The Championship is decided but there is still the Grand Slam to play for and pride for the other sides. Here are my predictions for the 5th and final round of games.
First here is a link to my round-up of last weekend’s action.
How did your round 4 predictions go?
2 from 3, I didn’t have faith in Scotland.
Wales v Italy
The Championship was lost in the first 60 minutes last weekend and it was too far to come back for the men in red. This weekend they will be looking to secure their second place and book seats on the plane to New Zealand in the summer. Italy have disappointed after some promising performances if not results earlier in the tournament. This has reopened questions about their participation and a win here would be very useful in quieting those voices. I can’t see Wales being charitable though and I think they will be looking to better Ireland’s result from last weekend to cement their position in European rugby. I don’t know if they will get the half century but I fully expect it to be one way traffic.
Wales by 20
Ireland v Scotland
This is the most intriguing game of the round even though it won’t impact where the trophy will go. Ireland have been impacted by retirements and injuries so underperformed with only a win over Italy. They will be desperate to add to that and also show that they can perform expansively against better opposition. Scotland have been putting in better performances for a couple of years but not getting the results. The Italy game was the first 6 Nations win for 12 players apparently. Now that they have got two wins under they belts their confidence will be much improved and this should help them make the right decisions that decide these games. Maybe I’m getting carried away with their last win over a poor French side but I’m going against public opinion and backing the men in blue.
Scotland by 3
France v England
This should be a regulation win for England. England have show a tight defence and some expansive rugby this championship. They have missed several overlaps and are far from the finished article but in a poor 6 Nations they have been a shinning light. Franc have been poor but somehow have won their home games. Errors have let them down and if their passes and offloads do go to hand then they could suddenly become a dangerous side. There has been no sign of that though and so I can’t see them breaking down this English side who should put away enough of their opportunities to win the game.
England by 10
Do you agree with my picks? Let me know in the comments or have a chat on Twitter.
