Graded: Every Six Nations Team After the First Two Weeks

RUCK’s 2023 Six Nations content powered by ISUZU.

World Rugby's Number One ranked side have certainly been meeting expectations so far in the Six Nations. Ireland began their campaign strongly, with a 10-34 away win in Cardiff. Wales were a beaten side after just 25 minutes, with first half tries from Caelan Doris, James Ryan and James Lowe. 12 additional first half points from the boot of Jonny Sexton established a healthy first half lead, which Ireland built upon in the second 40 minutes.

Hints of a Welsh comeback never fully took off, despite their best attempts. Liam Williams found a break-through scoring Wales' consolation try, yet Ireland were just far too dominant in the collision. Ireland's second round fixture against France was seen by many as an early Six Nations decider. Andy Farrell's men were not fazed by the grand occasion and took the fight directly to France. Les Bleus were still stunned from narrowly avoiding defeat to Italy, and were eventually overrun by the likes of Garry Ringrose, Hugo Keenan and a dramatic photo-finish try from James Lowe.

Ireland look unbeatable, and are on track to win the Grand Slam, and an upcoming first ever Rugby World Cup.

The reigning Six Nations Champions entered this years' competition with high expectations, and as joint favourites along with Ireland. However, France have not had the straight-forward path to back-to-back titles that they were hoping for, as they were taken to the wire by Italy, and beaten by Ireland in a thriller at the Aviva.

There has been sparks of the famed 'jouer' flair, with Damian Penaud's stunning try against Ireland being replayed time and again. Antoine Dupont has been pulling off a reserved version of his usual tricks, as France are not playing with the same confidence and swagger which beat South Africa and New Zealand last Autumn. Italy should have beaten France, and deep down Fabien Galthie and his men know that it was a lucky escape. The match against the 'Azzurri' left France in shock, and they will need to bounce back from Irish defeat if they want to salvage this Six Nations.

Humbled by Italy and overrun by Ireland, France need to re-find their top form to finish strong in the coming weeks.

Scotland once again took the Calcutta Cup back up north of the border, after a third consecutive victory over England. They have started the 2023 Six Nations on fire, and look to be the dark horse contenders to take on Ireland for the title. Finn Russell has been excellent for his country, taking a shining role in Scotland's wins over England and Wales. The Fly Half looks on track to battle Ireland's Caelan Doris for a 'Player of the Six Nations Award'.

Duhan van der Merwe was at his best for England, dismantling the defence and scoring two world-class tries. Kyle Steyn took up the mantle against Wales, with a second half brace that took the match out of sight. An incredibly positive start for Scotland, Gregor Townsend's men need to keep this momentum going as they travel to Paris on Sunday 26th February.

A true unified team, with stars playing at their best throughout. Stuart Hogg's injury may cause some slight issues, but Townsend has the depth in the squad to overcome it.

It has been a 50% start for the Steve Borthwick era, as England lost their opening Six Nations match to Scotland, yet re-found their form in the round two win over Italy. After the opening round loss, their was intense debate around England's fly half position, as Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith struggled to connect, with the Saracen playing in the centre.

Borthwick dropped Smith to the bench for the match against Italy, and England secured the win. However, this is by no means a definitive science, as Italy did not replicate their red-hot performance against France. Confidence will be building around Pennyhill Park, as Borthwick managed to secure his first win in charge. Following this up with an away win in Cardiff would be the perfect outcome.

A narrow loss to a superb Scotland team, and beating Italy who weren't at their best. A middle of the road start for England.

Italy almost pulled off one of the greatest ever Six Nations upsets, as they narrowly lost to France on the opening weekend. An inspired performance from the Italians, led by the boot of Tommaso Allan, the underdogs led France for large sections of the match. An eventual 24-29 defeat in Rome, ensured that Italy took away a losing bonus point, in what was expected to be a one-sided thrashing in favour of France.

Italy's latest generation of players are capturing the attention of the rugby world, with Italy putting the Six Nations sides on notice that they will not be overlooked. Fullback Ange Capuozzo is the latest Azzurri star to break out onto the international stage, and is causing defenders headaches every time he gets the ball. However, England were able to withstand Italy's unpredictability in round two, and secured a comfortable 31-14 win at Twickenham.

Outstanding against France, yet faltering at Twickenham. Italy could still pull off an upset victory in the coming weeks.

Underperforming for their standards, Wales need to turn their Six Nations campaign around. The warning signs are there, and back-to-back defeats to Italy might be on the horizon if Warren Gatland's men don't re-strategize soon. Two defeats from their opening two matches, Wales first felt the might of Ireland. Despite their efforts to spark creative second half attacks, their was a noticeable gulf in class between the two sides.

Next came Scotland, and again Wales failed to ever hit top gear. Gatland decided to drop his reliable Welsh legends for thje trip to Murrayfield, as Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tiperic and Tualupe Faletau were all replaced in favour of youthful aggression. However, Wales' internationally inexperienced players were unable to stay in the fight against Scotland.

Wales need to utilise this week off, and return stronger if they want to avoid the wooden spoon.