We’re at the turning point in the Six Nations. After this weekend, we’ll be over half way and with the only two unbeaten sides in the tournament going head to head, there will be one very clear favourite for the title come Sunday evening. Of course with two rounds left to play, anything is still possible, and the Six Nations does love an upset. Here’s how we see the weekend panning out.
Scotland vs Italy
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Sat 28th Feb 14.30
A quick glance at the table would suggest that this perennial wooden spoon battle is exactly that once again – both Scotland and Italy have lost two from two so far. But that belies a renewed sense of urgency amongst Scotland’s players; a newfound desire to spin the ball wide and play with the shackles off. It has been refreshing to watch, and had they had been a touch more clinical, or possessed a slightly better pack of forwards, they could easily have won both games so far. Italy have looked a class lower – they scored a couple of nice tries against England but their defence has redefined the word porous. Charlie King thinks that difference in class will show this weekend, predicting Scotland to win by 17.
France vs Wales
Stade de France, Paris
Sat 28th Feb, 17.00 (GMT)
Next up is a titanic clash in Paris between two teams in a remarkably similar situation. Both have one win to their name, both have flattered to deceive somewhat and both have made several changes for this game with a view to freshening things up. France have brought in quick-stepping dynamos Brice Dulin and Sofiane Guitone in an effort to rediscover some of that old French abandon, while Wales have changed their set-piece maestros with the towering Luke Charteris in the second row and Scott Baldwin at hooker. It is a make or break game, because the loser will effectively be out of the running for the title, which neither side would be happy with, given the quality at their disposal. Mike Cooper is backing the home side to finally come good, predicting France to win by 3.
Ireland vs England
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Sun 1st March, 15.00
The weekend rounds off in some style in Dublin, where the only two unbeaten sides left face-off in the game of the championship so far. For the winner, a championship and possibly a grand slam awaits, and for the loser, a possible mid-table scrap. England’s championship so far has been defined by an attacking verve that has been personified by their elusive centre Jonathan Joseph, while Ireland’s success has been down to wily coach Joe Schmidt’s master plans, and the flawless tactical execution on the pitch of half-back generals Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton. Will we see changes at the weekend? One expects Ireland to run the ball a bit more than they have been, but that could play into the visitors’ hands, says Jamie Hosie, predicting England to win by 2.
And here are our picks from HQ:
| Hosie | Hutch | |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland v Italy | Scotland by 20 | Scotland by 16 |
| France v Wales | France by 2 | Wales by 3 |
| Ireland v England | England by 2 | England by 1 |
How do you see the weekend unfolding?
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
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France 3
Scotland 15
England 5
lets hope your accuracy doesn’t change
Don’t give up the day job!! Don’t think Rugby predictions are your “cup of tea”
DDD
I’m happy everyone is backing england, it means ireland will win :)
Went for England by 2 as they just seem to have a cussedness that I haven’t seen in the team for a while, with leaders appearing in the team at last – bit like Ireland! But can’t decide whether it is my head or my heart talking.
gone for Wales by 3 as this is now a must win for them. Lose this one and I can see them going down to Ireland as well. A 2 win return for this team from the 6N would be a big psychological blow running into the RWC.
Scotland by 14. Rightly or wrongly, I can see quite a few points being scored in this one unless the weather ruins the fun!
Wales are solid and consistent, know their plan, and although they aren’t playing up their higher standards I back their solidity and discipline over France’s game right now. I just don’t see a plan, and I do see indiscipline. Halfpenny is gonna score 20+ points if Wales can get any sort of territory and possession. Wales by 5
I don’t know the new Scottish fly half at all, so I’ve no idea how that one goes.
The big one. I just can’t see why everyone is picking England. Ireland at home with more or less everyone available are a tough nut. 9 matches unbeaten with a metronomic goal kicker. Versus England with a kid kicker who isn’t that accurate yet.
The key matchup for me is Marler/Croft. Marler took him apart both Heineken cup games and if he gets on top in the conditions this could be crucial.
Ireland by 2
I think that Scotland, France and England shall come way with wins here but I think in each case the win will be larger than predicted especially in the England Vs Ireland match. Scotland by 15 -25, France by 3-10 and England by 3-17.
lets hope your accuracy doesn’t change.
Think you and Andrew should team up at set up a bookie joint.
DDD
Just read this. Amazed at the tips for France and England to win. 0 from 3 on the predictions sums up how wrong they were I guess.