With the excitement of the first weekend really setting the mood for the 2013 Six Nations, Bike.Rugby.Tennis look at what is in store for us in week two.
Saturday 9th February 2013
Scotland v Italy, 14:30
With Italy looking more like contenders for championship than the wooden spoon it is no surprise that they are going into this weekend as favourites against Scotland. Their first ever away win in the Six Nations was at Murrayfield back in 2007 and the Auzzuri will be looking to make it two out of two this weekend after their shock win against Les Blues last Sunday.
Head coach Jacques Brunel has made only one change from last Sunday’s winning team with Gonzalo Canale coming into the centre for the injured Alberto Sgarbi. He will be hoping that momentum will see them easily through into the third weekend of the Six Nations with two wins under their belt.
However, Scotland, to their advantage, have three home games in a row coming up and interim head coach Scott Johnson will be hoping to end the current losing streak that Scotland are experiencing. Flanker David Denton believes that Scotland have improved in their recent matches and the signs are there for all to see.
Prediction: Italy by 7
France v Wales, 17:00
Both France and Wales will be looking for their first win of the 2013 Six Nations this weekend in Paris after a subdue opening weekend.
France, who were the bookies favourite to take the crown ahead of last weekend, were once again humbled in Rome for the second successive time. The result, strickingly similar to when the Italians won at the Stadio Flaminio in 2011, the only difference being this time they were in the Stadio Olimpico.
Visitors, Wales, will be looking for their first win in France since 2005 when they went on to win the Grand Slam. Rob Howley, interim head coach whilst Warren Gatland is on Lions duty, is still looking for his first win in charge. He has made three changes to last weeks team with Justin Tipuric, Ryan Jones and Richard Hibbard all in the starting XV.
Both teams have different captains from their opening weekend, with Thierry Dusautoir and Jones reclaiming the helm after injuries to Pascal Pape and Sam Warburton.
The French were commanding in the autumn internationals with wins against Australia, Argentina and Samoa at the Stade de France and their coach Philippe Saint-Andre is certain that the tournament is anything but over for his side. However, despite Wales being unable to defend their Grand Slam, they insist that the title is not quite out of reach yet.
One thing is for sure, both teams have a lot to prove.
Prediction: France by 3
Sunday 10th February 2013
Ireland v England, 15:00
Both England and Ireland will be looking to keep their Grand Slam and Triple Crown hopes alive this weekend in Dublin, with the winner potentially being the only team left to win the Grand Slam.
England were top of the table after their opening weekend at home to Scotland, but Ireland will be encouraged by their win over Wales in Cardiff last Saturday which saw the Irish go into half time with a 20 point lead. Ireland looked threatening in the first 40 minutes against Wales, with Brian O'Driscoll back to his breathtaking best.
Manu Tuilagi, caused a slight selection dilemma for Stuart Lancaster after recovering from an ankle injury, however Lancaster chose to keep Billy Twelvetrees in the starting XV putting Tuilagi on the bench. Meanwhile James Haskell replaces Ben Morgan, who was one of England’s best players against Scotland in the first half, but limped off early in the second with a sprained ankle.
A win for Ireland would edge them closer to their first Grand Slam since 2009, however England are seeking their first win in Dublin for 10 years and captain Chris Robshaw has vowed that his side will step onto the offensive in order to keep their Grand Slam dreams alive.
Prediction: England by 10
No comments:
Post a Comment