'Very poor' is a bit harsh, they are much better than they were a couple of seasons ago, at least they score tries rather than just relying on Patterson's boot now. But over 80 minutes they should never have enough against England, Wales, Ireland or France, as I'm pretty sure we will see today.
This is how I see it now, all mind games and silly buggers aside. England are favourites although not by much. They have +37 PD and I think the Froggies are the ones they get their game up for most. They're home at Twickers and should beat France. Ireland (+33 PD) have a poor record against Scotland in recent years despite having a better team. Their style isn't conducive to racking up big scores anyway. I can see them beating Scotland but not by much and England will beat France by the same scoreline if not more. This will mean that Wales (+12 PD) will have to beat Italy in Rome by over 30 points (possibly more) to overhaul England for the title. Not impossible but a tough ask. At least it gives us an interest for next weekend considering Rangers are so sh*t
Beating Italy by over 30 points is doable, but not as easy as a few years back, Italy are no longer mugs............
Jack you played very well today. That 12 point lead you built up was crucial. Disappointed the Slam is gone but there's still a chance we can nick the Championship and I'd have bitten your hand off for that scenario at the beginning of the tournament
Poor game in Rome, but the Italians will be disappointed if they don't win this, France look all over the place. If Italy had a kicker they would be well ahead. England could run up a few points against France if they don't pull themselves together.
shocking game, more handling errors than in an U13's match played in a hurricane. Italy couldn't do anything right, the French not much better. Wales could run in a cricket score next week if the same Italy turn up, especially minus Parisi who went of looking injured.
If my memory is right the Welsh usually hammer the Italians, they just seem to have the knack of scoring freely against them. I think they'll really be up for it to throw down the gauntlet to Ireland and England...
II had hoped that the grinning face may be a clue as to my sincerity. Never mind. Back to the baileys coffee!
Two thirds of a bottle of Malbec in, subtlety is beyond me. Time to walk the dog and clear my head.....
England's game kicks off last,and they will know exactly how many points they will need to win by!Expect it to be a close game again,but England to cut loose in the 2nd half and do enough to win the Championship!
Latest odds for outright winners England 5/6 Ireland 9/5 Wales 13/2 Anyone else surprised by how generous Wales' odds seem?
Having seen Italy's performance last weekend, they could run in 50 plus points. Mixed feelings about tomorrow - it's set up for a continous binge of rugby, with the favourites trying to rack up loads of points (at least one of them, probably England, will forget that first they have to do the basics and actually win). It will be fun, but I'd rather we had a fake final, with two of the leading teams playing each other, winner likely to take all.
I agree with you Sooper. If I was a betting man, I would back Wales. Think they might sneak through the back door and win it.
