6 Nations: Round 4 Match Previews

The decisive weekend of the 6 Nations is upon us, and we hope that it will yield some exhilarating rugby. England face their first real test when they take on Wales, Scotland will look to build on their first win as they take on France, and Ireland must defeat Italy, or we may see heads roll.

Ireland vs Italy:

Both sides are currently winless and occupy the bottom of the table, with plenty of pride on the line. Ireland have taken no chances with their selection (possibly to the chagrin of some) and the Italians will always bring plenty of fire to any fixture. Ireland’s front row is unchanged, and should provide them with a stable platform. Jack McGrath’s tackle count is always excellent, but he will have to stand his ground against Lorenzo Cittadini, who has been sensational so far for the Italians. Donnacha Ryan is relishing his return to the starting XV for Ireland, and his partnership with Devin Toner has plenty of potential. George Biagi has a great workrate and is emerging as a leader in the Italian pack. Ireland will call upon their fantastic new flankers, CJ Stander and Josh Van Der Flier, both of whom have impressed in their performances for Ireland. Van Der Flier led the team in tackles last week against England, and Stander has the most carries of any player in the tournament. Sergio Parisse is a legend, and we do not have to tell you what he is capable of, but his partners in the backrow have not played up to their potential since the France game. Francesco Minto and Alessandro Zanni are talented players, and Ireland will need to break their will early. Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton are in great form, and find themselves up against a vulnerable young Italian pairing in Guglielmo Palazzani and Edoardo Padovani. Michele Campagnaro will be the source of Italy’s spark in attack, as he currently leads the tournament in clean breaks, but he will face a very solid Ireland midfield. While Ireland fans will (perhaps rightfully) lament Joe Schmidt’s decision to move Robbie Henshaw back to inside center to bring Jared Payne back into outside center after Stuart McCloskey’s very impressive debut. David Odiete has impressed in his few starts for Italy, but Ireland have an X-factor fullback of their own in Simon Zebo. Ireland fans will want to see their side bounce back from successive losses with a dominant win over Italy however, Joe Schmidt’s selection shows an inclination towards a defensive game plan. Ireland should rack up plenty of points, but they must not allow Italy back into the game as they did with Wales and France. We think Ireland will get the job done, but it may be closer than many would expect.

Prediction: Ireland 28- Italy 12

England vs Wales:

In one of the tournament’s biggest rivalries, we will see the decisive match of this year’s 6 Nations. Wales will want to remember that they do have to play the second half this year, but they will be happy to remember that James Haskell is not capable of seeing goalposts. Rob Evans and Samson Lee will solidify a Welsh scrum that was obliterated by England last year. Evans’ remarkable workrate is unparalleled in this game, but he will be face a challenge from England’s front row of Joe Marler, Dylan Hartley, and Dan Cole. While Wales have gone with the experience of Bradley Davies and Alun Wyn Jones, England have stuck to their young pair of Maro Itoje and George Kruis. Itoje was phenomenal against Ireland, but he will face a locking pair who can and will rival his physicality and vigor. Dan Lydiate’s return made a great impact on the Welsh defence, and Taulupe Faletau is in great form, but they face a major challenge as they take on Billy Vunipola, who has been in dominant form. Vunipola has been the form player of the tournament, and he must be stopped if Wales are to come away with a win. England’s halfback pair of Ben Youngs and George Ford have struggled throughout the tournament, but Gareth Davies and Dan Biggar have been outstanding. This could become a major issue for England, but Owen Farrell’s great form could tip the balance in England’s favor. Jamie Roberts has had an outstanding campaign for Wales, and he will be the key to their gameplan. If England cannot keep him behind the gainline, they will find themselves in deep trouble. The battle between George North and Anthony Watson, as well as Mike Brown and Liam Williams, will bring a thrilling competition in the back three. This is going to be a thrilling match, and it is a very difficult call. We feel that England have played really well this season, but they have not faced a real test. Wales will come out firing and punch England in the mouth, and we are not certain England will respond well to a real challenge.

Prediction: England 12- Wales 17

Scotland vs France:

It seems every year we see the same storylines with these two sides. Scotland play good rugby but fail to rack up points or wins, and of course “Which France will turn up?” Scotland will need a big performance from their in form props, Alasdair Dickinson and WP Nel. France have a major size advantage (as they often do) in the front row, and with the likes of Rabah Slimani and Guilhem Guirado they have plenty of mobility as well. The Gray brothers will give Scotland a major edge in the lineout, but they will have to stand up to the physicality of their French counterparts, who have never showed a hesitance to put in some big hits. Damien Chouly will provide a lot of power for France with ball in hand, but the French loose forwards were bullied by Sam Warburton and co. last week. The pressure, therefore, will be on John Hardie and Dave Denton to send a physical message early. Greig Laidlaw and Finn Russell found their form a week ago, and given the struggles of Jules Plisson against Wales, they may smell blood in the water. Jonathan Danty has brought his trademark physicality for France, but not the skills we had been hoping to see. If he does however, Duncan Taylor and Mark Bennett may find that they have their hands full. Taylor and Bennett have looked very dangerous in attack, and France must be prepared for their threat, or they will find themselves under their own posts quite a bit. Virimi Vakatawa has been a sensation, and the neutral viewer will hope to see France find him in space as often as possible, something that Scotland fans would probably like to avoid. Tommy Seymour and Stuart Hogg are two of the most dangerous finishers in the tournament, and France will need to contain them, for if Hogg has a game like he did a year ago against France, we really believe Scotland can take the win in this game. That said, France have a slight edge in this one, and we feel they will take a narrow win in Edinburgh.

Prediction: Scotland 14- France 17