Box office Feyi-Waboso and Garbisi’s redemption – Six Nations talking points

There were some shock results over the weekend.

There were wins for Italy, England and France in an enthralling round four of the Guinness Six Nations that ensures there will be something at stake in all three final games of the tournament.

Here the PA news agency examines five things learned from the weekend.

A star is born

England celebrate — Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, second left, is a star in the making for England (Mike Egerton/PA)

Mission impossible?

The reason why no team has won back-to-back Grand Slams in the Six Nations era was laid bare at Twickenham where Ireland’s expected procession to the greatest prize in European rugby ended in despair. Even a team of the quality of Andy Farrell’s men – who are quite possibly the best in the world despite South Africa retaining the World Cup last autumn – will meet insurmountable roadblocks in such a demanding tournament. On Saturday it came in the shape of an England side whose game clicked into place, providing the ammunition to match their resolve after being taken apart by Scotland. Completing successive Grand Slams remains the Holy Grail in this hemisphere.

Garbisi’s redemption

Paolo Garbisi kicked the decisive penalty against Scotland (Mike Egerton/PA)

Riding the Scotland rollercoaster

Scotland have flattered to deceive once again (Adam Davy/PA)

Wooden spoon shootout

These are grim times for Wales who were overpowered 45-24 by France at the Principality Stadium to set up a wooden-spoon decider against Italy at the same venue on Saturday. And all the momentum is with the Azzurri having drawn with France in a game they should have won before stunning Scotland. Wales have not finished bottom of the Six Nations since 2003 when Steve Hansen was in charge and their young players are undergoing a baptism of fire as they learn on the hoof what it means to play at Test level. Spirited but outclassed, it could get worse before it gets better.