George North responded to criticism from his own coaches by scoring two tries for Wales in a 22-9 win over Ireland in rugby's Six Nations on Friday (Saturday AEDT), handing England the chance to clinch the title with a game to spare.

Dylan Hartley, the England captain, has admitted that he was initially "confused" and then "at fault" for not dealing with Italy's unexpected no-ruck strategy in Sunday's Six Nations game at Twickenham.

World Rugby is to consider whether it needs to review the laws ­governing the breakdown following Sunday's controversial Six ­Nations match between England and Italy at Twickenham.

England coach Eddie Jones launched an extraordinary attack on Italy's innovative breakdown tactics in Sunday's Six Nations clash, saying "that's not rugby" and that the fans should get their money back.

Ireland overcame a stubborn France side 19-9 on Saturday to move top of the Six Nations standings and stay on course for a possible title showdown against defending champions England.

England remain on course for back-to-back Six Nations grand slams after a ragged 36-15 victory over Italy on Sunday.

Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell shone as Scotland staged a rousing comeback to beat Wales for the first time in 10 years in an absorbing 29-13 Six Nations victory at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Ben Te'o will make his first international start after being named at outside-centre for England in Sunday's Six Nations clash against Italy at Twickenham, one of four changes to the team that beat Wales two weeks ago.

Elliot Daly's try four minutes from time gave champions England a 21-16 victory over Wales in a pulsating Six Nations clash played at relentless speed amid an amazing atmosphere at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Italy coach Conor O'Shea fended off suggestions on Saturday that his team were out of their depth in the Six Nations and said the tournament's experiment with attacking bonus-points encouraged opponents to "go for the jugular" this year.

Eddie Jones has been psychologically "cuddling" his England rugby players in anticipation of the renewal of a special rivalry against Wales.

Wales overcame a poor start to cruch Italy 33-7 in their opening Six Nations encounter in Rome on Sunday.

Wallabies you've been warned: Eddie Jones says he will pick an England squad to tour Australia that's equipped to "play Bodyline".

Eddie Jones' England side have been crowned Six Nations champions with one round of matches remaining following France's 29-18 defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield.

Ireland have run in nine tries in a 58-15 rout of Italy to register their first win in this season's Six Nations.

Eddie Jones has England one win away from first grand slam since 2003.

A hat-trick of tries by centre Jonathan Joseph and a storming second-half performance swept a stuttering England to a 40-9 victory over Italy on Sunday.

Six Nations champions Ireland have opened up their defence with a pulsating 16-16 draw against Wales.

Gritty victory against Scotland in Edinburgh displayed a winning mentality that was often often lacking under predecessor Stuart Lancaster.