Gethin Jones

Gethin talks to Martyn Williams

24/02/2011

Whilst  I would love to share my thoughts with you on this weekends 6 Nations action, I have actually stumbled across someone who's far more qualified, able and down right more interesting than me on the topic. By the way. I don't just chat to any old Tom, Dick or 'Dai' on this website. They have to come with an impressive rugby CV. SO how's this..    Wales' most capped forward with 98 caps, and second most capped Welsh rugby player. 4 Lions caps. Grand Slam winner in 2005 and 2008 and a record 51 apperances in the 5/6 Nations and 10 Rugby World Cup Games. Just about make the grade, does Martyn Williams!

Italy Vs Wales

Gethin: Lets start with the first fixture this weekend. When in Rome... who knows what the Welsh fans will get up to, but what will be the Dragons' destiny at the Stadio Flaminio?

Martyn: Well there's been a lot of chat about not being complacent against them. Italy are a strong side these days, yes they lost by 50 to England, but I would put that down to a blip, England were on fire at Twickenham, and that sometimes happens with Italy, they go a few scores down playing away, and lose their way. This very rarely happens in Rome, it will be a tighter game against Wales, a bit like the Ireland game that they should have won. "ROG" (Ronan O'Gara) saved the day for Ireland. Italy weren't lucky, they dominated Ireland. It will be tough for the boys (Wales) on Saturday, but I'm pretty sure we'll win.

The boys are pretty confident after beating Scotland up in Murrayfield, but this is a bad time to play Italy, who will want this chance to put things right. I think it will be tough for 60 minutes, but then we will pull away....hopefully!

The major talking point with the Welsh side, is James Hook's immediate move from outside half to centre because of an injury to Jonathan Davies.. He'll be the 25th player to win his 50th cap on Saturday. He is a fantastic footballer so he should slot straight back in?

Without the injury to Jonathan, and the fact that Shanks (Tom Shanklin) and Bish (Andrew Bishop) are both injured, I'm sure Hooky would have kept the '10' jersey against Italy. But that's how it works out sometimes. Jonathan Davies was playing well, but Stephen (Jones) doesn't exactly weaken the side (he will join Martyn as Wales 2nd most capped rugby international with 98 caps, 2 behind Gareth Thomas). Stephen is quality and never lets anyone down. For Hooky, it will be his 3rd different position in 3 games. 15 against England,10 against Scotland and now 13 on Saturday. But he's used to playing there for the Ospreys and Wales.

Will he be frustrated?

If he is gonna play 10 he needs game time there. But if we win in Italy, and Jonathan Davies is fit for the next game against Ireland, what will they (Welsh management) do then?!

PREDICTION: ITALY 15 - WALES 22

England Vs France

Before France's match against England in 2003 RBS 6 Nations, France's no.8 Imanol Harinordoquy said "....and as long as we beat England, I wouldn't mind if we lost every other game in the 6 Nations."

I then remember hearing this..

Commentator: The Frenchman took a bit of a shoeing there, didn't he Brian?

Brian Moore: I don't care, he's a Frenchman.

No love lost over the years then! This is the marque fixture of the weekend, the build up is already intense. Really tough to call?

France could win by 30, and lose by 30 too! I've watched both of France's games, they did enough to win, but didn't look like they got out of 3rd gear. England are the in form side, and they are difficult to beat in Twickenham. If I was a betting man I would go with England, but if France 'turn up', then who knows. Individually they are unbelievable. But collectively it can be a total lottery on occasions. How do you lose to Oz at home by 50?!! This will be a good game.

Captain Lewis Moody back in the squad. Do you change a winning side?

I think you do. It's the old saying "If you stand still you go backwards". It's better to change from a position of strength rather than wait. The question is, WHO will Moody come in for. Wood or Haskell? Is it harsh on one of them, but you have to play the opposition, that's why coaches are payed the big bucks. Selection is the biggest decision they make. Moody is the captain and he's a quality player, and ever though England are winning, he adds that quality to the team. Its the way it goes.

PREDICTION: ENGLAND 26 - France 19

Scotland Vs Ireland

Wales won ugly in Scotland. I have no doubt that the Scots will want to show that they have balls under their kilts this weekend, and put things right against Ireland?

Scotland side look stronger than they did against us. Gray is back after flu. Sean Lamont definitely deserves a starting place, he's a strong man, when you see his name on the team sheet you think, this is going to be a tough day at the office. Beattie is back in to re-unite "the Killer B's" (the Scotland back row of Beattie, Brown and Barclay). There's a better balance in the back row now, and Mike Blair will pull the strings at scrum half. Again after a beating at home, Scotland will desperately want to win. It will be tough for the Irish. But then again, if it's wet and windy, it could be a 6-3!

Ireland have so much quality, and they rarely lose 2 games in a row. It's a big game for both sides. I fancy Ireland to pip it with the experience of the likes of "ROG" I think they'll have a little too much nous for the Scots. Ireland are a settled side, tough to beat. Knowing those boys as I do, they are confident rugby players, they know how to win big game through Munster and Leinster. The bigger the game, the better they are.

PREDICTION: SCOTLAND 13 - IRELAND 18 (depending on the weather)

Gethin: Thanks "Nuggett"! Right time for my predictions: 

Italy 11 - Wales 23

England 23 - France 17

Scotland 13 - Ireland 21

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