The 2020 Guinness Six Nations kicked off in sensational fashion over the weekend with three enthralling clashes captivating audiences across the continent.
Wales, Ireland and France all got their campaigns up and running in the best possible manner by beating Italy, Scotland and England respectively.
And the three winning sides will be looking to maintain this form and keep Grand Slam ambitions alive as they look ahead to Round 2.
But, before looking ahead we must turn our attentions backwards as we debrief on the weekend’s action with an eye on the key stats you might not have seen from Round 1 – as provided by AWS stats.
10m 15s
You may not have thought it, but England spent far longer than their French opponents in the opposition 22 in France’s 24-17 victory.
England spent a combined ten minutes and 15 seconds in France’s 22 while Fabien Galthie’s men spent just one minute and 40 seconds in the visitors respective 22.
This tells us two things, that both France were quick and direct when running in their three tries and Eddie Jones’ side were bogged down when close to the host’s try line by an impressively resolute French defence.
3
Josh Adams’ hat-trick lit up Wales’ 42-0 win over Italy.
The wing was in outstanding form as he made it ten tries in his past eight internationals.
8
The cornerstone of Ireland’s narrow 19-12 win over Scotland was the eight turnovers won by the hosts.
CJ Stander excelled in this regard, with a game high two under his belt as the Munster man’s steel helped keep Gregor Townsend’s side at bay.
65
Scotland will be deeply disappointed at having not come away with more in Dublin.
They had 65 per cent possession in Ireland’s half as time and again the visitors dominated the play and found themselves close to Ireland’s try line only to miss out on dotting down.
28
Player of the Match Grégory Alldritt was a dominant force in Paris, registering 28 metres with 11 carries of the ball.
The No.8 also made 18 tackles at a 100 per cent success rate as he summed up the drive and determination on show from France.
115
George North impressed new boss Wayne Pivac in the Welsh midfield, getting only his fifth start from centre in his 92-Test career.
And North had a big impact on the game, crossing the whitewash while also making 115 metres and eight carries.
19
What a brilliant way to kick off your first game captaining your country.
Johnny Sexton scored all 19 points for Ireland, with four penalties, a conversion and a try to his name – he would have had worse days.
153
If you were a Scotland player on Saturday all you likely would have seen was a rampaging Jordan Larmour.
The Irish full-back made a match-high 153 metres as he took almost every attacking opportunity Andy Farrell’s men had in the contest.
12
Italy were not without their moments in Wales and one bright spark came in the form of wing Mattia Bellini.
The Zebre man made 12 carries, 105 metres and two offloads as he cut through the Welsh defence with some bright drives on several occasions.
2
Two tries for Jonny May.
On a disappointing day for England, May proved the one bright spark as he attempted to spark a comeback with two brilliant solo tries in the second half.
