It’s here! The return that nobody expected (or wanted…)
Predict-A-Bear is back, along with his partner in crime, Shug (The Dug). Together, they will cast a beady eye over this week’s Six Nations games and decide the (probable) winner. All 3 games could be tight, and then again, all 3 games could be one-sided batterings.
As you will see, they have gone hi-tech for these predictions.
First up, Italy vs Scotland.
Italy have improved, and even though France were awful, they still could/should have beaten them. They ran England close, not that that’s saying much these days.
They didn’t run Ireland close, but then nobody will this year.
Unlike in previous years, they don’t seem to run out of steam in the last quarter: the pack is improving, and the backs can and probably will try to run the ball from everywhere.
Scotland are, apparently, the second-best team in the tournament. We were favourites to beat Wales (and we did! Just). We should have beaten France but fell asleep for parts of the second half, as did the TMO at the end. We were favourites to beat England, but it’s England….
We have a strong team and squad now, apart from a couple of places, mainly in the front row. Zander seems to have to play most of the 80 and thankfully has stopped giving away quite so many penalties. Famous last words, I know. We’ve gone for a 6-2 split on the bench.
Still uncomfortable with Scotland being favourites for anything, but that’s just part of our psyche.
Predict-A-Bear says:
Next, England vs Ireland.
Hmmm. Will we see the England of the first 20 minutes against Scotland, or the England of the following 60? They’ve had longer to work on their Rush Defence, but have they also worked on passing and offloading? If Mitchell and Smith (M) come in, that may well speed up their attack, plus it would be good to see Feyi-Waboso start. Still, we can always look forward to Ben Earl gurning away any time Ireland drop the ball. He should perhaps concentrate more on coping with the Irish back row.
Ireland have a system. They have players that fit into the system. They have a coach who makes sure everybody knows what they are doing within that system. A system doesn’t work as well if you don’t have bloody good players to work it. Ireland have lots of good players, with a fair smattering of world class players. And a deep squad. Andy Farrell is canny enough not to let any possible emotions about Ireland winning the championship a game early get into the player’s heads. So, no weaknesses then? Not many. Maybe the scrum? Andrew Porter may not get away with boring in against England. Clutching at straws there….
Predict-A-Bear says:
And so to Wales vs France on Sunday.
Which Wales will turn up? The Wales of the first half against Scotland, most of the game against Ireland and parts of the game against England? Or the Wales that played out of their skin for 20 minutes in the second half against Scotland? Who knows? Not sure Gatland does. This is definitely a rebuilding job and there looks to be some future stars in Winnett, Wainwright and Reffell.
Which France will turn up? Hopefully (for non-Welsh fans), NOT the one we’ve seen so far this tournament. It can’t just be down to Dupont. Yes, they’ve had injuries and poor discipline which means they’ve been without important players in each game. Perhaps the squad depth isn’t what we thought it was?
Predict-A-Bear is having serious thoughts about this one, but in the end he says:
BorderBoy accepts no liability for any upset these predictions may cause – it wisnae him!.
Onna telly this weekend
Showing matches that are televised in the UK and Ireland or on popular subscription services. Bold indicates that it’s on a free to view channel. Times are in the UK zone, so adjust as necessary.
Friday 8th March
| Italy v Scotland U20s | 19:15 | iPlayer |
| England v Ireland U20s | 19:15 | RTÉ2 / iPlayer |
Saturday 9th March
| La Rochelle v Stade français | 14:00 | Viaplay Sports 1 |
| Italy v Scotland | 14:15 | ITV1 / STV |
| Montpellier v Bordeaux Begles | 16:00 | Viaplay Sports 1 |
| England v Ireland | 16:45 | ITV1 / RTÉ2 / STV |
| Perpignan v Toulouse | 20:00 | Viaplay Sports 1 |
Sunday 10th March
| Wales v France | 15:00 | BBC1 / S4C / RTÉ2 |
| Racing 92 v Toulon | 20:00 | Viaplay online |
Ovally Balls 
Also, we didn’t have enough Ulstermen.
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Also despite wordpress not letting me log in, and asking me to do so every comment, and deleting half of them.
