Six Nations Round 2 Preview (Ireland v. France)

Ireland v. France (Aviva Stadium)

I've been thinking about this one all week. France were mesmeric last weekend against the Scots. Their scrum was superb and probably one of their most valuable assets going into this weekend. In broken play their backs and forwards combined magnificantly to score some nice tries. On the other hand, Ireland were far from impressive as they unconvincingly won away in Rome. Drico uncharacteristically threw some horrible passes while D'arcy had a game to forget.

Lievermont makes one enforced change in the backs. Damien Traille switches to inside centre in place of the injured Maxim Mermoz which allows Clement Poitrenaud to come in at fullback. It still mistifies me as to why he has left Vincent Clerc on the bench for a second week running. Clerc is a proven try scorer and has broken Irish hearts in recent years (see video below). Kidney also makes one change with the return of Jamie Heaslip to number 8. Sean O'Brien switches to 6 while Leamey takes his place on the bench at the expense of the unlucky Jennings. There is also a doubt over the fitness of Tomas O'Leary, should he be ruled out, Reddan will start and Strings will be promoted to the bench. O'Leary has been in poor form since coming back from injury and I can't help but think, it will only improve Irelands chances should he not make it.

The scrum is an area that worries me going into this game. Yeah Ross has faced Domingo twice this season and has held his own against him but the power of this French scrum is different class. I really can't see Ireland coping with it. Heaslip will improve the lineout with his height offering a well needed 3rd option behind Donners and O'Connell. His ball carrying around the park too is a big bonus and I look forward to him squaring upto his French counter part Harinordoquay. These 2 number 8s are 2 of the best in the world and there is very little between the two of them. If Ireland are to win this game they will have to take advantage of the suspect French defence. At times last weeked the French looked to have turned off and let the Scots in for some soft scores. Ireland have a more potent backline than Scotland and should they get over their handling mistakes from last weekend, they should create some scoring chances. Ireland also have to keep the game as structured as they possibly can. When the game breaks up, the French come to life. Their offloading ability is the best in the world when it gets going. Expect Drico and D'arcy to cut out the mistakes they made last week. The Italian defence gives them less time on the ball than the French one. I'm gona go for an Irish win. If Ireland perform to the level they can then they can win it. They must be mindful of the dominance of France at scrum-time though and should keep an eye on the in-form Maxim Medard.

RT Prediction: Ireland



Six Nations Round 2 Preview (Scotland v. Wales)

Scotland v. Wales (Murrayfield)

I'm looking forward to this one. Scotland played some nice rugby against France last week in Paris. Wales struggled against England and never looked like taking the lead. On that basis alone thrown in with the Murrayfield setting, you'd think I'd be backing Scotland for this one but I'm not. I said at the beginning of this championship that Wales were gona do well this year and I'm sticking to my guns. Their pack are decent although they have lost 2 world class players props their replacements actually aren't that bad. In the second row, Bradley Davis has really imrpessed me with his work around the pitch, he is a strong runner. The backrow see's one change from last week, Andy Powell out, Ryan Jones in. Now I'll admit I'm not a fan of Ryan Jones but christe, he's a country mile ahead of that other donkey! The all important change though comes at number 10. James Hook has been handed the outhalf position to see if he can get the full potential from the Welsh backs. I believe he can. James Hook is a super player no matter where you put him. 10 is his preferred position and I'm sure he'll inspire a Welsh victory on Saturday.

RT Prediction: Wales

Six Nations Round 2 Preview (England v. Italy)

England v. Italy (Twickenham)

Lets play some creative and entertaining rugby...LOL JK, I'm Martin Johnson!

Italy will go into this game with confidence high after pushing Ireland so close last weekend. They'll probably feel a bit hard done by and therefore should play with a that "chip on their shoulder" aggression. England too will be confident after a hard fought victory over Wales in the cauldron that is the Millenium Stadium. Who played well last week for England? I thought their backrow ensured they had the upper hand on the possesion stats. Ben Youngs as always played well at 9 and Toby Flood deservedly got man of the match in my oppinion as he kicked all his goals and set up the first of Ashtons tries to keep Johnny Wilkinsons ass firmly placed on the bench where it belongs. Foden was also inventive at Fullback and the previous mentioned Ashton proved his eye for the try line. One place where England were poor was obviously their centres. I mean come on, Hape and Tindall? Surely there are better options available to Johnson than those 2. They are horrible to watch although I will admit, Tindall was solid under the high ball as he gobbled up 3 or 4 of them under good pressure too. For Italy (although I didn't see the full game) Sergio Parrise was unlucky not to get man of the match. Looks to be getting back to the form he was in 2 years ago in the Six Nations. I also thought the Italian backs took their try well in the dying embers of the game. They looked sharp and their handling in the build up to that try was perfect. My prediction though is England to win at Twickenham. I don't think it will be quite the cricket score that Paddy Power are suggesting ( England with a handicap of 23) but I do think they will win. Italy have improved on last year but their golden oppurtunity passed them by last weekend.

Oh and by the way, anyone else think that Dylan Hartly looks like Matt Lucas?

RT Prediction: England