Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2026: Round 2 Recap
February 17, 2026Round 2 has set the tone, and the Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2027 is now on sale, experience rugby’s biggest rivalries in true VIP style with Corinthian Sports!
Round 2 of the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations delivered a weekend that completely reshaped the early championship picture. From statement wins to emotional rivalries and brutal realities for struggling sides, this round didn’t just produce results, it produced momentum, belief, pressure and identity shifts.
France confirmed their status as early title favourites with a ruthless display in Cardiff. Scotland ignited Murrayfield with a famous Calcutta Cup victory over England. Ireland steadied themselves with a gritty win over a fearless Italian side that continues to earn respect across the tournament. Meanwhile, Wales’ struggles deepened, England were humbled, and Italy proved once again that they are no longer just participants in this competition, they are competitors.
This is no longer a predictable Six Nations. Round 2 made that clear. Here’s the full breakdown of each match, how it compared to expectations, the players who defined the games, and what it all means going forward.
Ireland v Italy
Final score: Ireland 20, Italy 13
Ireland got the result they needed, but not the performance they wanted. After their opening round defeat to France, this was about response, resilience and control rather than flair. And while they secured the win, Italy made them work for every inch of it.
From the first whistle, it was clear Italy had come with belief. They were physical in contact, disciplined in defence and fearless in their approach. They slowed Irish ball, disrupted rhythm and forced Ireland into a far more uncomfortable contest than the home crowd expected. Ireland dominated territory for long periods but struggled to turn pressure into points, which allowed Italy to stay in the game deep into the second half.
This became a battle of patience and discipline rather than attacking brilliance. Ireland eventually found enough control to close the game out, but this was not a statement win. It was a survival win.
How it matched predictions
Ireland were always expected to win this fixture, especially at home, but the narrow margin tells its own story. Italy’s development is no longer theoretical, it’s visible. They are organised, physical and confident, and they are making traditionally stronger nations uncomfortable. Ireland delivered the result, but not the dominance many predicted.
Ireland v Italy at Aviva Stadium.
Source: BBC
Stand-out performers
Jamie Osborne
Osborne was outstanding in a pressure environment. He carried with intent, showed real composure in possession and looked completely unfazed by the responsibility placed on him. His movement off the ball created space, his defensive work was disciplined, and he played with maturity beyond his experience. It felt like a breakthrough performance, the kind that quietly announces a player’s arrival at international level.
Ireland’s forward pack
This game was won through graft. The Irish forwards fought for territory, controlled breakdowns and refused to be bullied physically. They weren’t spectacular, but they were relentless. Their dominance in the tight exchanges is what ultimately allowed Ireland to manage the game and protect the lead late on.
Italy’s defensive structure
Italy deserve huge credit for how they defended. Their line speed, organisation and discipline made Ireland work for everything. They didn’t panic under pressure and they didn’t lose shape. This was a performance built on belief and structure, not just effort.
What’s next
Ireland now host England at Twickenham in Round 3 in a massive fixture that already feels like a momentum-defining match. Both sides will see it as a statement opportunity. Italy travel to France next, a daunting challenge, but they do so with growing confidence and nothing to lose.
Scotland v England
Final score: Scotland 31, England 20
This was the emotional centrepiece of the weekend. A Calcutta Cup clash under the lights at Murrayfield, and Scotland delivered one of their most complete performances in recent memory. The atmosphere was electric, and Scotland fed off it from the opening minutes.
England started well, but Scotland responded with intensity, composure and structure. They controlled territory, managed possession smartly and played with clarity in both attack and defence. This wasn’t chaotic rugby, it was intelligent rugby. They forced England into errors, punished indiscipline and built scoreboard pressure steadily.
England never truly found rhythm. Their structure fractured under pressure, and Scotland’s physicality disrupted their attacking flow. By the second half, the momentum had fully shifted, and Scotland looked like the side in control.
How it matched predictions
Most expected a tight contest, but few predicted such a commanding Scottish performance. This was not a lucky win or an emotional fluke. It was controlled, composed and deserved. For England, it was a reality check. For Scotland, it was a statement.
Scotland v England Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield.
Source: The Times
Stand-out performers
Huw Jones
Jones was sensational. His power through contact, timing of runs and awareness in broken play made him impossible to contain. His tries were not moments of luck, they were products of intelligent movement, physical dominance and composure under pressure. Every time Scotland needed momentum, Jones delivered it.
Scotland’s defensive unit
This was a collective masterclass. Scotland defended as a unit, not individuals. Their line stayed organised, their tackle completion was ruthless, and they suffocated England’s attacking structure. England were forced wide, forced backwards and forced into mistakes.
Finn Russell
Russell controlled the game when it mattered most. His kicking was intelligent, his game management calm, and his leadership clear. He didn’t force magic moments, he chose control and structure, and that discipline defined the outcome.
What it means
This result reshapes Scotland’s tournament. It gives them belief, confidence and momentum. For England, it introduces doubt and pressure. England now face Wales next and will view it as a must-win. Scotland head to Cardiff full of belief and momentum.
Wales v France
Final score: Wales 12, France 54
France were devastating. This was not just dominance, it was ruthless execution. From the opening phases, France controlled the game physically, tactically and psychologically. Their attack was fluid, their defence suffocating, and their confidence obvious.
Wales struggled to cope with the pace, power and structure of France’s play. Defensive gaps appeared early and never closed. France exploited space with precision, moved the ball with intelligence and punished every mistake. Despite two Welsh tries, this never felt competitive.
France looked like a team operating on a different level.
How it matched predictions
France were favourites, but the scale of the victory shocked many. Winning in Cardiff by such a margin is a statement in itself. Wales, already under pressure, now face serious structural and confidence issues. France, meanwhile, look like genuine championship frontrunners.
Wales v France at Principality Stadium for Guinness Men’s Six Nations.
Source: BBC
Stand-out performers
Matthieu Jalibert
Jalibert controlled the game beautifully. His kicking dictated territory, his distribution created space, and his decision-making was flawless. He balanced control and creativity perfectly, knowing when to manage the game and when to accelerate it. He didn’t just play well, he orchestrated everything around him.
Theo Attissogbe
Attissogbe was lethal. His pace, movement and finishing ability tore through Welsh defensive lines. He didn’t just finish tries, he created danger every time he touched the ball. His awareness and confidence made him a constant threat.
Fabien Brau-Boirie
A dream debut. Scoring on debut in a Six Nations match is special enough, but his overall performance showed confidence, composure and maturity. He played like someone who belongs at this level.
What’s next
France now sit at the top of the table with maximum points and growing confidence. They face Italy next and will see it as another opportunity to build momentum. Wales host Scotland and face another tough challenge as they search for stability and belief.
The bigger picture after Round 2
Two rounds in, the championship is already taking shape. France look like the most complete team in the tournament. Scotland look dangerous, confident and cohesive. Ireland are steady but still searching for fluency. England are under pressure to respond. Italy continue to grow in belief and structure. Wales are in serious trouble.
This Six Nations is no longer about tradition or reputation. It’s about momentum, identity and execution. Teams that adapt will thrive. Teams that don’t will fall behind quickly.
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