Six Nations - massive clash in Dublin NEWS
It's the second round of Six Nations matches this weekend and, hot on the heels of what was probably the best ever opening weekend of the championship, expectations are high for more exciting, attacking rugby, particularly in Dublin where two of the winners from last weekend meet.
Almost everyone who watched last weekend's games agreed that not only were all three matches full of drama and excitement but the attacking intent of the teams involved and the skill-level exhibited by the players was a joy to behold and a breath of fresh air.
Looking back to the matches in the order in which they unfolded Ireland were dangerously impressive in the first half at the Millennium Stadium. Their pack was strong and in full control, their backs were quick, direct and their handling was superb (the ball skills of wing Simon Zebo amazed all that saw them). However, despite their large lead Wales roared back in a second half that saw new fly-half Dan Biggar calm down and play himself into the No.10 role. Wales' recovery, good as it was, was not enough and was probably as much due to Ireland becoming more conservative, than their own improvement.
Both teams showed periods of excellence suggesting two things - they are capable of beating anyone when they play at their best but, they are still inconsistent and that could let them down in their quest for the championship. Brian O'Driscoll made the talk of possible retirement look silly as he gave a real captain's performance, even though he didn't have the skipper's armband. He is still one of the best centres around and as long as he has his fitness he must continue. A fourth Lions tour still remains a possibility.
The England v Scotland game was almost equally thrilling if not quite so dramatic or close at the end. England were worthy winners and played with great energy and ambition, but the Scots should be lauded for also trying to play an open game, rather than, as has sometimes been the case, stifling the game and slowing down the opposition. England have a selection dilemma now, with new cap Billy Twelvetrees having a superb debut alongside Brad Barritt. Could Stuart Lancaster not pick Manu Tuilagi, England's best player in their December win over the All Blacks.
Scotland showed that they also have some sparkle behind the pack with Stuart Hogg and Seam Maitland both making an impact against England. Hogg's searing pace was eye-opening and it's easy to imagine him scoring further tries in the championship as he makes a case for a Lions spot to Australia, taking advantage of the space created in midfield by, let's say, the brutal thrusts of Tuilagi and the craft of O'Driscoll.
Back to last weekend England will look to push on against Ireland and a second win, which will require another monumental effort by the pack and a continuation of the controlled ambition they showed against the Scots, would definitely cement them as tournament favourites and Grand Slam nominees. However, that kind of thinking will not feature in the England coaching set-up who will not be looking beyond Dublin and a second win.
The other pre-tournament favourites France found the accepted script being torn up in Rome. For the second time in three years Italy gave a magnificent display to beat their close neighbours and cause some re-evaluation of the form book. If the Azzuri can maintain this kind of form they will trouble every team they play and they could potentially win three games this year (sorry Wales and Scotland). As always the Italian pack and overall defence were teak strong. Where Italy perhaps surprised many was with the quality of their ball-handling and attacking play.
France showed glimpses of the type of game of which they are capable with some equally strong forward play allied to a fluent back division. However, the Italian kicking game was the better of the two teams and this enabled them to maintain control and territory. Can they repeat that performance at Murrayfield on Saturday is the question.
France have made few changes to the team that travels to Cardiff this weekend but they have had to make an enforced change at lock, where captain Pape is injured. He has been replaced by Jocelin Suta positionally and by Thierry Dusautoir in terms of the captaincy. I'm expecting a strong response from France and Wales' cause will not be helped by the loss to injury of captain Sam Warburton.
So, this weekend's games have a lot to live up to. Let's hope the ambition and skill levels are on a par with the initial round of matches. Here's how BritEvents sees the games panning out: -
Saturday 9 February
Scotland v Italy - 2.30pm ko at Murrayfield. In recent years this game has been the wooden spoon decider but after their surprise win over France Italy will be aiming higher than just avoiding last place. Based on last week's performances Scotland may be fearing another wooden spoon should they fall to the improving Italians, but they also shows signs of developing a more cohesive style of play and it was mostly the excellence of England that ensured the margin of the victory. The Scots have made two changes from the team that faced England, one enforced, the other tactical. Alasdair Strokosch's absence through injury has given an opportunity to Rob Harley whilst Ross Ford replaces Dougie Hall at hooker. This is a real tough match to call. Italy are now ranked above Scotland (and Wales for that matter) and they have won at Murrayfield previously but, for some reason I fancy the Scots to prevail.
France v Wales - 5pm ko at the Stade de France. France will have been shocked to have lost to Italy, particularly as they enjoyed the best Autumn results of any of the northern hemisphere teams. Wales too, will want to forget last week, especially their ineffective first half where they allowed Ireland to bully them. Both teams should rebound with better performances and more intensity. France will have to make do without influential captain Pape and coach Phillipe St Andre has also opted for more power in midfield with the selection of Toulon's Mathieu Bastareaud. Wales too will have a different captain as Sam Warburton is injured. Former Lion Ryan Jones is recalled to the pack and has been given the captain's armband, with Justin Tipuric replacing Warburton on the open-side. Wales are in such a slump, their second half improvement against Ireland notwithstanding, that I can't see them overpowering the French in Paris. Allez le Blues.
Sunday 10 February
Ireland v England - 3pm ko at the Aviva Stadium. I'm expecting a titanic struggle in Dublin as both teams really feel that they have a genuine shot at winning the championship, if not a Grand Slam. England have been forced into making a change at No.8, where Ben Morgan isn't fit and he's been replaced by James Haskell, although its still unclear who will play which position. One thing is for sure and that's captain Chris Robshaw continues at the open-side spot where he has excelled recently. Manu Tuilagi is fit but Stuart Lancaster retains his centre pairing of last week and obviously intends to use Tuilagi as an impact substitute. England haven't won a Six Nations match in Dublin in 10 years although they did win there in a World Cup warm-up match and they also beat Ireland at Twickenham in last season's Six Nations. Ireland, impressive in the first half of their win in Cardiff last week, name an unchanged XV. The head says Ireland will use their home advantage, the heart says England will take the second step to a Grand Slam. In terms of a prediction the heart wins - and so will England.
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