The Six Nations Championship, a revered annual competition in European rugby, has witnessed its fair share of exhilarating encounters, with teams displaying remarkable prowess and scoring prowess. As we delve into the archives, we uncover the top 5 highest-scoring Six Nations games of all time. From historic clashes to modern-day thrillers, these matches have left an indelible mark on the Six Nation’s rich history.
Top 5 Highest Scoring Six Nations Games
The Six Nations Championship has witnessed its fair share of high-octane clashes, where teams battled fiercely, resulting in a flurry of points on the scoreboard. From England’s record-breaking triumph over Italy in 2001 to Wales’ commanding displays in recent years, these Top 5 Highest Scoring Six Nations Games showcase the thrilling and dynamic nature of rugby in this prestigious tournament. Each match stands as a testament to the teams’ attacking prowess and the excitement that unfolds on the hallowed grounds of European rugby.
1. England 80-23 Italy (2001): A Record-breaking Triumph
In the annals of Six Nations history, England’s resounding victory over Italy in 2001 stands as a testament to their dominance. This monumental clash, marked by a staggering 103 points, showcased England’s prowess during the era of legends like Jonny Wilkinson and Lawrence Dallaglio. Wilkinson’s sublime performance, contributing nine conversions and four penalties, highlighted the Red Rose’s superiority. With 10 tries, including braces from Iain Balshaw and Austin Healey, England left an enduring mark on the scoreboard. Italy, resilient but overpowered, managed to breach England’s defense with tries from Carlo Checchinato and Dennis Delan.
2. England 55-35 France (2015): Twickenham’s Entertaining Spectacle
Twickenham, the hallowed ground of English rugby, witnessed a spectacular clash between England and France in 2015. This enthralling encounter, totaling 90 points, showcased the attacking prowess of both teams. George Ford emerged as the linchpin for England, amassing 25 points through a try, seven conversions, and two penalties. Ben Youngs and Jack Nowell’s brace of tries added to the spectacle. France, refusing to be outdone, contributed to the high-scoring affair with tries from Sebastien Tillous-Borde, Noa Nakaitaci, and Vincent Debaty.
3. England 61-21 Scotland (2017): Joseph’s Hat-trick Seals Dominant Victory
In 2017, England asserted their supremacy with an emphatic 61-21 victory over Scotland at Twickenham. Jonathan Joseph’s dazzling hat-trick, coupled with Danny Care’s double, underscored England’s attacking prowess. Owen Farrell orchestrated proceedings, accumulating 26 points through conversions and penalties. Despite Scotland’s efforts with tries from Huw Jones and Gordon Reid, this encounter highlighted England’s relentless dominance on home turf.
4. Italy 20-61 Wales (2015): Wales’ Commanding Display in Rome
Wales demonstrated their superiority in the 2015 Six Nations clash against Italy in Rome, resulting in a commanding 61-20 victory. George North’s spectacular hat-trick and Dan Biggar’s precision kicking underscored Wales’ attacking flair. Despite Italy’s Giovanbattista Venditti and Leonardo Sarto contributing tries, Warren Gatland’s side exhibited their class, securing eight tries in total.
5. Wales 67-14 Italy (2016): Cardiff’s Try-fest
Cardiff played host to a try-fest in 2016 as Wales overwhelmed Italy with a dominant 67-14 victory. Recording nine tries, including a brace from Ross Moriarty, Wales showcased their attacking prowess. Rhys Webb, Dan Biggar, Jamie Roberts, George North, and Gareth Davies all left their mark on the scoreboard. Italy, valiant but outmatched, faced a relentless offensive onslaught from the Welsh side.
Suggested Read: 6 Predictions for the Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2024 Championship
Summing it Up!
The Six Nations, steeped in history and tradition, has provided rugby enthusiasts with memorable moments, and these high-scoring encounters have etched their names into the tournament’s legacy. From England’s record-breaking triumph over Italy in 2001 to Wales’ try-fests in recent years, these games exemplify the exhilarating nature of Six Nations rugby, where every point tells a story of skill, strategy, and determination on the hallowed grounds of Europe.
