Here we are approaching the middle weekend of the Six Nations, with Ireland and England the only teams still in contention for the Grand Slam. Both will face stern tests this weekend against Wales and Scotland respectively, and we also have a Friday night game – something I quite like, as long as it’s not a match I actually want to go to.
Here are my predictions for Round 3 of the Six Nations.
France v Italy
Lots of changes again for the French, with eight players dropped for late night misdemeanours in Edinburgh, and I think Italy have a chance of winning this one. The French won by just two points the last time they met in Paris, although they did win by 22 away in Rome last year. It’s definitely safer to pick the home team, but I’m not necessarily packing my fantasy team with Frenchmen, and I don’t think it will be a huge score.
France by 13
Ireland v Wales
The bookies aren’t giving Wales much chance in this game – you can back them at nearly 4/1 to win in Dublin, and Ireland -8 is the handicap. But the Irish have only beaten Wales once in the last five games, and last won in the Six Nations in 2014. They are also missing some key players, in Tadhg Furlong and Robbie Henshaw, and I don’t think this pick is as obvious as some people think.
Meanwhile, Wales can recall Dan Biggar, Liam Williams and Leigh Halfpenny to strengthen a side that has performed pretty well so far in this tournament, and I think they might just pull off an upset. Ireland at home is the safer pick, but I’m mid-table on Superbru and running out of matches!
Wales by 2
Scotland v England
There’ll be no predicting an upset in this one. The Scottish attack has been widely heralded, but less so than the English defence, and I can’t see the Scots scoring enough points to offset the number they will concede. The English pack will be looking for dominance up front, they’ll pin Scotland in their own territory, Owen Farrell will kick the points and they’ll score a couple of tries if the opportunity arises.
For all their attacking flair, the Scottish defence is particularly suspect, whilst England’s attack has been improving. With Nathan Hughes returning to add some ballast in the ball-carrying department, there should be plenty of front-foot ball for George Ford and Farrell to pull the strings, and I think it will be fairly comfortable for England.
England by 16
What do you think of these predictions?
Please click here to join our Fantasy Six Nations league on Superbru: Fantasy Six Nations
Please click here to join our Six Nations Predictor league on Superbru: Six Nations Predictor
Follow Hutch on Twitter: @Hutch_James
My Calculator says England by 3 but looking at the last five games Scotland edge England in average points scored per game by 0.2 of a point 31.6 to 31.4 but average points conceded is far more telling Scotland 28.8, England 9.8, I feel it will be a wider winning margin to England but this game will be won on Defence not Attack.
Ireland by 11, for me this is the most finely poised of the three games and I feel it could go either way as Ireland are imperious at home but will they be ready for the Welsh Globetrotters?
France by 19, I feel if this was being played in Rome, Italy could of caught France cold, saying that I wouldn’t write Italy off as they are a more cohesive unit than France who may not gel due to Brunel’s side changes, that being said their two losses have been closer than Italy’s.
This is my French Fantasy team
1 Priso
2 Guirado
3 Slimani
4 Sebastien Vahaamina
5 Taofenuia
6 Gourdon
7 Camara
8 Picomoles
9 Machenaud
10 Lopez
11 Vakatawa
12 Fickou
13 Basteraud
14 Thomas
15 Spedding
I’ve gone with Italy and Wales to win this weekend And obviously England!!
I think Ireland are going to really miss Henshaw in the back line and Parkes will have an easy afternoon in midfield for Wales. Up front should be a tight contest even with Furlong out and I can’t pick between the two.
Where I think Wales will win will be in the loose. Give Davies, Parkes or Williams a sniff of an attack and they will cause problems.
France by 20. They are all over the bloody place at the moment, which is when they play their best…
Ireland by 15. Home advantage.
England by 10. Scotland always raise their game for England, especially at home. I think this will be much closer than most think. The 10pt difference I’m predicting will mostly manifest itself in the final 20 minutes when I expect Eddie’s finishers to make a more significant impact than the Scottish replacements.
Agree with everything apart from Ireland Wales.
The welsh will be smarting after coming reasonably close despite England largely ouplaying them. That was also a properly hard test match, especially for some of the newer welsh names, who I’d imagine will be feeling more comfortable and confident. Also their defence and fitness was excellent against England.
Ireland on the other hand are missing important players in Henderson, Furlong and Henshaw (not to mention SOB). Their last game was an easy run out against Italy and in the game against France they looked short of attacking ideas against an organised defence. Wales beat them last year and have drawn and won the last 2 games in Dublin.
Wales by 5 in an exciting game
France by 20. Playing in Marseille is a good move and, even though they’ve had to make changes, they should be far too good for Italy.
Injuries have hit Ireland hard but I still take them to win by around 7 pts. Home advantage will steer them home.
Be very surprised if England dont win by around 14 pts. They are man for man comfortably superior and have got the priceless knack of winning games when not at their best.
France by 15 or more – France have not been bad at all, couldve easily beaten Ireland, nearly beat scotland, (poor discipline, but italy wont beat them in Paris)
Ireland by 9 – Even with the missing players our team is still bette, our halves are better then theres, wouldve liked ringrose on the bench but still, if porter can hold up in the scrum which i think he win then ireland should win – Surprised falateu wasnt picked –
england by 12 – forwards are two good for scotlans, and if england get ahead scotland will need to open up and will make mistakes
Totally agree with you Gary Italy won’t beat France in Paris, Marseilles on the other hand…….. ;-).
English arrogance with your prediction, English arrogance throughout the game.
You were slaughtered.
And sent them homewards…
…tae think again!
TSL – Och we have a wee troll ‘ere.