ENGLAND V IRELAND MATCH PREVIEW

   After a two week break to debate strategy, rest bruised muscles and egos as well as recharge tired legs and ambitions, the six European teams in question prepare to do battle once more. All have had time to mull over results, as well as look ahead at what's to come. The pick of the three games this weekend is without a doubt the huge confrontation due to take place on Saturday between hosts England and the now tournament favourites Ireland. And rightly so as these two sides have easily put in the best performances thus far within the competition. Ireland, especially, currently look to be a very complete team and present a formidable challenge to England’s ultimate success. Indeed, under Joe Schmidt’s leadership, they are beginning to make that outstanding display against the All Blacks look less and less like a lucky blip. England on the other hand is a team fast improving and can only hope that their home advantage pays dividends.

    

The one on one battles within this game are frankly remarkable; England's forwards have looked nigh on unplayable at times and will offer this savvy Irish pack a testing workout come the final whistle. An abundance of powerful ball carries has meant England have dominated the gainline thus far, meaning it's all on Ireland to think up a way of suffocating the likes of Billy Vunipola at the breakdown. No doubt the signature Irish choke tackle will be used to deadly effect, if any English players should wander too far from their support. Shorn of Dan Cole due to a slipped disk, Lancaster will be hoping that the cobwebs gained by David Wilson's lengthy time off through injury have been shaken off. Wilson will be up against arguably Europe's premier loose head Cian Healy. In the second row, Courtney Lawes will finally discover his true worth as line out technician as he faces the guru that is Paul O'Connell, all of which makes the set piece battle impossible to call.

   

                                                     England take on Ireland at Twickernham. Photo: RFU

The theme of ‘experience verses youth’ continues in the backline as Jonathan Sexton takes on his Lion's fly half apprentice Owen Farrell. The latter has continuously been given the benefit of the doubt, not least with regards to getting his backline firing and, even his much heralded goal kicking has been poor (only 60% so far). This all adds pressure, given his under 20's England teammate and a former Junior world player of the year George Ford now sits on the bench waiting to be given a chance to claim the 10 jersey for his own. Meanwhile, the talisman that is Brian O'Driscol, will make rugby history when he takes the field to earn his 139th international cap equalling George Gregan's record and emphasising the gulf in experience between him and his opposite numbers. England's centre pairing have been on fine form given their limited game time at this level and will look to push on, despite most of the English press focussing on a certain league star's decision to switch codes at the end of the season. All indicates that being part of the English midfield will continue to be a tough position for any player to hold down.

  

On to the head to heads then and at either end of the pitch whether it be the front row tussle between Wilson and Healy or the battle between the ever reliable Mike Brown and Rob Kearney you'd be forgiven for spending your money tentatively at the bookies office.

As for me, however, the real fight will be between the two number nines, Danny Care and Conor Murray. Both have looked mighty impressive in their own ways. Murray has honed his organisational skills excellently to complement his both physical and abrasive style of play. Almost a more youthful carbon copy of Wales's, Mike Phillips, but less prone to on field spats (not forgetting the off field ones with boy band members) he is starting to really make a name for himself at this level. On the other hand, Care has now shaken off his off field antics as well as rectifying his sometimes woeful kicking from hand. His dangerous snipes and eye for a napping defence have ignited a once stagnant England attack and makes this a mouth watering match up indeed.

Prediction:

     On a neutral field of play most would give this game to Ireland as their overall game is all but flawless when compared to other teams outside the Southern hemisphere. However, it really does come down to the forwards again, and, if the boys from the emerald isle can suffocate England's game plan, as they did against Wales, it could be a horrid affair for the men in white. Lastly, despite what some are calling a good omen for Ireland in this week’s media announcement of a genetically modified potato resistant to blight, we have to remember that this is Twickenham, the beating heart of English rugby and a ground that hasn't seen an English loss to any team outside the big three for almost two years. Therefore England to shade it.

