Six Nations Championship
As the Championship draws to a close, only a miracle can stop France, the Puntinplay Tip, from winning the title. The question is, will they hold on for the Grand Slam or will England find some form and upset the French season? All the games are being played on one day and things like this cause divorces.
Wales, with all their ups and downs, could just be asking a few questions of themselves, which, might just mean they could have taken their eye off Italy.
With their habit of giving their opponents a head start, they could be in trouble. Head Coach, Warren Gatland has left the players in no doubt as to how unacceptable he regarded their performance against Ireland. Wales will have been significantly strengthened by the return of their fit British Lions trio, Mike Phillips, Gethin Jenkins and Ryan Jones
Already chastened by last week’s French mauling, Italy come to the Millennium Stadium with three injury enforced changes. Centre, Masi is replaced by Canale and Gloucester’s Bortolami takes over from Del Fava. Paul Derbyshire is unfit to play on the flank and his place is taken by Josh Sole, another traditional Italian surname.
The Italians have stepped up to the mark this year and proved to be an awkward customer, so, Wales will certainly not have it all their own way, however I do expect Wales to take this one
Next up Ireland V Scotland
Ireland at home should be too strong for Scotland.
However, underestimating the Scottish resolve against England ended my 100% prediction record, but who would have foreseen a draw?
The Irish backs, unlike the English, have the ability to break the line and off load in contact, they are also solid in defence, so we are confident they’ll end the Championship in second place, as we predicted.
On team news Gordon D’Arcy has been passed fit to continue in the centre for Ireland.
Last up if you are still standing is France V England.
All I hear is “If the English hold there defence and strangle the French of territory and possession they could kick their way to victory”, “This could be the French Banana Skin” and “ The pressure on the French to take the Grandslam could make them stall and blow up”.
Well for me talk is cheap, would you in current form go with England and back them with cold hard cash, my answer is simple, No, its got to be France, my favourites. Hopefully they will not let me down and with Bassardeau back surely it’s their year.
England have made changes in the backs. Flood replacing Wilkinson has obviously hit the headlines and Ben Foden was hugely impressive when he came off the bench last week. The most significant change could be the inclusion of Mike Tindall at the expense of Matthew Tait. His vast experience will be extremely useful and England obviously hope that his muscular play will counteract the powerful Bassardeau.
There have also been enforced English forward changes. Steve Borthwick’s knee injury has forced his withdrawal and Louis Deacon replaces him at lock. Lewis Moody takes over the captaincy and English supporters naturally hope for a more dynamic pack performance.
Despite his apparent calm, Martin Johnson must be feeling the pressure and I hope his team digs deep and gives him a performance, at the very least. However I expect the French to justify Puntinplay’s confidence and secure the Championship and the Grand Slam
So to sum up
Wales to win by ten.
Ireland to win by fifteen. .
France to win by ten.
