Has the Destination of the Six Nations Trophy Already Been Decided?

The opening weekend of Six Nations fixtures is always an intense cauldron of conflict; crunching tackles at break-neck speed are commonplace. Last weekends events were no different and rugby fans witnessed the three bookmakers favourites (reigning champions France, runners-up Ireland and a resurgent England) draw first blood.

Ireland battled to a 10-12 victory over Italy, with Ronan O’Gara dramatically kicking a late drop goal to secure the points in Rome. Two tries from Chris Ashton took England to a vital 19-26 away win against Wales in Cardiff, casting Warren Gatland’s future as coach of the national team into doubt. In typically stylish fashion, France defeated a spirited Scotland 34-21 to wrap up an intriguing set of fixtures.

With the three favourites already monopolizing the top end of the table, has the destination of the Six Nations trophy already been narrowed to London, Dublin or Paris?

Scotland impressed and disappointed in equal measure; scoring three tries at the Stade de France is a terrific achievement, even if they proved fatally susceptible to counter attacking rugby from the break down.

Italy’s emergence as a force in Six Nations rugby culminated in their most impressive opening performance. Ireland relied on all-time leading points scorer Ronan O’Gara to subdue the resilient Italians, with a last-ditch drop-goal agonizingly snatching the points from the Azzurri.

England recorded perhaps the most important victory; sealing an impressive win over Wales in Cardiff for the first time since 2003. England now face the prospect of three consecutive home games against Italy, France and Scotland before their final fixture at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

With Ireland failing to convince, there are mutterings that England’s clash with France at Twickenham could be a Six Nations decider. Of course, such a notion seems too early to predict – but would the sensible money be with the two in-form teams?

After testing the waters in the opening weekend, round two will offer us a more complete picture of the genuine title contenders. Will Italy display the same resistance outside of the comfort of Rome, or will Twickenham prove too hostile for the underdogs to handle?

Can Ireland use home advantage to overcome the reigning champions, or will France’s flair and creativity set up a potential winner-takes-all against Martin Johnson’s men?

Can Wales bounce back from a disappointing first match to register victory over a resurgent Scotland? We want you to tell us.

Let us know your thoughts.