were simply not built upon to the detriment of their opposition. Samson Lee and Rob Evans rightfully earned plaudits for their collective labours and Wales looked solid in the scrum. Failing to make a single line break in the tie doesn't speak too handsomely of Gatland's side, however they managed to avoid opening defeat against the reigning champions. With a youthful squad and time to build, Wales now have the opportunity to really kick on.