FLASHBACK

2008 REVIEW

condemned them to joint bottom. Scotland only scored three tries in 100 minutes of possession during the tournament, conceding thirteen. A succession of elementary mistakes, bad luck and poor performances from key decision makers resulted in a miserable Six Nations.

Italy were unlucky to be laboured with the dreaded wooden spoon as they continued to grow in strength and stature as a top level rugby playing nation. The highlight of their campaign was their only win – a second successive victory over Scotland – and with the exception of a near whitewash in Cardiff they never lost by more than twelve points. They subdued England in Rome and came close to salvaging a win after a converted try put them just four points behind with three minutes remaining. England survived but it was a clear sign that Italy’s two �

THE HITMEN

LEADING TRY SCORERS

Above Danny

Cipriani was given his first international start at home to

Ireland in England’s final game and responded with a Man of the

Match performance

TRIES NAME

PLD TEAM

6

Shane Williams

5 Wales

5

Vincent Clerc

5 France

3

5 Wales Martin Castrogiovanni 5

Italy

Lee Byrne

Paul Sackey

5 England

2

Tommy Bowe

3 Ireland

Toby Flood

5 England Robert Kearney

5 Ireland David Wallace

5 Ireland

126 / CLASSIC SPORTS SERIES