The 2025 Six Nations is off and running after an action-packed first round of fixtures. Sky Sports assesses the victories for Ireland and Scotland, and alarmingly familiar defeats for England and Wales..
. Ireland belatedly rediscover mojo but questions remain at No 10 For the first half of Saturday's win over England, Ireland's attack looked flustered, rushed and lacking so much in accuracy it was hard to believe this was the same side who had won the last two Six Nations championships. The major selection talking point in Ireland heading into this one was who interim head coach Simon Easterby would select at fly-half: last year's starter in the victorious championship campaign Jack Crowley or the new kid on the block in Sam Prendergast.
November had seen Prendergast chosen by Andy Farrell to start against Australia, but Crowley emerged off the bench to play a major role in turning things around to win that Test. In the end, Prendergast was a surprise pick to start against England and it proved the wrong call in a display really lacking in quality. Most of the occasions he received the ball he kicked possession away, kicked aimlessly and far too long - putting his own side under pressure - while he missed twice off the tee in terms of conversions - the first a particularly poor strike.
Crowley came on in the 58th minute in Dublin and Ireland immediately looked more settled and into their flow. Even England head coach Steve Borthwick commented on it at the post-match press con.