It was another enjoyable weekend of Six Nations rugby as England savoured ‘Le Crunch’, Wales took a step towards the Grand Slam and Ireland climbed the table.

But, what do the numbers tell us about the three enthralling encounters?

We take a dive into the stats to find out…

Itoje puts seal on England victory as May and Watson shine

Maro Itoje proved to be England’s match-winner at Twickenham, burrowing over from close range and just managing to dot the ball down as several blue hands attempted to hold it up.

Following a difficult day in Cardiff two weeks ago, it was a fitting end to an exemplary performance from the second-row. 

Aside from his try, Itoje was at his competitive best in defence, where he contributed 10 tackles, two of which were dominant. Owen Farrell (11) was the only Englishman to make more tackles than Itoje on Saturday.

England’s first try was scored by Anthony Watson, who put in a Player of the Match performance, making 76 metres from only eight carries. But, those numbers pale in comparison to team-mate Jonny May who made a stunning 123 metres from 12 carries — 10.25m per carry.

France head coach Fabien Galthié will wonder what might have been as Les Bleus’ Grand Slam hopes evaporated in a matter of minutes at the end of the match.

However, the numbers from the match suggest the French defence was under some strain at Twickenham. Les Bleus made 172 tackles to England’s 119 — 18 of which were made by Paul Willemse.

Welsh backs run wild in Rome as Owens notches try double

It’s fair to say that Wales enjoyed themselves on a sunny spring day in Rome on Saturday, as they ran in seven tries and had two more disallowed.

Three Welshman made more than 100 metres with ball in hand at the Stadio Olimpico. Josh Adams, who scored his side’s opening try, made 101m, while George North covered 122m in just 45 minutes on the pitch.

North has now scored 22 Championship tries, equalling Shane Williams’ Welsh record. Louis Rees-Zammit, meanwhile, has crossed four times in as many Six Nations 2021 matches and his intercept in Rome helped him amass 157m from just nine carries.

Having waited four years, two months and 17 days to score his fourth test try, Wales hooker Ken Owens needed a mere nine minutes in Rome to notch his fifth. Owens profited from two lineout drives to touch down, although he had plenty to do to finish his second.

Italy flanker Sebastien Negri did his best to take the game to Wales, finishing the match having made 88 metres with ball in hand, from 21 bruising carries. He also made 13 tackles, more than any other Italian.

Hot-stepper Furlong helps Ireland to back-to-back wins

Ireland tight-head Tadhg Furlong became the toast of social media on Sunday with a double side-step that was worthy of the most elegant playmakers.

It was part of a stunning performance in which the prop made 43 metres from seven carries, while contributing to defence with eight tackles and a turnover.

Furlong’s team-mate CJ Stander made more metres than any other player in green, clocking up 93m from 17 carries. James Lowe, who made 81m in Edinburgh, has amassed more metres than any other player in this year’s Championship with 435m — 72m more than his closest rival.

Scotland’s biggest threat with ball in hand was once again Duhan van der Merwe, who finished the match with 98m from 10 carries.

The hosts suffered injuries to key players in the second half. Finn Russell was replaced following a HIA, while both second-rows, Scott Cummings and Jonny Gray — who made 18 tackles in just 55 minutes on the pitch — departed midway through the second period.

With Scotland’s forward reserves already used up, Cummings’ departure meant that replacement scrum-half Scott Steele was required to pack down in the back-row for the final 14 minutes of the contest. 

Steele coped well in unfamiliar surroundings and made one tackle in defence as Scotland almost clawed their way back into the match.

READ MORE: Julie Paterson: “It’s brave of the Six Nations to appoint a woman as Director of Rugby” >>