   The teams:

For England: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Luther Burrell, 12 Billy Twelvetrees, 11 Jonny May, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Danny Care, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Chris Robshaw (c), 6 Tom Wood, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Joe Launchbury, 3 David Wilson, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Joe Marler

Replacements: 16 Tom Youngs, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 David Attwood, 20 Ben Morgan, 21 Lee Dickson, 22 George Ford, 23 Alex Goode

For Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 5 Paul O'Connell (c), 4 Devin Toner, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Martin Moore, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Jordi Murphy, 21 Issac Boss, 22 Paddy Jackson, 23 Fergus McFadden

Date: Saturday, February 22
Venue: Twickenham
Kick-off: 16:00 GMT

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Assistant Referees: Romain Poite (France), Leighton Hodges (Wales)

TMO: Jim Yuille (Scotland)

By Alex Dodd

Six Nations: Wales v France Analysis and Predictions

  The situation facing both Wales and France may have seemed unfathomable to many just a few short weeks ago; Les Bleus go into their third round match with prospects of a grand-slam still very much alive, whilst the Welsh are fighting to keep their championship alive following two unconvincing performances against Italy and Ireland. It is very much an all-to-play-for game.

  It’s not just the teams who have everything to play for; individual players, particularly in the Welsh camp, have been warned that their international careers are on the line. Mike Phillips is one high-profile casualty, dropping to the bench to make way for the Osprey’s Rhys Webb. Longstanding teammates Adam Jones, Gethin Jenkins, and Dan Lydiate, despite all retaining their starting spots, will all be aware that they are just one more poor performance away from being dropped.

  Unenforced changes have affected Welsh momentum as well; injuries to centres Jonathan Davies and Scott Williams mean that George North finds himself partnering Jamie Roberts, with Liam Williams being promoted to the wing. Even with so many changes, one question still remains; will there be any evidence of a plan B this week, should intial attempts misfire? Regardless, it seems that no amount of injuries or tactical adjustments will cause Warren Gatland to allow James Hook to set foot on a rugby pitch. Perhaps his tackle-bag holding ability is too tremendous for him to be risked on the field of battle…

The centre battle between North and Bastareaud will be a key individual contest. Image: WRU

  France, by comparison, come into this game with their starting XV unchanged, save for the injured Bernard Le Roux making way for Wenceslas Lauret – such consistency is a rare thing for a team under the management of Philippe Saint-Andre, but might be the key to their succcess. Whilst questions over Mathieu Bastareaud’s fitness remain, he has been named as starting alongside Wesley Fofana. Whilst Bastareaud’s presence in the midfields promises a bone-shattering clash of the titans with North, it is the possibility of a bit of Fofana flair against a man playing out of position that points towards the points. Although North does have experience of playing in the centre position, Fofana is an out-and-out 12, and will be looking to create a mismatch between himself and the mountainous North.

  As always, the performance of the forwards will determine how the game goes. Although Webb has been introduced to add a bit of zip to the Welsh distribution, his presence will be worthless if his forwards fail as they did against Ireland. The confrontation between clattering no 8s Louis Picamoles and Taulupe Faletau will be one to savour, whilst the battle of two powerful front-rows promises to provide a competitive scrum, if it can just stay up for a few seconds. With both Welsh props playing for their international career, expect sparks in that department.

  As always, home advantage will count for a lot; the Millennium Stadium is no easy place for any team to win at. With the crowd on their side, will this Welsh team be able to bounce back from a dismal defeat in Dublin, or will the pressure prove too much for them on this occasion?

Prediction: 

  Even with a home-crowd and the motivation of saving their careers and making Six Nations history, I feel that injury disruptions and inopportune dips in form will be Wales’ undoing, and that a few spells of French magic will win the day for the visitors. France to win by 4.

SQUADS:

Wales: 15 L Halfpenny, 14 A Cuthbert, 13 G North, 12 J Roberts, 11 L Williams, 10 R Priestland, 9 R Webb; 1 G Jenkins, 2 R Hibbard, 3 A Jones, 4 L Charteris, 5 A-W Jones, 6 D Lydiate, 7 S Warburton (c), 8 T Faletau.

Replacements: K Owens, P James, R Jones, J Ball, J Tipuric, M Phillips, D Biggar, J Hook.

