Six Nations Preview - Round 4
As we approach the fourth round of this year's Six Nations tournament, England still lead the charge with three wins from three, albeit they aren't setting the world alight. Scotland and Ireland are still right on their heels and can keep their title hopes alive with victories this weekend.
Wales v Ireland
Joe Schmidt's men visit Cardiff on Friday night to face a Wales side still recovering from their second-half performance at Murrayfield. After failing to score a single point in the second half against Scotland, Alun Wyn and his troops will be desperate to re-find the form that they displayed against England. This week, Sam Warburton has said that they "owe a performance" to the Welsh supporters, and they can't afford to give anything less against this Irish side.
Both coaches have named unchanged starting XVs, which isn't surprising from an Irish perspective, a side that's attacking well and solid in defence. With Jonny Sexton back dictating things from fly half, this is a team looking fully in control. However, the unchanged Welsh side has raised a few eyebrows in some quarters - with their title hopes now gone, perhaps it was a chance to start Sam Davies. This young Osprey offers an attacking threat, he takes the ball flat to the line, and has a great left foot. Instead, Rob Howley has stuck with his man Biggar; he has proven that he has the big game temperament required for these occasions.
Wales's new attack coach Alex King is yet to put his stamp on the side, as they look to move away from the direct 'Warrenball' style of play. The set move that was cleverly executed for Liam William's try against England, is clear evidence that they have the players and ability to create space and score tries. However against Scotland, they failed to build upon William's opening score and put the likes of George North into space. For me Leigh Halfpenny just doesn't offer enough in attack; the Toulon full back's positional play is faultless, he's solid under the high ball, defends well and is a world class goal kicker. But should Wales be looking to shift Williams to the number 15 jersey and fully utilise his attacking abilities?
Prediction
A packed Principality Stadium with the roof closed is an intimidating place for any side - but Ireland are a now a well-oiled test-match machine, who are sure to put the hosts under massive pressure. Wales can more than match Ireland, but can they make the correct decisions in those high pressure moments and close a game out? The last 15 minutes against England and their second half against the Scots suggests not, and I'm expecting the Irish to squeeze out a narrow win.
England v Scotland
This has to be one of the most anticipated Calcutta Cup matches for some time; perhaps since 1983, the last time Scotland took the famous old trophy from South West London back to Edinburgh. Thirty-four years is a long time to wait, but England will want to prolong the waiting and ensure they set up a title show down in Dublin next week.
Vern Cotter has said that they intend to "come out and attack", and they've certainly proved they can so far in the Championship. With Finn Russell sending out his signature flat, 'fizzing' passes to the likes of Stuart Hogg, Tim Visser and Tommy Seymour, this team are a frightening prospect to defend against.
Being able to attack through your potent backline is all very well and good, but your forwards have got to provide the platform. This is where the real test will lie for Scotland, winning the battle up front. Hamish Watson is rewarded with a start in the back row following his outstanding display against Wales - if England can nullify his threat over the ball, then their forwards are likely to get the upper hand. There has been much talk about Scotland's weakness in the front five (if you can call the Gray brothers weak); this was exposed when their scrum went backwards against the sizeable French pack in Paris. They will have to get at least parity here to stand a chance against England's strong front row.
So far in the tournament, England are yet to put in a performance that suggests they are on the brink of equaling New Zealand's unbeaten run of matches. Saturday would be a perfect time to bring it out of the bag, and with Billy Vunipola back among the replacements, Eddie Jones has been able to name his strongest 23 of the championship so far.
Prediction
If Scotland can create quick ball for their backs and avoid getting into an arm wrestle, then they have every chance of coming away with the spoils. However, I feel England still have a big performance in them. With their strong set piece, strong ball carriers and powerful replacements to employ from the bench, I'm again predicting another narrow win for the red rose.
Italy v France
France make the trip to the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, hoping to get back on track after falling away against Ireland in their last outing. Guy Noves has certainly made strides with his team, but they will not be taking the Italians lightly after the impact they made at Twickenham.
Brice Dulin comes in at full back to replace Scott Spedding, as Les Bleus make four changes. Sergio Parisse will win his 125th cap; a great achievement for the Italian legend, but he will have a testing day at the office as he goes head to head with the superb Louis Picamoles.
