Travel back to the 2010 Six Nations Championship right here at RugbyPass. Our rugby gurus have analysed the campaigns of every team, from France’s spectacular Grand Slam to Ireland’s second-place finish.
Are you ready to relive the highs and lows of the Six Nations 2010? Whether you want to read a quick summary or delve into every encounter, scroll below to explore our comprehensive review.
2010 Six Nations Stats: Who Won the Six Nations 2010?
Six Nations 2010 Winner: France
The 2010 Six Nations kicked off on Saturday 6 February and concluded on Saturday 20 March. It was the 11th annual Six Nations tournament and the 116th iteration of the Championship – the original Home Championship took place in 1883.
As the reigning Grand Slam champions, Ireland were hoping to pull off another clean sweep. However, the men in green were not as lucky this time around. Following a crushing defeat against France and a surprise loss against Scotland, Ireland were left in second place.
While Ireland endured disappointment, France beat all of their opponents and claimed one of rugby’s ultimate prizes: the Grand Slam. In total, the 2010 Six Nations was France’s 17th Championship title and their ninth Grand Slam.
In terms of the tournament’s top players, Irish and Welsh names topped the stats. Stephen Jones was the top point scorer with 63 points and Tommy Bowe was named as the 2010 Six Nations Player of the Tournament. Additionally, four players shared the accolade of top try scorer: Keith Earls, Tommy Bowe, James Hook and Shane Williams each scored three tries apiece.
Round One Review
Match one: Ireland 29-11 Italy (Croke Park, Dublin)
Match two: England 30-17 Wales (Twickenham Stadium, London)
Match three: Scotland 9-18 France (Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh)
The Six Nations 2010 opened with a comprehensive win for Ireland. With 16 points booted by Ronan O’Gara, the defending champions saw off Italy 29-11.
Next, England produced a fantastic first result against Wales. Highlights of the match included a brace from James Haskell and a last-gasp penalty from the boot of Jonny Wilkinson.
England won this game while wearing a special kit. The jersey was inspired by the first international ever played at Twickenham: a 1910 clash between England and Wales. Just like 2010, England emerged as the victors.
Round one closed with a victory for France. Les Bleus scored the bulk of their points in the first half, including two tries from Mathieu Bastareaud. They successfully held Scotland at bay during the second half and beat the Scots 18-9 at Murrayfield.
Round Two Review
Match one: Wales 31-24 Scotland (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff)
Match two: France 33-10 Ireland (Stade de France, Saint-Denis)
Match three: Italy 12-17 England (Stadio Flaminio, Rome)
The second round of the 2010 Six Nations started with a close encounter: Wales’ 31-24 victory over Scotland. After trailing, Wales clinched the win with two last-gasp tries and a penalty.
This was a devastating outcome for the Scots who were defeated at the final hurdle. Additionally, this match saw the end of Chris Paterson’s phenomenal Six Nations kicking streak. In total, Paterson successfully converted 35 consecutive kicks at goal from 2007 to 2010.
Wales’ dramatic win was followed by France’s landslide victory. With 15 points from Morgan Parra’s boot, they overpowered Ireland 33-10. As a result of this loss, Ireland could no longer claim successive Grand Slams.
The round ended with a shaky performance from England. With two missed penalties from Jonny Wilkinson, England produced a slim 17-12 win against Italy. This also ended Wilkinson’s personal record for consecutive penalty kicks made at international level, which dated back to 2003.
Round Three Review
Match one: Wales 20-26 France (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff)
Match two: Italy 16-12 Scotland (Stadio Flaminio, Rome)
Match three: England 16-20 Ireland (Twickenham Stadium, London)
Round three featured France’s third win of the tournament. Les Bleus finished the first half on top and they held their nerve during the second. Although Wales attempted a comeback, two late penalties from France secured their 26-20 victory.
Next, Italy produced their only win of the 2010 Six Nations. After two early penalties from Mirco Bergamasco, it was a try from Pablo Canavosio that won the match. In contrast, Scotland failed to cross the line and Dan Parks kicked all of their 12 points.
England endured further disappointment in their third match of the tournament. There were missed opportunities on both sides, with Jonny Wilkinson missing 15 points and Johnny Sexton missing six. It was these blunders – and a late second try from Tommy Bowe – that led to England’s 16-20 loss.
This was also a major milestone for legendary Irish prop John Hayes, who became the first Irish player to reach 100 caps.
Round Four Review
Match one: Ireland 27-12 Wales (Croke Park, Dublin)
Match two: Scotland 15-15 England (Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh)
Match three: France 46-20 Italy (Stade de France, Saint-Denis)
Round four of the Six Nations 2010 saw Brian O’Driscoll secure his 100th cap. It was also a stunning outcome for the Irish squad who surged past Wales 27-12. Highlights of the match included a brace from Keith Earls.
Jonny Wilkinson returned to form for England’s next match against Scotland. But, despite him kicking three penalties from three, the match ended in a tense 15-15 draw.
Next, France’s David Marty laid the foundations for the Grand Slam. With two first-half tries, Marty inspired Les Bleus who claimed a rousing six-try 46-20 victory.
Round Five Review
Match one: Wales 33-10 Italy (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff)
Match two: Ireland 20-23 Scotland (Croke Park, Dublin)
Match three: France 12-10 England (Stade de France, Saint-Denis)
Super Saturday of the 2010 Six Nations delivered drama from start to finish.
After losses against England, France and Ireland, Wales clawed their way into fourth place. It was a masterful display that saw James Hook cross the line twice in the space of five minutes. This 33-10 result also featured Wales’ youngest test cap: Tom Prydie made his debut at the age of 18 years and 25 days.
The second encounter compounded Ireland’s defeat. As well as failing to retain the title, Dan Parks’ last gasp penalty denied Ireland the Triple Crown. This win saved Scotland from their third wooden spoon. It also handed France the title.
With their 17th Championship secured, France were within touching distance of the Grand Slam. It was an electrifying final, with François Trinh-Duc landing a drop-goal just three minutes in. Three minutes later, Ben Foden responded by scoring the only try of the match.
France led 12-7 at half time and despite a second-half penalty by Jonny Wilkinson, Les Bleus prevailed. They beat England 12-10 and claimed the Grand Slam.
Six Nations Table 2010
Here are the Six Nations results from 2010:
Team | Won | Lost | Drawn | Points Difference | Tries For | Total Points |
France | 5 | 0 | 0 | +66 | 13 | 10 |
Ireland | 3 | 2 | 0 | +11 | 11 | 6 |
England | 2 | 2 | 1 | +12 | 6 | 5 |
Wales | 2 | 3 | 0 | -4 | 10 | 4 |
Scotland | 1 | 3 | 1 | -17 | 3 | 3 |
Italy | 1 | 4 | 0 | -68 | 5 | 2 |
The 2010 Six Nations produced glory for one team and frustration for the rest. As the defending champions, Ireland’s disastrous campaign concluded with two losses. It was a similar story for Wales and England, who both suffered disappointing campaigns.
France achieved their first Grand Slam since 2004. This was their third Grand Slam in the current format and their ninth overall. However, Les Bleus would have to wait until 2022 to claim their next Grand Slam.
