The past weekend hailed the start of the international rugby season in the northern hemisphere as the RBS Six Nations kicked off. The English premier league is heating up and England is on top in their tour to South Africa. Here is a brief weekend wrap.

Rugby

The start of the Six Nations over the weekend produced some bruising rugby, with tight games and typically test match rugby. In the opening match France fought off a brave Italy to win with a late penalty, the final score 23-21. While Eddie Jones coaching debut for England started well with a solid 15-9 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

The match of the weekend was Ireland versus Wales. Ireland let a 13 point lead slip as Wales fought back to share the points in a 16 all draw in Dublin. South African born CJ Stander, on debut for Ireland was impressive with 23 carries and 11 tackles, earning him man of the match.

Many pundits have Wales as favourites to win the Six nations. Bet on Six Nation Rugby here.

six-nations-results

Soccer

Arsenal got their title race back on track as they beat Bournemouth 2-0, thanks to goals from Ozil and Oxlade-Chamberlain. Arsenal are now tied for second with Tottenham Hotspur five behind top of the log, Leicester City.

In other results Chelsea scored in stoppage time to draw 1-1 with Manchester United. Van Gaal is increasingly under pressure as the multiple time champions are still 6 points below the top four with rumours of Jose Mourihno being linked to the job.

Cricket

The Proteas stumbled to another loss against England on Saturday. The Proteas batted first on a difficult slow pitch and posted a competitive 262/7 in their 50 overs, with AB de Villiers top scoring with 73. The match was in the balance for most of the England innings but thanks to an impressive 99 by Hales and then a superb display of aggressive cricket by Jos Buttler, 48 not out off 28 balls, the visitors comfortably reached the target with 3 overs still to come. England lead the 5 match series 2-0.

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