Prediction
Will Conor O'Shea and his team have another surprise up their sleeve? Or will they revert to the no-ruck tactics that had England so baffled? I expect a more orthodox game of rugby this time, as France will be prepared for any surprises, and Italy will want to score a few tries in front of their home crowd. These are two sides with strong forward packs, so the set piece will be an interesting battle, especially at scrum time. Both teams also have a tendency to fall off the pace after around 60 minutes, so it could come down to who has more 'fitness in the tank'. Overall I feel this French team are slowly starting to improve and will have enough to win in Rome.
The race for the Six Nations title restarts again in Cardiff tomorrow night, and finishes at Twickenham on Saturday evening when England could be confirmed as champions, if results go their way. Whatever the results are, another scintillating weekend of action is in store!
Wales v Ireland
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| A great atmosphere is expected in Cardiff tomorrow night |
Joe Schmidt's men visit Cardiff on Friday night to face a Wales side still recovering from their second-half performance at Murrayfield. After failing to score a single point in the second half against Scotland, Alun Wyn and his troops will be desperate to re-find the form that they displayed against England. This week, Sam Warburton has said that they "owe a performance" to the Welsh supporters, and they can't afford to give anything less against this Irish side.
Both coaches have named unchanged starting XVs, which isn't surprising from an Irish perspective, a side that's attacking well and solid in defence. With Jonny Sexton back dictating things from fly half, this is a team looking fully in control. However, the unchanged Welsh side has raised a few eyebrows in some quarters - with their title hopes now gone, perhaps it was a chance to start Sam Davies. This young Osprey offers an attacking threat, he takes the ball flat to the line, and has a great left foot. Instead, Rob Howley has stuck with his man Biggar; he has proven that he has the big game temperament required for these occasions.
Wales's new attack coach Alex King is yet to put his stamp on the side, as they look to move away from the direct 'Warrenball' style of play. The set move that was cleverly executed for Liam William's try against England, is clear evidence that they have the players and ability to create space and score tries. However against Scotland, they failed to build upon William's opening score and put the likes of George North into space. For me Leigh Halfpenny just doesn't offer enough in attack; the Toulon full back's positional play is faultless, he's solid under the high ball, defends well and is a world class goal kicker. But should Wales be looking to shift Williams to the number 15 jersey and fully utilise his attacking abilities?
Prediction
A packed Principality Stadium with the roof closed is an intimidating place for any side - but Ireland are a now a well-oiled test-match machine, who are sure to put the hosts under massive pressure. Wales can more than match Ireland, but can they make the correct decisions in those high pressure moments and close a game out? The last 15 minutes against England and their second half against the Scots suggests not, and I'm expecting the Irish to squeeze out a narrow win.
England v Scotland
This has to be one of the most anticipated Calcutta Cup matches for some time; perhaps since 1983, the last time Scotland took the famous old trophy from South West London back to Edinburgh. Thirty-four years is a long time to wait, but England will want to prolong the waiting and ensure they set up a title show down in Dublin next week.
Vern Cotter has said that they intend to "come out and attack", and they've certainly proved they can so far in the Championship. With Finn Russell sending out his signature flat, 'fizzing' passes to the likes of Stuart Hogg, Tim Visser and Tommy Seymour, this team are a frightening prospect to defend against.
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| Billy Vunipola returns to the England squad |
So far in the tournament, England are yet to put in a performance that suggests they are on the brink of equaling New Zealand's unbeaten run of matches. Saturday would be a perfect time to bring it out of the bag, and with Billy Vunipola back among the replacements, Eddie Jones has been able to name his strongest 23 of the championship so far.
Prediction
If Scotland can create quick ball for their backs and avoid getting into an arm wrestle, then they have every chance of coming away with the spoils. However, I feel England still have a big performance in them. With their strong set piece, strong ball carriers and powerful replacements to employ from the bench, I'm again predicting another narrow win for the red rose.
Italy v France
France make the trip to the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, hoping to get back on track after falling away against Ireland in their last outing. Guy Noves has certainly made strides with his team, but they will not be taking the Italians lightly after the impact they made at Twickenham.
Brice Dulin comes in at full back to replace Scott Spedding, as Les Bleus make four changes. Sergio Parisse will win his 125th cap; a great achievement for the Italian legend, but he will have a testing day at the office as he goes head to head with the superb Louis Picamoles.
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| 125th Cap - Parisse |
The race for the Six Nations title restarts again in Cardiff tomorrow night, and finishes at Twickenham on Saturday evening when England could be confirmed as champions, if results go their way. Whatever the results are, another scintillating weekend of action is in store!
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