Champagne moments from the first round of Six Nations

By Brian Dick on Feb 10, 09 11:15 AM in Rugby

I have to say even having invested 12 hours of my life getting to and from Twickenham to watch a dire England performance and seen Scotland turn in a shambolic first half display that would have discredited Mauro Bergamasco - it's great to have sport's finest tournament back.

And if the next round is anything like the last, we're in for a shed-load more treats.

I can't wait to go to Cardiff this weekend for the next instalment of what will probably be another Welsh procession. Not that I begrudge it one little bit.

The sight of France ripping the Boys in Blue to shreds will be pretty scintillating too and one can only wonder what Ireland will do to Italy if they play anything like.

But let's reflect awhile. Here are my five highlights of the first weekend. Feel free to add yours.

Act of BO'D
Brian O'Driscoll doing what he does best, smashing Lionel Beauxis to pieces with a bone-jarring tackle and then slicing past the French fly half moments later for the sort of try that gives all British Lions supporters hope for the summer.

Tear Jerk
The sight of Geoff Cross struggling to hold back the tears of national pride as Flower of Scotland echoed eerily around Murrayfield. He made the same face as my three-year-old daughter when she's been told she can't have chocolate.
Sadly his ridiculous challenge on Lee Byrne soured what should have been a wonderful occasion.

Seabass bites back
Sebastien Chabal looked a shadow of himself playing for Sale against Worcester a couple of weeks ago and trudged disconsolately off the pitch after injuring his shoulder in the first half.
So to see him charge through the Ireland defence, Rob Kearney give him the sideline and then for the huge lock to outpace one of Ireland's bright young things was a marvel to behold. Inside we all love a typical Chabal Charge.

The other side of Shane Williams
We all know about the weaves through midfield and the impudent tries but to Williams popped up as much at scrum half when Wales needed him as he did on the wing.
He scored once more but it was his back-of-the-hand off-load for Leigh Halfpenny's try that most stood out.

That's for you Bruv
Mirco Bergamaso almost exploded with a mixture of fury and delight when he scored against England.
It was a try for his brother Mauro who had been wronged by Nick Mallett by being asked to play out of position at scrum half.