France: 15 B Dulin, 14 Y Huget, 13 M Bastareaud, 12 W Fofana, 11 H Bonneval, 10 J Plisson, 9 J-M Doussain; 1 T Domingo, 2 D Szarzewski, 3 N Mas, 4 P Pape (c), 5 Y Maestri, 6 Y Nyanga, 7 W Lauret, 8 L Picamoles.

Replacements: B Mach, Y Forestier, V Debaty, S Vahaamahina, D Chouly, M Machenaud, R Tales, G Fickou.

Date: Friday, February 21

Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

Touch Judges: John Lacey (Ireland) & Dudley Phillips (Ireland)

TMO: Graham Hughes (England)

Article by Alex Hawksworth-Brookes

Six Nations: Ireland v Wales Analysis and Predictions

  There was a time in the Six Nations that only the English could expect a truly hostile reception from opposition fans on game day.  Recent clashes, however, between these two Celtic nations have certainly bucked that trend and in turn, this animosity, has added a great deal of extra spice to Saturday’s fixture. Warren  Gatland, not one to shy away from the odd bit of off field sledging, once stated that his Welsh side “disliked the Irish more than any other team” and looking at what’s passed on the field you’d have to say there’s no love lost from the opposition’s perspective either. The aptly named “Ball Gate” in 2011 when Mike Phillips crossed over the white line for a match winning, albeit illegal try to clinch the win and break Irish hearts in the process, being just one of many, in a long list of offences. 

    

  Of course, Gatland’s most recent crime in the eyes of the Irish, was the sacking of Brian O’Driscoll from the Lion’s third test in Sydney in the summer. His controversial decision, many would argue proved to be totally justified, given the victorious, barnstorming 41-16 score line come the final whistle. However, as any spectator wearing emerald green will tell you, nobody drops BOD and they will add with passion, that had he played, perhaps the victory might have been by an even greater margin! 12 months ago this clash proved to be the most exciting back and forth match within that particular Six Nations, meaning all the neutrals (if there is such a thing these days) can also sit back and enjoy what should be a great spectacle.

    

  The hosts looked impressive last weekend against Scotland in what seemed a very complete performance, whereas the visitors struggled against what turned out to be a feisty Italian side. Ireland are looking in good form, indeed with Leinster guru, Joe Schmidt, now at the helm of the national team, they are clearly trying to climb up the rankings and push on after giving the All Blacks one almighty scare in November. The loss of the abrasive Sean O’Brien will certainly be a detrimental factor, as Ireland square up against the physical style of play we expect from a Welsh team. But, otherwise, Ireland, go into this clash with refreshingly few injuries when compared to past tournaments. Paul O’Connell returns after recovering from a chest infection to add his clout to the forward pack and Gordon D'Arcy returns at twelve to reunite one of the most experienced centre partnerships in the game. All suggests that the men in green are relishing playing this game and that come the kick off, it will take a herculean effort from their red Welsh counterparts to stem the flow of confidence emanating from the Aviva Stadium.

   

  Wales on the other hand have had yet another slow start and will want to start building some momentum on route to making history. Their characteristic simple game plan hasn’t failed them often inside Europe. Indeed, the men in red have earned an outstanding 5 from 5 when it comes to away victories so far. Much like Ireland, they’re more or less at full strength going into this game, albeit minus Ryan Jones and Jonathan Davies. The latter’s absence sadly, robbing us of what could have been the individual battle of the tournament against fellow lion Brian O’Driscoll. Mammoth wingers George North and Alex Cuthbert will likely be prowling the field of play hoping for the opportunity to use their pace and power in order  to bust open the Irish defences, whilst in the forward pack, the likes of Richard Hibbard and Dan Lydiate will be giving the home side a stern examination in the collision area.

Prediction

  History and current form dictate that this is likely to be the game of round two. I, for one, cannot wait for kick off. It would appear the media agrees with me, with every daily paper suggesting that all eyes will be on these now bitter rivals. My prediction -  Ireland by 6

SQUADS:

Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 5 Paul O'Connell (c), 4 Devin Toner, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Martin Moore, 19 Dan Tuohy, 20 Tommy O'Donnell, 21 Isaac Boss, 22 Paddy Jackson, 23 Fergus McFadden.

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Scott Williams, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun-Wyn Jones (c), 4 Andrew Coombs, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Gethin Jenkins.

Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Paul James, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Jake Ball, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Rhys Webb, 22 James Hook, 23 Liam Williams.

Date: Saturday, February 8

Kick-off: 14:30 GMT

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

Assistant referees: Glen Jackson (New Zealand), JP Doyle (England)

TMO: Graham Hughes (England)

  

Article by Alex Dodd

Six Nations: England v Scotland Analysis and Predictions

  If England had hoped that a good run of form in the Autumn Internationals had left the nightmare of Cardiff long forgotten, they soon realised that the horror of last year’s six nations was continuing in Paris. Only the nightmare had changed; no longer were England powerless to stop the rampant opposition, instead, no matter how hard they tried, no matter how well they clawed back from the most unsettling of starts, they could not clinch the victory. Stuart Lancaster’s men will be hoping that the narrow defeat in Paris is the turning point in their fortunes, providing them with the impetus to go on and win the tournament.

  There was no such narrow defeat for Scotland however. Coming close to parity in the first half against Ireland, the Scots were massively outplayed in the second half, with Ireland coming off the pitch as clear winners. With members of their own coaching team openly admitting that some elements of their play were terrible, it will take a massive turnaround for the Scots to get the victory they desire this weekend.
Nonetheless, this is Murrayfield, and the Calcutta Cup that we’re talking about. Out of the last four fixtures north of the border, Scotland have only lost one, although all have been close. There has been much talk in the media about how this game, the oldest in international rugby history, is a special, one-of-a-kind match, where the normal rules of form go out the window. Scotland, at least, will certainly be hoping that that holds true.

  With a pitch already about as churned as a pig sty, destroyed by nematodes from below and horrendous weather from above, with more due on match-day, the match will probably offer little in the way of running rugby. This looks set to be a game for the big men up front. Do not expect fireworks, but instead a gruelling grind in the mud. Discipline will be essential in a game likely to be decided by kickable penalties, and sympathetic passes and plays will be vital in keeping possession.

  Despite his science experiment not so much failing but just blowing up in his face in the first minutes of Paris, Stuart Lancaster has shown faith with his match-day squad, putting forth the exact same line-up for the first time in his England tenure. This can only be a good thing; Jonny May definitely deserves another run out after being forced from the field so early in Paris, whilst Jack Nowell, despite the most awful of starts one can have on debut, grew into the role immensely, with his stats showing just how big a role he played for England in defence and attack. How much opportunity the two wingers will get to show off their flair, however, will be up to the pitch and the weather.
  
  Scott Johnson has rung the changes, dropping captain Kelly Brown from the squad altogether. Whether this will fix a pack that was badly beaten last week remains to be seen. Changes have been made to the Scottish backs as well, with Matt Scott coming in for Duncan Taylor at centre, whilst Tommy Seymour steps up in place of the injured Sean Maitland. Whilst one of these changes has been forced, one has to question whether so many changes are benefitting this Scotland side. With a world cup not so far away, and this year’s Six Nations hanging in the balance, results are desperately needed.

Prediction: 
  Regardless of current form, this will be a close game, most likely to be decided by the boots of Farrell and Laidlaw. Discipline will be key, as will the grunt of the forwards. England should win this, but not by more than a score.

SQUADS

Scotland: 15-Stuart Hogg, 14-Tommy Seymour, 13-Alex Dunbar, 12-Matt Scott, 11-Sean Lamont, 10-Duncan Weir, 9-Greig Laidlaw (captain); 1-Ryan Grant, 2-Ross Ford, 3-Moray Low, 4-Tim Swinson, 5-Jim Hamilton, 6-Ryan Wilson, 7-Chris Fusaro, 8- David Denton

Replacements: 16-Scott Lawson, 17-Alasdair Dickinson, 18-Geoff Cross, 19-Jonny Gray, 20-Johnnie Beattie, 21-Chris Cusiter, 22-Duncan Taylor, 23-Max Evans

England : 15-Mike Brown, 14-Jack Nowell, 13-Luther Burrell, 12-Billy Twelvetrees, 11-Jonny May, 10-Owen Farrell, 9-Danny Care;-; 1-Joe Marler. 2-Dylan Hartley, 3-Dan Cole, 4-Joe Launchbury, 5-Courtney Lawes, 6-Tom Wood, 7-Chris Robshaw (captain), 8-Billy Vunipola

Replacements: 16-Tom Youngs, 17-Mako Vunipola, 18-Henry Thomas, 19-Dave Attwood, 20-Ben Morgan, 21-Lee Dickson 22-Brad Barritt, 23-Alex Goode.


