This Saturday sees the final round of matches in this year's Six Nations -- the last one before the World Cup, no less!
So what will the final results be, who will be the big winners, who the sad losers?
Myself, I think France will be unhappy with their performances so far. They barely made it past Ireland, and didn't even turn up against England. Of course, Ireland will be disappointed with their performance against Scotland, despite the win, and the less said about the France game the better. So two of the main contenders for the World Cup failed to live up to expectations (although Ireland have also shown that they can produce fantastic rugby; the England game was a perfect example of how the game should be played).
On the whole, England performed better than expected, with the notable exception of the Ireland game. I feel that there is still a lack of belief there, and this will mean they will struggle to do well at the World Cup. But on the whole, a vastly improved team since the Autumn Internationals. But I don't expect them to make it beyond the quarter finals this autumn, if they even make it out of the group.
Wales ... well, what is there to say? Woeful. In their present form, I don't see them getting out of the group at the World Cup. Scotland are hot and cold, could be good, could be terrible. They have some good players, though, and might be a surprise.
To me, though, the great joy of the tournament have been Italy. To finally see them making good on the promise of the past few years is terrific. A massively strong pack now have a set of decent backs to do the scoring. Thoroughly deserved, and it makes the competition all the more interesting.
So on to the results for this weekend ... Myself, I can see Scotland putting in a blinder against France, putting them under pressure in the first 20 minutes and getting the better of them. Or it could go entirely the other way, it's that kind of match and they're both that kind of team ... Ireland will probably beat the Azzuri, and quite comfortably too. Sorry Italy, but the Irish forwards are not only strong but very accomplished, both as ball carriers and in the shady areas of the game. I don't think Wales will beat England: I think England's defence will stand firm against what has been a very mediocre Welsh attacking force this competition, and if England can produce the same attacking flair as they did on Sunday they might even be in with a chance for the title (well, I can dream, can't I?).
Overall standings at the end of the tournament: Ireland, England, France, Scotland, Italy, Wales.
So what will the final results be, who will be the big winners, who the sad losers?
Myself, I think France will be unhappy with their performances so far. They barely made it past Ireland, and didn't even turn up against England. Of course, Ireland will be disappointed with their performance against Scotland, despite the win, and the less said about the France game the better. So two of the main contenders for the World Cup failed to live up to expectations (although Ireland have also shown that they can produce fantastic rugby; the England game was a perfect example of how the game should be played).
On the whole, England performed better than expected, with the notable exception of the Ireland game. I feel that there is still a lack of belief there, and this will mean they will struggle to do well at the World Cup. But on the whole, a vastly improved team since the Autumn Internationals. But I don't expect them to make it beyond the quarter finals this autumn, if they even make it out of the group.
Wales ... well, what is there to say? Woeful. In their present form, I don't see them getting out of the group at the World Cup. Scotland are hot and cold, could be good, could be terrible. They have some good players, though, and might be a surprise.
To me, though, the great joy of the tournament have been Italy. To finally see them making good on the promise of the past few years is terrific. A massively strong pack now have a set of decent backs to do the scoring. Thoroughly deserved, and it makes the competition all the more interesting.
So on to the results for this weekend ... Myself, I can see Scotland putting in a blinder against France, putting them under pressure in the first 20 minutes and getting the better of them. Or it could go entirely the other way, it's that kind of match and they're both that kind of team ... Ireland will probably beat the Azzuri, and quite comfortably too. Sorry Italy, but the Irish forwards are not only strong but very accomplished, both as ball carriers and in the shady areas of the game. I don't think Wales will beat England: I think England's defence will stand firm against what has been a very mediocre Welsh attacking force this competition, and if England can produce the same attacking flair as they did on Sunday they might even be in with a chance for the title (well, I can dream, can't I?).
Overall standings at the end of the tournament: Ireland, England, France, Scotland, Italy, Wales.
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