Battling underdogs turn Six Nations on its ear

Frenchman Damien Traille feels the Scottish fury. Picture / Reuters

LONDON - England were beaten for the seventh time in 12 matches since being crowned world champions and titleholders France almost lost as Wales and Scotland gave Europe's rugby elite a big scare in the Six Nations yesterday.

The Welsh beat England 11-9, their first win in Cardiff since 1993, and France scraped a controversial 16-9 victory over the Scots in Paris.

A Six Nations tournament expected to be the most open for years could turn into a Celtic feast with Ireland, who meet Italy in Rome today, already favoured to end a title drought dating back 20 years.

Yesterday's matches featured two fast-maturing players who should force Clive Woodward to include them in his Lions squad to tour New Zealand.

Welsh centre Gavin Henson, who stroked a winning penalty from 40m as a record 74,197 home crowd roared Wales to victory at the Millennium Stadium, and Scotland halfback Chris Cusiter were men-of-the-match in their respective games.

Henson helped Wales make a fine start against England with a try by wing Shane Williams in the 10th minute following a sweeping movement across to one corner and back to the other.

First five-eighths Stephen Jones kicked a penalty and Wales changed ends 8-3 in front.

Jones' opposite number Charlie Hodgson looked to have saved England's bacon when he gave them the lead for the first time with his third penalty 10 minutes from time.

But England had not reckoned on Henson, who had been practising long-range kicking all week and was confident he would score as soon as the chance arose. It did with four minutes to go.

"I was really positive, I knew I was going to kick it," said the 23-year-old. "I've been kicking them all week."

Wales, who narrowly lost to South Africa and New Zealand in November, could build on their victory, said coach Mike Ruddock.

England's Andy Robinson, on his Six Nations debut as coach, blamed slow ball and mistakes for the defeat.

"There was a lack of rhythm," he said.

"When we did speed it up we looked dangerous. "

He had hoped for more, despite the absence through injury of experienced centres Will Greenwood and Mike Tindall, after his new-look team's promising win over the Springboks and narrow loss to Australia at Twickenham in November.

The French were lucky not to suffer the same fate as England, with controversial decisions that angered Scotland coach Matt Williams turning the match their way in the final minutes after the Scots led for most of the game.

With 12 minutes to go, No 8 Allister Hogg broke down the right wing and touched down in the corner only to have the try disallowed for stepping into touch on the way, a doubtful decision according to television replays.

"We didn't deserve to be robbed blind like that," said Williams. "It was terrible, terrible decisions that cost us the game."

France were level at that stage, having clawed back with two penalties by first five-eighths Yann Delaigue early in the second half and a drop goal three minutes earlier.

Scotland were reduced to 14 men with the sinbinning of flanker Jon Petrie as France, who had crushed Scotland 30-3, 51-9 and 31-0 in their last three encounters, pushed to save the match.

They did with two minutes left when Damien Traille charged down Hugo Southwell's kick to touch down and substitute first five Frederic Michalak converted.

It was France's Bernard Laporte, however, rather than Williams who was talking about a lot of hard work ahead for his team and a number of changes for next weekend's visit to Twickenham to face England.

- REUTERS