Six Nations talking points: 'Ruthless' Ireland make statement

Ireland launched their bid for successive Grand Slams with an impressive triumph away to France, sparking an exciting first round of Six Nations action as England edged out Italy and Scotland survived a thrilling fightback by Wales to end along wait for a win in Cardiff.

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AFP Sport looks at some of the key talking points that emerged from the opening weekend and their implications for the rest of the Championship.

Crowley a worthy successor to Sexton

Ireland were unable to rely on Johnny Sexton to dictate play following the veteran fly-half's international retirement, but a hostile atmosphere in Marseille did not faze his heir to the No 10 green shirt, Jack Crowley.

Crowley had a relatively easy ride behind a dominant pack, who benefitted from the 32nd-minute sending-off of France lock Paul Willemse but displayed a coolness that bodes well for Ireland's prospects.

The Munster stand-off converted all five tries, and kicked a penalty, as Ireland won 38-17 in a match billed as the World Cup final that should have been, after both teams suffered agonising elimination at the quarter-final stage.

"It wasn't all singing, all dancing. But we were pretty ruthless when we needed to be," said Ireland coach Andy Farrell.

England a work in progress

England boss Steve Borthwick said his side have plenty to work on for their upcoming clash with Wales at Twickenham after being taken all the way by Italy in Saturday's tight 27-24 win in Rome.

Three points is England's narrowest margin of victory in their 31 consecutive wins over Italy. An inexperienced team with a host of new faces were left with food for thought as they try to win the Six Nations for the first time since 2020.

England,