Six Nations Predictor Week 2
We were treated to some great rugby last week in the opening weekend of the 2015 Six Nations. Two of the games may have been classed as "boringly predictable" but the Wales v England game on the Friday night was a toss up that only 17 people in our pool managed to call.
The early leader in the pool is Paddy Aherne (paddyja), who won the first "yellow cap" after picking England by 5 exactly right, and was within 5 points of both the Irish and French wins.
Looking forward to this weekend, will everyone pick Ireland to beat France or will they be scared of the supposed flair they still retain? Here's our nerd's thoughts in the
Ulster Nerd - Ryan Cullen
Last week, Ryan got two of the three games right, with his Wales pick going against him, while he underestimated Ireland and overestimated France. There doesn't seem to be a any underestimating this week, with some comprehensive wins in his picks.
England v Italy, Saturday 2.30 pm
This looks a very one sided affair. England showed exceptional physical and mental strength in Cardiff last Friday to come away with the victory whereas I might have had a chance of making the Italy XV had I been close enough to Rome. England will do a number on Italy, particularly with last year's points difference issue still fresh in their minds.
Prediction: England by 35
Ireland v France, Saturday 5 pm
As boring as Ireland's win in Rome was, its hard to knock such a clinical performance too much. A major step up is needed though. France didn't set the world alight either but I think Scotland have been damned with faint praise a little this week and I fully expect France to cause Ireland plenty of problems. The game revolves around France's physicality and whether Ireland is capable of matching that. If they can, I fully expect Joe Schmidt's tactical nous to shine through and give Ireland the win, although not a major one - France have too many good players to role over and have their belly tickled you'd like to think.
Prediction: Ireland by 8
Scotland v Wales, Sunday 3 pm
On Friday Wales reminded me a lot of former American Major General Albert Stubblebine whose psychic warfare project involved people walking repeatedly at walls to see if they could walk through them. Unsurprisingly they never did and nor really did Wales. The one time they showed any degree of subtlety, Faletau's brilliant offload, they scored. The rest of the time they just ran into the walls...
I was quite impressed with Scotland. Obviously lacking in sheer size when compared with France, Scotland tried to play a fast and loose game and did find plenty of holes in France's defence, but just weren't able to finish them off. I like the look of Scotland under Vern Cotter and believe he will ultimately outsmart the one-dimensional Stubblebine... sorry Gatland.
Prediction: Scotland by 5
Connacht Nerd - Connacht Man
ConnachtMan also got two from three right, again picking Wales over England. Interestingly, he's the only one that has picked Wales to beat Scotland.
England v Italy, Saturday 2.30 pm
This Italian team is pretty ordinary and England should have no problems here. Expect England to dictate the flow of the game before letting loose in the second half, much as Ireland did. Expect the Italian midfield to be a bit of a go-to avenue for the English as the Italian defence weakens in the second half.
Prediction: England by 23
Ireland v France, Saturday 5 pm
Ireland should win this but it's not going to be easy. Expect a few twists and turns in this before it's over. Jonny Sexton might miss a couple of kicks, but his overall influence on the game should be enough to see Ireland to victory. Ireland's midfield will need to be sharp in defence, but if they do enough, expect our pack to scramble well in support.
Prediction: Ireland by 4
Scotland v Wales, Sunday 3 pm
My heart says a much improved Scotland, but my head says Wales will not suffer a second defeat in a row here. It's going to be an attacking kind of game and I expect the lead to change hands a few times, but I just see the Welsh having enough nous to close it out.
Prediction: Wales by 3
Munster Nerd - Patrick Hogan
Patrick is the sole nerd with a 100% record, but he expected more from England and France, while underestimating Ireland. Will he keep his remarkable record?
England v Italy, Saturday 2.30 pm
England host Italy this weekend and are clear favourites to win, their win in Cardiff last week will give them huge confidence and they will try and rack up points against the weakest team in the tournament but I think Italy won't be a push over either.
Prediction: England by 20
Ireland v France, Saturday 5 pm
Ireland take on France in the Aviva, both teams will have hopes of winning the tournament if not the Grand Slam. Ireland are strengthened by the timely return off Sexton, SOB and Heaslip and should have enough firepower to win though I think it could be a tight affair as the returning players get up to speed of international rugby.
Prediction: Ireland by 6
Scotland v Wales, Sunday 3 pm
Scotland host Wales and both teams looking for a win, I think Scotland will have targeted this game as one to win and if their forwards get parity with the Welsh pack then I think Scotland could run in a few tries. I think this will be tight game but predict a home win.
Prediction: Scotland by 3
Leinster Nerd - Colm O'Donoghue
Colm also only got two games right, but his margin of victory was the furtherest away of the four nerds, can he catch up?
England v Italy, Saturday 2.30 pm
Bit of a foregone conclusion this one, getting the scoreline right will be the key to this one. Italy have lost two big players in Zanni and Campagnaro and so it’s difficult to see them putting up a lot of resistance. Same sort of game as last week in Rome, close enough for the first half with England pulling away in the end. Italian scrum could be in for an embarrassment against the fearsome English tight 5.
Prediction: England by 35
Ireland v France, Saturday 5 pm
This is the big one for Ireland, they need to set down a marker for the corresponding fixture in September. On paper this is approaching our best team although Sean O’Brien has played about 100 minutes in the last 2 years, Jonny Sexton fresh off a 3 month layoff and Jamie Heaslip back after an uncharacteristic injury, questions might be asked about the fitness of some players. Backing Ireland to win with the strength to come off the bench in the last 20; Cronin, Healy, Henderson and Madigan should help push us over the line. Always beware of the French though.
Prediction: Ireland by 7
Scotland v Wales, Sunday 3 pm
I said last week that Scotland might be involved in the game of the weekend, and while there was only one try, it was very exciting. Cotter is taking his time over naming his team but I don’t think there will be many changes given how well they performed. Wales will look to bounce back after a deflating 2nd half performance. Liam Williams in for George North means sparks should fly if Scotland try to attack down that end. Could go either way but I think Scotland get off the mark and atone for last years’ thumping in the Millennium.
Prediction: Scotland by 5
