After all the drama surrounding team selections, squad announcements and even refereeing appointments, the small matter of the actual games of Six Nations rugby take place this weekend. We’re looking forward to it. Now for the bit where we put ourselves in the firing line and predict what will happen.
Scotland v England
We hummed and we hawed. We saw the England squad and thought they couldn’t possibly win. Then we saw the Scotland team, with Dan Parks at 10, and thought they couldn’t possibly win. Then we cried for a bit thinking about the two hours of our lives we’d each be giving up to watch the blasted game. Then, finally, we saw the England team and went back to thinking they wouldn’t win.
This one’s all about the New England – new captain, new players, new attitude, new interim coach, new playing style. The trouble is none of it looks all that great. Mouritz Botha, Geoff Parling and Phil Dowson are adequate Boshiership journeymen rather than exciting new talents, while England appear to be looking to the least creative of the good sides in the country for their midfield (10 – 13 all Sarries!). Chris Robshaw captains the team, and he’s a good player, but looks a bit knackered and will be out of position on the openside.
Verdict: We’re going for Scotland because we just can’t see how England will be able to deliver the gameplan they’re talking about. Lancaster says they’re looking to play at a high tempo, but high tempo requires quick ball, and just who is going to serve that up? The Scottish back row will be licking their chops at the lightweight trio England have served up – Scotland to shade a dour affair.
France v Italy
France will be looking to hit the ground running and have every chance of doing so. They seem to have the right team on the pitch, something they haven’t had for some time. Louis Picamoles keeps out Harinordoquy in what looks a position of real strength (Fulgence Ouedraogo can’t even make the 22), while Trinh-Duc is welcomed back to the starting line-up, with Beauxis a handy reserve. All eyes will be on Clermont’s razor-sharp Wesley Fofana, who looks like a potential star of the tournament.
It should all be too much for Italy. The Italians were poor in the World Cup, and never looked like troubling Ireland or Australia. They just don’t travel. Their home games, now in the Stadio Olimpico, will be worth watching and they may try to keep some of their powder dry for England’s arrival there next week.
Verdict: this one is set up for France to rack up some points; we expect them to win by a couple of scores.
Ireland v Wales
Obviously, this is the most interesting game from our perspective. Even before the Welsh squad started dropping like flies, we fancied that this was a game Ireland were targetting – the noises from the squad echo those we heard prior to England in March and Australia in October. Now, with the Welsh down several front-liners, Ireland will be confident as well as motivated.
We foresee an urgent and effective Ireland performance with some tries thrown in. Wales will play a smart game and target our weaknesses (second row in the loose and Earls’ defence at 13) but it won’t be enough. Ireland really want this one, and nearly all the squad go in brimful of confidence after the HEC group stages – stark contrast to Wales.
Verdict: We don’t think Ireland will blow Wales away early like they did to England, but they will have enough. This could be quite high-scoring – the Welsh backs are more than useful – 30-20 or something. Ireland by more than a score
Whiff of Cordite 