The Five Greatest Six Nations Upheavals in History
Everybody enjoys rooting for the underdog. The greatest upsets in Six Nations history are chronicled in these five historical contests. Rugby fans worldwide are called to book Six Nations 2024 tickets from our online platform ticketing. co. Rugby fans can book Wales Six Nations Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.
Italy has an incredible opportunity to win the Six Nations twice in a row when they play France on Sunday in their opening match of the 2023 competition.
The Six Biggest National Upsets
Here is the list of some greatest Crises in Six Nations’ History:
Wales Vs Italy 21-22: Six Nations Championship 2022
The game put an end to Italy’s seven-year streak without a Six Nations victory and began the countdown for Wayne Pivac’s appointment as Wales’ head coach. During the closing weekend of the Championship last year, Wales appeared to be winning the fiercely contested encounter in Cardiff. Thanks to scores from Josh Adams, Dewi Lake, and Owen Watkin early in the game.
Wales led 21–15 with two minutes remaining. Then, in the shape of Ange Capuozzo, a blue lightning bolt struck the Principality Stadium. When the fullback received the ball inside his own 22 meters. He dropped his head and created rugby history in Italy. Before performing in Edoardo Padovani to score a spectacular try for the “Azzurri,”
The then-22-year-old sidestepped Josh Adams’ and Jonny McNicholl’s tackle efforts. Italy won its first Six Nations match in 36 when Paolo Garbisi slotted the resulting penalty from in front of the posts with the game’s last kick. With the loss run over, Wales hung their heads. After a miserable Autumn International series, Pivac was about to lose his job, and all eyes were on him.
Italy Vs Scotland 34 – 20: Six Nations Championship 2000
There were low expectations for Italy’s performance in their first Six Nations encounter following their addition. Italy began the season with a victory against the odds, despite ending last in the table that year. Scotland was the defending Five Nations Championship champion going into the competition, and they were hoping to win it again in the same year.
However, Italy’s greatest asset was its unpredictable nature. With 29 points from Diego Dominguez’s boot and a try from Giampiero de Carli, they effectively silenced those who opposed the addition of a sixth nation. The fly-half kept Italy’s hopes of winning their first game alive with six penalties, a conversion, and an outstanding hat-trick of drop goals.
Italy, who were regarded as the ultimate underdogs, had 250/1 odds to win the world title. Their 101-3 defeat to the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup 1999 served as a stark reminder that they had not yet proven their mettle on the greatest platform.
Nevertheless, Italy persisted in their Six Nations debut and increased their lead while Kenny Logan dropped four penalty kick opportunities. A historic triumph for Italy, who have elevated surprise victories to the pinnacle of their Six Nations experience.
France Vs Italy 22-21: Six Nations Championship 2011
In what has since become known as Italy’s fortunate number, the Azzurri surprised everyone by defeating France in 2011. France had defeated Scotland and Ireland en route to the match, putting them into the Stadio Flaminio in Rome as clear favourites. Les Blues’ hopes of retaining the Grand Slam were dashed by their defeat to England.
But they would be back on track for the anticipated title match versus Wales after a convincing victory against Italy. Mirco Bergamasco’s boot gave Italy the early lead, but France rallied quickly, leading to a touchdown by winger Vincent Clerc after 14 minutes. Italy remained in the game with a try by Andrea Masi in the second half.
The final play of the game was a place-kicking competition between Bergamasco and Morgan Parra. The Italian left-winger created a sufficient margin for error for a surprise victory in Rome by converting five penalties. The Italians’ joy was audible throughout the capital.
France was understandably distraught that they had not won back-to-back Six Nations Championships. England went on to win the title that year, while France showed their mettle in the Rugby World Cup the following autumn, making it to the final and falling short to the All Blacks.
Scotland Vs England 6-11: Six Nations Championship 2021
After a 38-year wait, Scotland finally triumphed at Twickenham Stadium in a Six Nations opener that took England by surprise. It was not the outcome that caused the throng to go silent. The game had to be performed in an empty stadium due of the Covid-19 outbreak, and fans had to watch from home.
The absence of stadium noise caused England and Scotland to play uninspired football, which resulted in a 6–5 halftime draw. As the defending Six Nations Champions, England was anticipated to come out swinging for a second-half victory, but Duhan van der Merwe’s try was the only point scored in the first half. But it was not to be. Rugby fans can book Scotland Vs England Tickets on our website at exclusively discounted prices.
Scotland’s tenacious defensive structure proved too formidable for England to overcome. As the rain continued to fall, Scotland accepted the gloomy February weather and played a game that fit their style. Due to their haste and numerous careless mistakes. England allowed their Northern rivals to win the match.
From the tee, Finn Russell slotted two penalties. With the ball sailing into the empty stands at Twickenham, this created ample distance between the two teams. A huge Scottish success that gave them the courage to defeat England at Murrayfield the following year.
England Vs Ireland 13 – 19: Six Nations Championship 2004
During England’s expected triumphal return to Twickenham following their victory in the Rugby World Cup 2003 in Australia, Ireland stunned the home team with a determined and inspiring display. England was the favourites when they returned home to the “Fortress” after defeating Scotland 13–35, scoring four tries north of the border, and scoring 50 points against Italy in Rome.
Matt Dawson’s try just before the half-hour mark and Paul Grayson’s kicks created a large lead helping the game get off to a good start. Nevertheless, Ronan O’Gara made sure Ireland stayed within striking distance of the hosts by netting a penalty in response to each of Grayson’s to keep the team in the game.
Ireland took the lead through a try by Girvan Dempsey after 52 minutes, and they managed to hold onto it for the whole game. By maintaining a sufficient space between Ireland and England, O’Gara marred the World Champions’ journey back home.
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