6 Nations Rugby – The Climax

The 6 Nations Rugby Championship never fails to produce drama. Again this year we have a really tight Championship on our hands. So how can we pick a winner? Well, that is a very difficult task indeed. Let’s look at tomorrows games one by one.

• Scotland vs Ireland– A polished performance and victory against England has, in many peoples minds , made Ireland favourites for the tournament but their upcoming game against Scotland at Murrayfiel d will be anything but a formality. Scotland have recorded victories in their last two home games against Ireland but there has not been much between them in terms of the score line (6/8/12 – Scotland 10 – 6 Ireland in a World Cup warm up game and 24/2/13 – Scotland 12 – 8 Ireland in the 2013 Six Nations.) Ireland are currently level on points with England and Wales but trail England by four on points difference. Sir Opinionated’s verdict – A close game with the Irish bucking the recent ‘Murrayfield trend’ and winning but I don’t think they will do enough to win the Championship overall. Score prediction – Ireland to win by 9.
• Italy vs Wales – Wales have won all but two of their games versus Italy in Rome (P9 W7 D0 L2) Last time they played in Italy , Wales won by 17 points and I can see the Welsh rising to the occasion and winning by more this time. The Italians have huge power in their pack and are becoming more and more accomplished year on year but their lack of flair will be their downfall. Wales currently trail England by twenty five on points difference in the Championship table. Sir Opinionated’s verdict – The Welsh to win but again I don’t think they will do enough to win the Championship. Score prediction – Wales to win by 23.
• England vs France – England have put in some mixed performances this year but have managed to get themselves to the top of the table on points difference. The French are, in my opinion, a very unpredictable team – you never know if they are going to be breathtaking or awful. France will no doubt want to ruin any potential English title celebrations and will try to make it very difficult for England. Based on my earlier prediction (Scot. v Ire.) the English will only need to win by 6 points to seal the title and I feel that this is achievable. Sir Opinionated’s verdict – At least two tries from the French but a more disciplined England will avoid any costly errors and record a win against Les Bleus (who by the way still have a mathematical chance to win if results go their way.) Score prediction – England to win by 13.
  
  My overall thoughts on this years Six Nations Championship are:
• We are very lucky to be able to watch such a dramatic concluding day (again!)
• Rugby in the northern hemisphere is in very good order
• England to win overall
• It is the best annual rugby tournament in the world.
  
  What are your thoughts and feelings on tomorrows games? Do you agree with Sir Opinionated? Feel free to comment and take part in the poll below. Enjoy!