Only two games this weekend, with Ireland treating Italy like a Welsh prop’s face and England facing their sort of nemesis in Cardiff. France and Scotland have had their game postponed as a result of an outbreak of lurgies in the French camp which was due to Galthié being a messiah very naughty boy. Craigsman, of course, would never do this.
Italy vs Ireland – Rome
Gonna be a spanking. I was going to leave it there but to be honest I should explain why. Ireland will be hurting after a disappointing run against Wales and France and will be keen to get back on track by putting a lot of points on Italy (who last won against them in 2013). Ireland also have an almost full strength squad too. They are just missing Cooney who, for some reason isn’t included. No one apart from Big Faz knows why this is and it really needs to be a talking point on the notablog. Has anyone mentioned that? Someone should mention that.
Italy will score one or two tries but are always a few years behind the curve and they don’t have the players. I can see them holding out for the first quarter before the floodgates open and we can all talk about whether they should make way for Georgia.
13 – 45 to Ireland
Wales vs England – Cardiff
I’m not sure about this one. Have Wales been spawny this year or have they been tenacious when behind and fought back valiantly to win? I think it’s both. You have to be good enough to capitalise on your luck and some of the tries have been great. They have fielded a team with a mix of old and new heads and seem to be finally getting to grips with Pivac’s style of play. If they can get it right and build an early score, then it will be tough night for the Saes.
England seem to be wobbling a bit. With Eddie emphasizing defence and several players out of form they haven’t set the world on fire recently. That said, they should be tough to beat and I’m hoping that they will have a bit more confidence about them this week. Expect a lot of kicking and muscle which hopefully will see them home in a tight game. Some might complain about this, but not me.
30 – 22 to Wales or 20 – 15 to England
France vs Scotland – Paris(ish)
So this has been postponed. What a bunch of les muppets, eh (who I hope will fully recover)? I can’t even ask ‘which France will turn up’ just to sound like a knob. Ah well, let’s pretend that it’s going ahead and look into my crystal ball…
I reckon France at a canter. They are looking very good at the moment and will likely stuff the Scots up their holes. There will be some nice stuff from the visitors but ultimately France are becoming more and more evil every year. It started with some strange glasses, then came a blunt talking defence coach and a change of culture a few thought would be unpalatable and then selection of form players and a sensible game plan going forwards. Who’d have thunk it? Witchcraft, I tell you.
I could be wrong. No good ever comes from a postponed game. None at all.
35 – 15 to France
As foretold by Britney Spears
Onna telly this week
Friday 26th February
| Treviso v Connacht | 17:30 | Premier Sports 2 |
| Sale v Exeter | 19:45 | BT Sport 1 |
| Cardiff v Munster | 20:00 | S4C / Premier Sports 2 |
| Ulster v Ospreys | 20:00 | Premier Sports 1 |
Saturday 27th February
| Edinburgh v Scarlets | 12:00 | Premier Sports 1 |
| Bristol v Leicester | 13:00 | BT Sport Extra |
| Italy v Ireland | 14:15 | ITV |
| Newcastle v Harlequins | 15:00 | BT Sport Extra |
| Wasps v London Irish | 15:00 | BT Sport Extra |
| Gloucester v Worcester | 15:15 | BT Sport Extra |
| Wales v England | 16:45 | BBC1 / S4C |
| Zebre v Dragons | 17:15 | Premier Sports 1 |
Sunday 28th February
| Northampton v Bath | 13:00 | BT Sport 2 |
| Leinster v Glasgow | 17:30 | Premier Sports 1 |
Ovally Balls 
Yes, exactly!
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Too many silly mistakes from Italy.
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Too many silly mistakes from Ireland too.
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As the ponderous rythm in Rome leaves us some time, rumors here say the game between France and Scotland should take place mid-week early March. That’d be a first.
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Oh, good. Makes Super Saturday the real thing.
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That was nicely worked, I had Ireland by 25, but not by half time
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Gwan Italy 🇮🇹
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Nice from Italy.
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Sexton not happy.
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The most unsurprising post of 2021/2020/2019/2018……..
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It was the super slomo replay of him saying FUCK! and punching the ground that amused me.
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2nd yellow card for Italy.
Reports of a possible nuclear explosion in Amsterdam.
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????
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I think he means Expro.
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I didn’t think the ref was very kind to Italy with some of the breakdown penalties in the first half, but they did get one rather big call! Can’t see that they can have too much to complain about in the second half. Nice try to finish the game, well played Ireland.
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Thought Pro had moved to Turkey? Or was it the Caribbean?
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Well done, Ireland — always a relief when you beat a team you’re supposed to beat, but they looked better than the previous two weeks, unlike England when they played Italy.
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Pending the SRU agreement- mostly providing the SRU can get their players released from the English clubs- the game between France and Scotland will be rescheduled on March 26, a Friday. I’ll spare you the details but there was a lot of trading between FFR and LNR. I guess that agreement concerns Finn as well.
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Must be a proud moment on the occasion of your 50th cap to lead your team out to an empty stadium.
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Hello everyone! Here we go then.
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Harsh penalty there. Fine if he’s consistent on that.
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Deliberate knock-on was a little harsh there.
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Great discipline here from England! Using their brains.
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The man on my right thinks the ref’s doing a wonderful job.
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Ooh, that was close.
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Finally found a stream
Come on, Wales.
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Shaping up to be a helluva match.
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Ben Youngs, “Christ, I’m in space! What the fuck to I do now? This wasn’t part of the plan!”
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Itoje has become a penalty machine. Both pens against him so far harsh, but refs are just looking out for him these days.
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Harsh on Youngs, BB. He found support after a good break.
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Yessssssssssssss!
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Nice kick & well taken.
And well done to Bogbrush for getting on the wrong side of the ref.
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That was really odd. You don’t normally see the ref allow play with the water carriers still on the pitch.
England should have been paying more attention though.
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Refit – I would be raging if it were us.
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Two very good kicks there, one from Biggar for the score and that kick to touch from Farrell couldn’t have been better
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Thaum – I’m not exactly sanguine about it.
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thaum, never forget:
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Didn’t seem fair to call time on with water carriers on the pitch for both sides. Great kick though.
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GAaaaahhhhh – Daly!
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I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN, TOMP!!!!
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Watson looks odd, without hair.
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“On field try”?? In what world?
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He knocked it forward, onto his arse.
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Controversial! There is much joy in the room.
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Ok, it’s one of those days then.
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I call the moral victory for England.
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Oh my fucking Lord.
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Hmmm. Not sure about that one.
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This is feeling very much like the Scotland game. England clueless in attack, gifting the opposition territory and points.
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LRZ can’t believe it!
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