Date: Saturday, February 8
Venue: Murraryfield, Edinburgh
Kick Off: 17:00 GMT


Referee: Jérôme Garces (Fra)
Touch judges: George Clancy (Ire) & Mike Fraser (NZL)

TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)

Article by Alex Hawksworth-Brookes

Wales V Italy Match Predictions

  Wales go into this year’s Six Nations competition aiming to make history by being the first team to win the competition three years in a row.  The first team that stands in the way of this historic achievement is Italy, who will be hoping to build on the successes of last year’s tournament, following a disappoint series of Summer and Autumn fixtures.

  With home advantage on their side, Wales go into this fixture as overwhelming favourites; Italy being the starter before the main courses of Ireland, France and England arrive at the table. If any teams are going to break Welsh hearts, it is probably going to be one of these three.

  However, the threat of the Italians must not be underestimated, and a slip-up against the Azzurri could cost Wales heavily, and Warren Gatland’s men must avoid starting the competition in a similar fashion to last year, where a dismal first 40 minutes saw them slip to defeat against Ireland.

  Despite notable omissions in the form of Ian Evans, Ryan Jones, Jonathan Davies, and Gethin Jenkins, most of Wales’ superstars are present in the team; their back three of Halfpenny, North and Cuthbert promises to be as dangerous as ever, with Alun Wyn Jones forming the core of an experienced and powerful pack. AW Jones captains Wales for the second time, standing in for Sam Warburton, who may make an appearance off the bench.

  Italy have their own share of injury worries as well, with a handful players with little or no caps appearing on Jacques Brunel’s teamsheet. Treviso winger Angelo Esposito is on debut, whilst Tommy Allan slots in at the ever-changing fly-half position.

  With all respect to Italy, it’s hard to imagine any result other than a Welsh win. The nature of the win, however, will tell us a lot about Welsh prospects for a third consecutive title. Warren Gatland will want his men to make a powerful statement of intent. A spluttering grind past Italy would be just the confidence boost that other title-contenders need.

Prediction: 

  With a formidable back-line and home advantage, Wales should win this by two converted tries at least.

SQUADS: 

Wales: 15-Leigh Halfpenny, 14-Alex Cuthbert, 13-Scott Williams, 12-Jamie Roberts, 11-George North, 10-Rhys Priestland, 9-Mike Phillips; 1-Paul James, 2-Richard Hibbard, 3-Adam Jones, 4-Luke Charteris, 5-Alun Wyn Jones (capt), 6-Dan Lydiate, 7-Justin Tipuric, 8-Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements : 16-Ken Owens, 17-Ryan Bevington, 18-Rhodri Jones, 19-Andrew Coombs, 20-Sam Warburton, 21-Rhys Webb, 22-James Hook, 23-Liam Williams

Italy: 15-Luke McLean, 14-Angelo Esposito, 13-Michele Campagnaro, 12-Alberto Sgarbi, 11-Leonardo Sarto, 10-Tommaso Allan, 9-Edoardo Gori; 1-Michele Rizzo, 2-Leonardo Ghiraldini, 3-Martin Castrogiovanni, 4-Quintin Geldenhuys, 5-Marco Bortolami, 6-Alessandro Zanni, 7-Mauro Bergamasco, 8-Sergio Parisse (capt).

Replacements :16-Davide Giazzon, 17-Alberto De Marchi, 18-Lorenzo Cittadini, 19-Joshua Furno, 20-Francesco Minto, 21-Tobias Botes, 22-Luciano Orquera, 23-Tommaso Iannon

Date: Saturday, February 1

Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Kick Off: 14:30 GMT

Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)

Touch judges: Glen Jackson (New Zealand) & Francisco Pastrana (Argentina)

TV: Iain Ramage (Scotland)

Article by Alex Hawksworth-Brookes