Inspired Italy claim historic win over England

England suffered a historic first defeat to Italy with a 23-18 collapse at the Stadio Olimpico raising the grim prospect of falling to their worst Six Nations finish. An 18-10 lead built through tries from Tommy Freeman and Tom Roebuck and the boot of Fin Smith crumbled in the third quarter when Paolo Garbisi turned the tide by landing two penalties. Italy then took advantage of Sam Underhill and Maro Itoje being sent to the sin-bin to strike the decisive blow when Leonardo Marin finished a thrilling try down the left touchline.

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Seven try Scotland stun France ending Grand Slam hopes

Rampant Scotland annihilated French Grand Slam dreams with a stunning seven-try victory at Murrayfield that blew the Six Nations championship wide open. In a staggering contest of 13 tries and 90 points, Gregor Townsend’s men were astonishing in every way until a madcap endgame that saw France run in a battery of tries. The Scots landed seven scores and a half century of points against the previously imperious but now seriously beleaguered French.

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Ireland survive Wales scare to keep title hopes alive

Ireland kept alive their slim hopes of reclaiming the Six Nations title with a bonus-point victory over spirited Wales in Dublin. A fortnight on from dismantling England in ruthless fashion, Ireland were prevented from producing another statement performance by a hard-hitting Wales team who were chasing a first championship win since 2023. Andy Farrell’s home side ultimately dug deep to pick up the five points they needed, with tries from Jacob Stockdale, Jack Crowley, Jack Conan and Jamie Osborne.

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Arsenal fend off 10 man Chelsea to restore five-point lead

Arsenal passed a major examination of their Premier League title credentials after Jurrien Timber and William Saliba both scored from corners in a 2-1 win over 10-man Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. A week after they thumped Tottenham, Arsenal recorded another pivotal triumph to restore their five-point advantage over Manchester City, albeit having played a game more. Saliba sent the hosts on their way midway through the first half when he converted Bukayo Saka’s corner, only for Piero Hincapie to put through his own net in first-half stoppage time.

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Semenyo strike sees City edge Leeds closing gap at the top

Antoine Semenyo scored just before half-time as title-chasing Manchester City escaped Elland Road with victory over an energetic Leeds United. The hard-earned outcome narrowed Arsenal’s lead to two points at the top of the Premier League. City travelled to West Yorkshire without their Leeds-born star striker Erling Haaland who was injured in training, and it looked for large periods in the first half that they would rue not having their top goalscorer available.

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