vic_vega
Posts: 118
Joined: 27/10/2005
From: No Rear Entry - Exit Only
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Quite a disappointing weekend as far as quality rugby in the 6 nations goes. Obviously the winners and Italy will be very happy and the others not so. Only England can say 'Surely we can't play any worse than that again!' while at least there were some positives for Scotland and Wales.
The Scottish defensive line is phenomenal, how the Welsh managed to run in 4 tries against is quite amazing considering the English and Irish were blanked with an equally gifted set of attacking players. Unfortunately for them while having sorted out just about every other department the Line Out, the only saving grace for them over the last four years has deteriorated to a complete shambles.
Poor Wales, they dominated so much in the first half, but lost their way thanks to a ridiculous interception. The game should have been wrapped up by then and in fairness to the Italians they fought right to the end.
Ireland need to take a very hard look at themselves. With so much possesion and territory the could only kick a measly 5 penalties despite Keith Wood's insistent that the back line would blow the Scots away. With O'Driscoll and Darcy so easily shackled by the less than world class Henderson and Di Rollo its difficult to see where the scores will come from atTwickenham.
England are still the only side with a win on the road so far this year - in Italy. If this trend continues (I don't think it will!) on Saturday we could have a four way tie for the Championship with France looking good to take the title on points difference.
Predictions for next week:
Game 1; Italy v Scotland at Rome (K.O. 1330) Italy will have gained much from their Cardiff experience and will be a tough nut crack at the Stadio Flaminio. They don't carry the line out threat to upset the Scots as dramatically as the Irish did the Scottish backs may get back to scoring ways.
Scotland should have too much for them despite their terrible record there and I expect them to win by 10 points.
Game 2; Wales v France at Cardiff (K.O. 1530) Wales are in disarray with a paltry 3 points. They can still pip the Scots in the table if results go their way, however this is unlikely and despite the current trend favouring home teams I imagine the French to be hot out of the blocks and win by 20 points.
Game 3; England v Ireland at Twickenham (K.O. 1730) England will have re-grouped and backsides will have truly been kicked. Their directionless, ineptitude should not be as exposed against the Irish as it was against France, but 6 days is not enough to turn things around unless sweeping changes are made throughout. Of the forwards Corry, Stevens, Thompson and Borthwick may survive only for the set plays, no England forward except for Corry seems capable of taking the heat and going for long carries. The back line disentegrated after Tindall's substitution, but he himself offered little inspiration in attack. Irelands backs were solid but predictable against the Scots. Their back row however, are capable of taking the game head-on to the opponents for the whole match along with hooker Flannery. Unfortunately for them their props seemed ill at ease against a Scottish front row that has looked fragile for a while now. If John Hayes can get taken to task by Gavin Kerr he has little hope against White or Stevens. This is the hardest game to call, but I think Irish experience of playing to their strengths will overcome English directionless brawn and they will win by single score and thereby clinching the Triple Crown, but not the Championship.
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That's your plan? Wile E. Coyote would come up with a better plan than that!
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RE: Oval Balls - The Rugby Thread - 
Still trying to get your own back for the Ireland Wales game huh? 
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