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Yes indeed, that was a jolly good game. Earl very good, would rather see im on the flank with Dombrandt at 8.
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so, wales to win tomorrow ?
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I’ll certainly take a weekend of upsets Tim.
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I feel very good about that!
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SBT – I’ve released your comments from the spam bin. If it happens again, let me know!
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That was even a better game than Italy’s. The 6N may not always deliver but when it does no other competition comes close.
Good to see England finally play some (excellent) rugby. Ireland looked stale and the 6/2 bench proved costly.
Was 100% wrong with my predictions. I use to get a third of them right, hope Wales do not let me down.
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I missed pretty much every moment of the game due to a ridiculous decision to come to Cardiff Devils ice hockey. Can’t wait to watch it all on catch up later.
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Only thing that annoyed me about England today was Genge telling off F-W and to get away from the ruck area – surely his free-ranging threat was the whole point??
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I think it’s time for Conor Murray to hang up his boots. He’s been great in his day, but now he is slow and just aimlessly box-kicks.
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So, a bonus point win for Scotland next week, denying Ireland a point, and England to get a bonus point win in France for the Championship. Who’d a thunk it.
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Danny Care’s kid has stolen the show from the rugby!
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Steady on, SBT, or I’ll put your comments back in the spam bin.
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thanksThaum, still have to relog in every comment, ipad thing I suspect. New travelling toy, and am beginning to suspect they are evil.
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SBT – it may be that you have it set not to store cookies. You need your cookies for it to remember your login.
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From the Graun
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Bugger, just what we need. A determined Ireland on home soil going for a Championship.
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BB – just ask Predict-A-Bear to predict an Ireland win.
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He’s going back into hibernation. Although if he’s wrong tomorrow, at least Clyde will be pleased (and the Mister, I presume).
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Watching it back, England were by far the better team for most of the first half, yet went in 4 points down. The try by Ireland at the start of the second half should have totally sunk them. Interesting how having young, fearless players prepared to just have a go in attack enabled them to turn it back around. Ford had a very mixed game. Lots of awful kicks out of hand and missed crucial points from the tee, but his passing got the attack flowing!
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From a meandering, somewhat flat tournament, it’s all to play for from this afternoon until the final whistle next week! Theoretically, any of England, Ireland, Scotland or France could win it! 🏆*
Two stunning wins yesterday, with some great rugby to boot! Or through the hands, more accurately. Loved every minute of it. Can Wales and France complete a weekend of classics?
*not sure how it works – wins, head to head, points difference or other?
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Have confidence in youth……………
When Led Zeppelin released their first album (produced by Jimmy Page) their respective ages were:
Bonham 21, Plant and Jones 22 and Page 25 …………………………….
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Right, last chance for redemption for Predict-A-Bear!
‘Mon France!
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France have it. I predicted two upsets and they’ve already happened. Wales will be polishing the fine grain of their wooden spoon next weekend. Unless…
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First blood to Wales.
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TRY Dyer!
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Would you like to run right through a big gap in the French line, Mr Dyer?
Yes, don’t mind if I do.
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Oh, that was a HUGE hole for Dyer to run through.
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Cotter discussing pack weights:
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Lovely try Fickou!
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And Fickou scores to take France ahead.
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(Well, if it’s converted.)
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Doesn’t last for long as Tomos Williams crosses the line!
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Wales just seem to be able to find huge holes in the French defence, and they’re over again!
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And now Le Garrec goes over.
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ANOTHER try! I know its a cliche, but this could end up as anything.
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Le Garrec also looks a level above Lucu.
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Good lord! That reverse pass across the pitch?!
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Refit – it was amazing! French flair, indeed.
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Well, that’s been another great half of rugby.
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That was fun!
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It’s a try-fest! 3rd for Wales (thought Roberts had blown it going himself).
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Another Welsh try! 44 points in 44 minutes!
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It’s all going wrong for Wales all of a sudden!
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Suddenly France are out of sight.
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I suspect that’s the match. Bugger.
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Bah. Well played both teams. Yet another cracking match!
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Ah well, Wales can be proud of the first half. And the Scots will be pleased that Ramos missed the last conversion.
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And the bear will be pleased it got one prediction correct.
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