I met John Bentley this week on a snowy night at West Park Leeds RUFC in Yorkshire. He had turned out to cheer on the West Yorkshire Police who turned over the Police of Northern Ireland. Typically, he was doing what he does so well in putting back what he had had gained from rugby. In a former life, John played for the West Yorkshire Police.
But down to business:- British and Irish Lion, Bentley spoke first about his favourites for the 6th Nations tournament, Ireland and their home game against Italy. (Saturday 2.30pm)
It was quite straightforward “One way traffic” He added that they will just be too strong because of the continuity of player selection that Ireland have managed to achieve.
“I think they will just take up from where they left off last season’’
He repeated that Italy may cause an upset, but it would not be this weekend.
I tried to test how confident he was and he backed the Irish to win by a clear 24-point margin.
Look out, Italy.
On to the England Wales match and it was bad news for the Welsh.
“It will be tight and it will be won and lost up front. England have a point to prove and will be smarting, they need the Twickenham crowd to get behind them.”
There was a lot of romance and passion from John
“They will have done some soul searching and they have kept quiet. They have to get it together and do the talking on the field”
He added that they would have to play their game, “People don’t often remember how it was won, just that it was’.
With Byrne back in, there could have been a glimmer of hope for Wales. However now that Jenkins has had to drop out as well as Rees, I think John may have got this right. It will be tight but I agree with John’s final summary:- “there will be one score in it but it’s got to be England”
We come to the big surprise in my book; Bentos has tipped the Scottish for a home win on Sunday.(15.00)
“To play the French in the first game at Murrayfield is their best chance. Their confidence will be riding high after their autumn success against Australia and they have a huge sense of self-belief.”
“I think there is a surprise on the cards. If Scotland gets the first score, the French will chase and could make errors. I feel that Scotland are good enough to open them up”
He may have a point and Paterson’s reliable goal kicking who knows?
He tips Scotland, not just to pip the French, but to win by twelve points.
I know I may eat my words,John but Im not sure I can go with this one.The French are so dangerous that I just can't see Scotland holding them off.It is a hard one to call but, personally, I think France will edge it.
Roll on the Weekend
Rhys Morgan
