Six Nations Blog: Stephen Ferris predicts wins for Ireland & France
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This week has been all about Cheltenham Festival, but rugby union action continues this weekend, Stephen Ferris is back with his latest Six Nations Blog with Ladbrokes.
In a riveting Saturday of rugby during the final round of the 6 Nations, the action kicks off at 2:15pm in the Principality Stadium as Wales clashes with Italy. With both teams languishing at the bottom of the standings, a formidable performance is crucial to avoid finishing at the foot of the log.
Italy’s triumph over Wales in 2022, secured by a last minute try and conversion, marked a significant breakthrough. Prior to this victory, Italy had not won a match in the 6 Nations Championship since 2015. Buoyed by the memories of last year’s success and recent positive results against Scotland and France, Italy is optimistic about replicating their feat against winless Wales.
Wales, having won just one of their last twelve 6 Nations games, faces the spectre of claiming the wooden spoon if they fail to secure a victory on Saturday. The last time Wales earned this dubious honour was in 2003. Notably, they rank second in the competition for most tackles, trailing only Italy, setting the stage for a physically intense clash with robust encounters and shuttering tackles.
The contrasting trajectories of Italy’s ascent and Wales’s decline create an intriguing narrative, making this match a pivotal moment. Both nations are keenly aware of the significance of the outcome, promising a compelling spectacle that should not be overlooked.
My prediction-Italy +8 points on the handicap at 10/11
While Ireland missed the chance for a Grand Slam against Scotland after a setback against England, the prospect of lifting the Championship trophy still fuels their ambitions. Securing back-to-back titles would mark a remarkable achievement for the Irish side, but Scotland is poised to challenge this narrative.
Coming off a demoralizing defeat to Italy, Scotland is hungry for redemption. Their players must rise to the occasion this week to avoid being dissected by Ireland and facing another defeat. Achieving victory is a tall order for Scotland, having lost 13 of their last 14 test matches against Ireland, a statistic that doesn’t instil confidence in Scottish fans for a potential upset.
The analysis of Ireland’s loss to England was swift, acknowledging they were second best on the day and lacked their usual A-game. The team’s disciplinary issues, highlighted by numerous cheap penalties and a yellow card, marred their performance. Ireland’s unfortunate distinction of conceding the most penalties in the Championship adds a layer of vulnerability that Scotland might exploit.
The clash between two wounded teams is set for Saturday afternoon at 4:45 pm. Will we witness another tournament upset, or will Ireland rally to deliver their best performance at the opportune moment, potentially igniting early St Patrick’s Day celebrations?
My prediction – Ireland -15 on the handicap at 10/11
The grand finale of this year’s 6 Nations Championship unfolds on Saturday night at 8pm as France and England clash, both riding the momentum of recent victories. Despite their triumphs, both teams have displayed a penchant for inconsistency throughout this Championship, setting the stage for an unpredictable and thrilling encounter.
France, having secured the last two victories against England, aims to achieve a rare feat by making it three in a row, a milestone not reached since 2006. However, their struggle to notch a win at home, marked by one loss and one draw, raises questions about their comfort away from the Stade de France, hinting at a potential case of homesickness impacting their performances.
English players have showcased resilience in their wins this year, consistently trailing at halftime yet rallying for victories in three of those instances. This demonstrates not only their determination but also their exceptional fitness and ability to withstand high intensity pressure until the final minutes. While England boasts a team of athletic powerhouses, the question is whether they can replicate the basics and skill set that proved effective against Ireland last week.
France’s recent reinforcements with key players bolster their squad and enhance their chances of securing victory. Unfortunately, the absence of the impressive Feyi Waboso due to injury may necessitate some reshuffling in the English backline. The return of Marcus Smith, who made a statement with a winning drop goal last weekend, adds further intrigue to the matchup.
With both teams possessing the ability to match each other in power and skill, the ultimate question remains…. Who will emerge victorious?
My prediction – France -7 on the handicap at 10/11
