It’s the penultimate round of fixtures in the 2015 Six Nations and, after a convincing victory over England last week, the Six Nations title is now Ireland’s to lose. But will an improving Wales side stop them in their tracks in Cardiff? In the other games, can England stay in the race and hope for an Ireland slip-up, or will Scotland spare themselves wooden spoon embarrassment. And can Italy record a second victory when they face struggling France?
Wales v Ireland – Saturday 14:30 (GMT)
Ireland’s sights are still firmly set on the Grand Slam after they outclassed England to win 19-9 in Dublin two weeks ago. But Wales, who put in a strong performance in Paris to see off France 20-13, will certainly be no pushovers at the Millennium Stadium.
It was at this stage last year that the Irish slipped up in their pursuit of a Grand Slam, although they did still manage to win the tournament. They’ll want to rectify that in Cardiff, where they beat the Welsh 30-22 in their last meeting there, two years ago. The 2013 tournament went in very different directions for each side following that match, with Ireland not winning another game, finishing a lowly fifth, while Wales went on to win the tournament.
Wales will hope this year’s competition will follow a similar pattern to that of 2013. Having lost their opening game in Cardiff, they have subsequently gone on to win their last two. But victory over a formidable Ireland side is necessary for them to stand any chance of another title.
It’s hard to look past the Irish for this one though, they have won each of their last 10 games – including victories over France, Australia and South Africa in that run. The ability for Ireland to get in front in games – and stay there – is one of the key reasons that this team is highly-tipped to be genuine contenders at the World Cup later in the year.
Despite their dominance, most of Ireland’s points have come from the boot of Jonathan Sexton, with Josef Schmidt’s side landing just three tries in the tournament so far. Don’t expect that to change in Cardiff.
Best Bets:
Under 2.5 Total Tries – 13/8 Paddy Power
England v Scotland – Saturday – 17:00 (GMT)
After impressive attacking displays against Wales and Italy, England will be hurt to have been so out-classed by Ireland a fortnight ago. All they can do now is win their remaining games against Scotland and France, while hoping Ireland slip up.
The Calcutta Cup is at stake at Twickenham, with Scotland desperately hoping to avoid a winless tournament, so expect the Scots to be riled for this one after their loss to Italy last time out. It’s been 32 years since Scotland triumphed at the home of English Rugby though, so history is certainly against them.
Best Bets:
Jonathan Joseph First Try Scorer – 11/1 Paddy Power or Coral
Italy v France – Sunday – 15:00 (GMT)
France have lost their last two trips to Rome and, having suffered successive defeats to Ireland and Wales in their last two fixtures, could well be low on confidence heading to the Italian capital once again.
Confidence should be high for Italy, meanwhile, after they beat Scotland 22-19 in a dramatic encounter at Murrayfield in the last fixture. A win for the Azzuri would see them leap frog les Bleus into fourth place.
Best Bets:
Italy to win – 11/4 SkyBet or BoyleSports
