Jonny Sexton (picture http://bit.ly/1Eh1YhC )
For Ireland and France, things are about to get real on Saturday. You want to beat every team you play, but there are teams you really, REALLY don’t want to lose to as well, and that’s the category that France fall into. Les Bleus have been the source of much heartache for Ireland over the years, Exhibit A would be Vincent Clerk’s last minute – probably after the last minute – try in the inaugural 6 Nations match at Croke Park. Talk about spoiling the party, we were supposed to win the 6 Nations that year and all! And that was the year of the 2007 World Cup, when things went pear shaped with a capital P, and the rot was started by the French! Not to get too carried away, but even 8 years later we still owe them one. Our fly half Jonny Sexton is now one the best paid players in France ( known by his teammates as Jonny Vacances for the amount of time he’s out injured), and we also have Jamie Heaslip and Sean O’Brien back, and Cian Healy on the bench. Who knows what the French will bring, they didn’t show too much last week, neither did we, but I think this weekend it’ll all come right for Ireland with a decent win!
England will play Italy, they have an unchanged team, and will be expecting a big win, especially at home. A big win is important because the 6N has been decided by points the last two years. Italy, aren’t great, but you have to break them down first, so I think England will win well, but get quite frustrated early on.
Finally, Wales drag their sorry arses to Scotland to hopefully right some of the wrongs from last weekend. This one could be really interesting, Wales will be busting a gut to get their show on the road, against a very competitive Scottish team. I’m going to go with Scotland and home advantage.
Also, don’t forget about the rest of the rugby that’s on , where Ireland Under-20 and Women's teams host France at Dubarry Park and Ashbourne respectively. The U20’s match will be live on RTE 2, and the women’s match done as a stream off the website. Going to try and make the ladies match if I can.
Six Nations
Saturday, February 14
England vs Italy 14:30
Ireland vs France 17:00
Sunday, February 15
Scotland vs Wales 15:00
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