Genuine question Is there any 1/4 where there is a clear favourite? I’m not sure there is. Any of those teams winning their matches would not be a massive surprise
Either Borthwick still has no idea what his preferred starting line up is or he is cleverly picking teams according to who England are playing. Still, just about unbeaten so far. Exceeding my expectations. Smith strikes me as one of those players you go all in on and build a team around or leave out entirely. Really surprised to see he has 29 caps, I’d have thought much fewer.
England are biggest favourites according to the bookies. Handicap betting has Wales -4pts, Ireland -2, England -8, France -1.
I acknowledge that Farrell hasn’t been at his best over the last few years but I think there’s a clear reason why. England does not have world class centres. As a result of that, Farrell has been regularly pushed to centre to cover the quality gap. Farrell as a 10 is world class IMO but he’s not world class at centre. He rarely disappoints at 10 but does not reach the same heights playing inside. I think he’s unfairly taken a lot of flack for underperforming management and players. There are centres on the bench for several other teams who would be in that English team. Yet, Farrell has never hidden, never been one to shy away. He deserves much more respect than he’s getting.
I was thinking the same thing. As much as I think Ireland will win the whole thing, it wouldn't be a massive upset if they lost to the All Blacks. A surprise though imo. I think I make Wales the biggest favourites, but as you say, all 4 are tough to call. Can't wait!
I’m hopeful that Wales, Ireland, England and France will all win but ….. Argentina can beat (virtually) any side on the day. Betting against the ABs is rarely a sound investment, whilst South Africa can overpower and beat most teams. However, whichever way I ‘look’, I can’t see England losing to Fiji
I really think all four matches can go either way. I’d love to see a NH clean sweep but some of these matches are too close to call. If I had to bet, I believe the winner of the comp will come out of the IRE v NZ match. The scary thing is we could play our best and still lose this. I don’t see this match being tight. Both teams are capable of blowing the other off the park and I think there will be 10-15pts in it either way. If NZ win this they won’t be stopped. Wales should win. Gone about their business with quiet efficiency. Haven’t been tested yet though and have had an armchair ride to now. England should win. But….their discipline has to be on point which it rarely is. If England pick up cards in this match they will be in trouble. There is momentum building. France v Boks….who the fook knows. Really intriguing. Boks have gone to the well against IRE this comp while France haven’t. Have to slightly the World Champs
Cheers - charter flight from Gatwick just before midday tomorrow, French air traffic control permitting
Cheers Col - in Esher at the moment. My wife is going to stay here with our daughter in law and 2 young grandsons, whilst our son and I set off tomorrow morning.
