Six Nations predictions, week three

Wales 21-16 France

After an abject display against Ireland a fortnight ago, Wales will be glad to have the chance to make amends. On the other hand, there is also a lot of pressure on them to keep their championship hopes alive – and France are certainly beatable. After a turgid first half against Italy they managed to dispatch the Azzurri, but were somewhat fortunate to beat England.

Of course, the last time Wales played France they were coming off a dreadful run of form and a defeat to Ireland – and on that occasion the win in Paris set them up to defend successfully their Six Nations crown. Could that happen again? I’m saying yes, as Wales finally get up and running in 2014.

Wales turned their Six Nations around in 2013 with a win over France

 

Everyone’s hoping for a few kabooms in midfield – Roberts-North v Fofana-Bastareaud has the potential to be epic. Whatever happens, let’s just hope referee Alain Rolland isn’t making the headlines again…

P.S. Rumours are swirling that Alun Wyn Jones will miss the match through injury, which would obviously be a massive blow to Wales.

Italy 18-16 Scotland

Scotland are absolutely dreadful at the moment (there’s even been a not-completely-serious suggestion they should be kicked out of the Six Nations – I’d prefer there to be a play-off between the winner of the European Nations Cup and the sixth-place 6N team). Italy played well for long periods away in both Cardiff and Paris, and should be too strong for a Scottish side in disarray in Rome, somewhere they haven’t won since 2006.

England 20-21 Ireland

Definitely the toughest game to predict of this year’s tournament so far. England, who were unlucky to lose in Paris and swept aside an awful Scotland, play at Twickenham for the first time. Ireland, dominant against Scotland and Wales, leave Lansdowne Road for the first time.

If Joe Schmidt’s Ireland side were the hosts I’d be confident in predicting them to win and seal a first Triple Crown since 2009. But I’ve been thinking about this for two weeks and am still scratching my head. Ireland’s stifling defence restricted Wales to just one line break, their Peter O’Mahony-inspired counter-rucking was immense and, tactically, they were almost perfect. England have a relatively inexperienced side, who, against a wily Irish side, could come unstuck. But those players are clearly in the side on merit – Luther Burrell, for example, could hardly have expected such a (personally) successful start to his international career. Aaargh… Ireland to nick it.