France top Six Nations as Ireland’s Hansen shines
France team manager Raphael Ibanez said Gabin Villiere was a “warrior” after the winger scored three times as the Six Nations contenders beat Italy 37-10 in Paris last Sunday (Feb 5) to move top of the table.
Player of the match Villiere, who featured in the French third-tier just four years ago, took his tally to six tries in nine matches for France, who go above Ireland on points difference after the opening weekend.
“Gabin’s performance was exceptional. His warrior state of mind is an example to his team-mates,” Ibanez told reporters.
Italy lost for a recordextending 33rd consecutive time in the tournament despite leading early in the first half thanks to debutant Tommaso Menoncello’s effort.
France, captained by Antoine Dupont for the first time since the scrum-half was crowned world player of the year in December, took a grip on proceedings nine minutes later as Anthony Jelonch opened his international account.
France continued to dominate despite the testing weather after the interval and Villiere deservedly claimed a second try after 48 minutes.
Villiere’s fellow winger Damian Penaud claimed the fourth try before the man of the moment claimed the necessary points to send them above next weekend’s visitors, Ireland, with his third try, 70 seconds into additional time.
Ireland defeated Wales 29-7 at Lansdowne Road with Mack Hansen the star of the show.
Hansen decided he would never make the grade as an electrician in Australia but judging by his man of the match Test debut for Ireland on Saturday, he is set to light up the international stage for years to come.
The 23-year-old Australiaborn wing – whose mother was born in Ireland before emigrating – came close to scoring a try inside the first three minutes.
He then provided the pass to his Connacht team-mate Bundee Aki to score Ireland’s first try a minute later.
Whilst his fellow wing Andrew Conway was to score a brace of tries, Hansen was everywhere, popping up in the middle of the pitch and on the opposite wing.
The former Brumbies player fully justified Ireland coach Andy Farrell’s decision to blood him at a packed Lansdowne Road.
With Jacob Stockdale and James Lowe injured, Farrell opted to go with him just months into his spell at Connacht rather than the more experienced Jordan Larmour.
“He (Farrell) said something to me that really stuck,” said Hansen. “He said, ‘if you
can’t be yourself, there’s no point putting on the jersey’.
“When Andy says something like that it sticks with you. Just go out there and enjoy yourself, that’s all you do at the end of the day.”
Elsewhere, Scotland defeated England 20-17 in the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield.