Gethin Jones

6 Nations Fever!

11/02/2011

So thought I'd share my thoughts, favourite facts and predictions with you for the 6 Nations! Thought we could maybe have a bit of a competition, get in touch with your prediction and we'll give the winner a big shout out on this site! 

Also, they'll be special interviews with stars of the game starting tomorrow with Dan Scarbrough!

ENGLAND V ITALY

Best fact: England's biggest win over Italy was back in 2001. 80-23. Jonny Wilkinson scored 35 points. 

THOUGHTS:

I was there to see England beat Wales at the Millennium Stadium last week. Quietly, I thought we would beat England but it was not meant to be. England were strong, in most departments. The best game I've seen Toby Flood play for England in terms of controlling highly emotional and tense game. His half back partner Ben Youngs had a quiet game compared with his scintillating perfomances in the autumn, but they were still able to bring on the sniper Danny Care as a replacement. Evidence that England have a strong squad. They are unchanged for the Italy game (apart from Fourie in for Worsley on the bench), apart from now the breaking news about Andrew Sheridan. Italy have never beaten England.. despite Italy looking strong against the Irish, I think that this will still be the case come 4.30pm on saturday.

PREDICTION: England 36 Italy 15

SCOTLAND V WALES

Best fact:  Scotland's three tries against France last weekend were as many as they scored in the whole of last year's Six Nations.

Thoughts:

As a typical Welsh man the feeling in the heart is far greater than the thought in the head! I am hopeful Wales can win, and actually on paper I think they will. They need a win, international rugby is about building momentum.. a bit like a football striker who hasn't scored for a while, that one goal brings confidence no matter how it's scored. Wales need to win, pretty, ugly, doesn't matter. A win is essential, and then who knows what can be achieved this year. After watching the Scots against France, it will not be easy. The boys in the darker blue played exceptionally well in parts against Les Blues. Buoyed by the announcement Andy Robinson will be in charge til 2015, they are capable of putting in a full 80 minute performance against Wales, if they do, then the Dragon's flames will be well and truly put out.

Prediction: Scotland 16 Wales 25 (Ever the optimist!)

IRELAND VS FRANCE

Best fact: Only once in their last 37 meetings with Ireland have France failed to score a try, in 2003.

I had to look twice when I saw the Italy score last week. Yes, Italy are much tougher than people give them credit to beat at home, but man, that was close! Ireland at home isn't exactly the easiest fixture either, and not for one second will the French be paying attention to that result. I make the French favourites, they look so fast and strong. On their day we know they can be the best team in the world, but when they are not on song, they can lose at home to Australia by over 50 points. Ireland are best when they are chasing, putting everything on the line. Brian O'Driscoll, who wins his 109th cap, says they need a fast start. If they can really go at the French they have more than a chance. This will be a cracking game of rugby to watch with a fragile birthday headache!

Prediction: Ireland 18 France 31

So those are my views - what do you think put them in the comments and the person that gets closest wins... um well justa  shout out really.

Gethin.

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