RBS 6 Nations Round 2 Predictions

Round two of the 6 Nations always seems to be the real test. In both 2014 and 2015, round two was when Ireland proved their mettle, smashing Wales in 2014 and clawing past the French in 2015. This year we will see yet more big clashes, as the best in the Northern Hemisphere go to battle.

Ireland v France:

The forward packs will be vital in this match, and Ireland will want to fix their scrum issues from a week ago. The front row is unchanged, but Joe Schmidt will want to see an improvement out of Nathan White on the tighthead side, as well as Jack McGrath. Guy Noves has brought in Jefferson Poirot and Uini Atonio, adding a lot of size to this French front row. Devin Toner gave France fits at the lineout last year, but Yoann Maestri and Alexandre Flanquart are experienced operators in that regard. We are really looking forward to the matchup in the back row, with Ireland bringing CJ Stander, Sean O’Brien, and Jamie Heaslip, while France have come with Wenceslas Lauret, Yacuba Camera, and Damien Chouly. The loss of Louis Picamoles is a major blow for France, but Chouly and Camera should more than make up for Picamoles’ absence with ball in hand.

Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton were back at their attacking best against Wales, and if they can repeat that, France may be in trouble. For their part, Sebastien Bezy and Jules Plisson were very solid for France, with Plisson stepping up for the decisive kick a week ago. The matchup to watch in the centers will be Jonathan Danty against Robbie Henshaw. Both are big, physical centers that have great hands in and out of contact. You can be assured that France and Ireland are planning to use their 12 to break the gainline, adding a bit of fire to the battle. Ireland’s wingers will need to step up defensively once again, as Virimi Vakatawa and Teddy Thomas are two electric wingers. Vakatawa was dominant in his debut a week ago, and Andrew Trimble’s defensive skills will be tested.

Many seem to feel that Ireland have the advantage in this fixture, however, their record in Paris and ever growing injury list indicates to me that they may struggle in this encounter. Add in their scrum problems a week ago, and their lack of training time this week, and the narrative becomes increasingly worrisome.

Prediction: France 24- Ireland 17

Wales v Scotland:

Scotland will look to their pack to help them rebound from a very disappointing loss to England in the first round. WP Nel and Alasdair Dickinson will be needed for the Scots to ensure a good platform going forward. Samson Lee and Rob Evans keep their starting roles after giving Jack McGrath and Nathan White fits last weekend. We’re really looking forward to the matchup between Scotland’s Gray brothers, and Wales’ Alun Wyn Jones and Luke Charteris. Both in the lineout and in open play, these four will be doing battle, and you can expect to see some big hits along the way. Wales’ all Lions back row will be hard to stop for Scotland, especially with the likes of Justin Tipuric attacking out wide. Look for John Hardie to give Wales a lot of trouble at the breakdown, while Dave Denton will do the bulk of the ball carrying.

Dan “Lazarus” Biggar has made a remarkable recovery from his ankle injury, and will return to start at 10 for Wales, facing off against young Finn Russell. Jamie Roberts was dominant against Ireland last weekend, and it will be up to Duncan Taylor (who is in good form himself) to halt the massive Welshman. Taylor and outside center Mark Bennett are an explosive pairing, but how they will handle the size of Roberts and Jonathan Davies is a big question mark. George North and Liam Williams will be looking to find more space than they did against Ireland, while all Sean Maitland and Tommy Seymour will want is decent ball in some space. Scotland’s struggles to create last week are well documented, and these two will feel that they have a point to prove. Stuart Hogg needs to be at his best, as he always seems to bring a lift to Scotland when he does.

Wales made a big impression when they rallied back against Ireland, and Scotland will need to keep their foot down against this Welsh team. Wales will be boosted by the return of Biggar, and this possibly one of their most dangerous teams in a long time. Given that the match is in Cardiff, and Scotland’s struggles last week, Im going to have to go with Wales on this one.

Prediction: Wales 18- Scotland 10

England v Italy:

England will be looking for more fluidity against Italy, as their were some rough patches in their win over Scotland. The Italians really stuck it to the French throughout the match, and if England do not put them away early, this could be a closer match than many would expect.

England will want more solidity from their front row, and with the likes of Dylan Hartley, they can feel very assured in the security of their front foot ball. The Italians will need another big day from Lorenzo Cittadini, who was fantastic against France. Italy have suffered some major knocks in the second row, leaving this as a potential weakness for England to exploit. George Kruis will likely be a leader from the front for England, and Joe Launchbury has been replaced by big hitter Courtney Lawes. The clash of Billy Vunipola and Sergio Parisse will be crucial. Italy look to Parisse throughout the match, and if he is able to dominate his opposite number, they are likely to take the fight to the English with increased ferocity. Expect some big hits up front from both of these very good packs.

Edoardo Gori will be key for Italy, as he continues to develop his relationship with young flyhalf Carlo Canna. Canna was outstanding for the Italians against France, and if he can perform in that manner again, the English should be worried. England seem to feel that Owen Farrell’s solidity is the way forward for them at 10, with George Ford favored at 10. Farrell’s form certainly merits this move, and his accurate kicking should keep the scoreboard ticking over for England. The battle between Aviva Premiership rivals Michele Campagnaro and Jonathan Joseph will be vital, as both are essential to their sides attacking plans. Campagnaro was everywhere for the Italians a week ago, but shutting down Joseph will be a difficult assignement for the young center. Jaques Brunel will want Leonardo Sarto to limit his sideways running, which became an issue late in the match against France. Sarto’s pace means he can outrun many defenders, but it often cuts off space for others. England’s back three of Jack Nowell, Anthony Watson, and Mike Brown proved to be electric a week ago, and if they can hold onto that form I think they will be scoring a lot for England.

Italy are improving this year, I have no doubt of that, and I think this match will be competitive for 50 minutes. After that however, I suspect we will see England run away with this one, behind a dominant forward pack, and smart play from Owen Farrell at 10.

Prediction: England 36- Italy 15