Do you find yourself correcting rugby 'pundits'. Fancy yourself as a rugby nerd? Think you can do a better job?
Now's your chance.
Test yourself against our rugby nerds in the Balls.ie Six Nations predictor game. The objective is easy. Simply join our Superbru league, and pick who wins and by what margin for every Six Nations game.
To join, simply click here and enter the code " cropkite ".
Over the course of the competition we hope to find just how well in tune our nerds are and if the Balls audience can beat them.
Let's meet the Nerds:
Leinster Nerd - Colm O'Donoghue
Here it is, the first weekend of the 6 nations. Land of My Fathers in a closed Millenium Stadium is mere hours away. I for one cannot wait. But who am I? My name is Colm O’Donoghue, Leinster fan and general sports junkie. Rugby bug has bitten me hard over the last number of years and so I thought I’d toss my hat into the ring for this prediction competition.
Wales v England
Undoubtedly the game of the weekend, and one of the real pivotal clashes of the tournament. The curtain raiser sets the men from the boys early. With a rematch in the World Cup to come in Twickenham in September, the winner of this game draws a massive psychological edge. With England’s injury list, as well as the fear factor of Cardiff, I think Wales will win this, despite my feeling that England ought to be favourites for the tournament. Midfield battle of Burrell & Joseph against Roberts & Davies is the matchup worth keeping an eye on.
Prediction – Wales by 6.
Italy v Ireland
Italy at home are tough. While the Irish team is “healthier” than it has been for a while, the absence of Jonny Sexton is a worry. Look for the Italians to try and rattle Keatley early. I think we will have too much for Italy in the end, but it’s not going to be a parade like some are suggesting.
Prediction – Ireland by 10.
France v Scotland
Rugby hipsters might be tempted to suggest this could trump the game in Cardiff as the game of the weekend. Two teams who with the potential to turn a corner in this year’s championship. Forwards might win matches, and the Scottish pack is arguably better than their French counterparts, but I just cannot trust Scotland to go and win in Paris yet.
Prediction – France by 3.
Munster nerd - Patrick Hogan
Patrick Hogan, huge fan of all rugby in particular I follow Shannon in the AIL, Munster & Ireland but follow all Irish Provinces.
Wales v England
I think Wales V England is the hardest of this weekends 6Ns games to predict, however I think England will be better prepared.
Prediction - England by 12 points.
Italy v Ireland
It should be a straightforward win for Ireland except the preparation was hindered by the injury crisis in the leadup to tomorrow's game. Ireland have enough power and experience to win this game but I think it will be closer than it should be.
Prediction - Ireland by 10
France v Scotland
Scotland have improved and will get a few wins this season but away to France in the first game of the 6Ns will result in nothing but a clear win by France.
Prediction - France by 15
Ulster nerd - Ryan Cullen
My name is Ryan Cullen and I am a 27 year old Ulster season ticket holder. I was introduced to the game around 15 years ago and have loved it ever since. Enjoy a big tackle almost as much as a try. Lover of free flowing rugby but more used to wet, cold & windy!
Wales v England
This will be a very tight affair. England are suffering a lot with injuries, particularly in the pack, but they will still be ultra competitive. Lancaster has picked an exciting backline and i’m looking forward to seeing how they match up ays gainst their hugely physical Welsh opponents. Gatland has been able to choose his first choice XV and that, along with the Millennium stadium factor, should probably see them through - but by less than a score.
Prediction - Wales by 3
Italy v Ireland
Italy are always a much more difficult proposition than people expect, particularly early on in the championship. They will be strong up front and an injury free Sergio Parisse is always a terrific site. That said, Ireland will expect to go to Rome and do the job relatively comfortably. Despite the absence of Jonathan Sexton, Ireland aren’t too far away from full strength and will be disappointed if they don’t put some distance between themselves and Italy in the last quarter.
Prediction - Ireland by 15
France v Scotland
On paper the French side looks top class. Brimming with pace, power and full of strike runners they have all the necessary qualities to blow most of the teams in world rugby away on their day. Those days are very few and far between under St. Andre though. Scotland enter the championship with more confidence than they have had for some time. The emergence of Glasgow has been a godsend for the national team and Vern Cotter is the right man to bring those players to a new level. Saturday will come too early for that though and I expect France to get underway with a win.France 31 - 20 Scotland
Prediciton - France by 11
Connacht Nerd - ConnachtMan
Connachtman is a sometime blogger, long time reader, avid supporter of Connacht rugby against all odds and in any weather.
Wales v England
The ideal game for an Irish fan on a Friday night. Interesting, but not emotionally draining after a long week of work. Wales seem more settled, and as the home team should edge it. The World Cup implications will be very intriguing.
Prediction - Wales by 6
Italy v Ireland
Ireland have had quite a bit of trouble in Rome in the last two visits. Italy look younger in certain positions, and have finally found a goalkicker in Kelly Haimona. Their backline hasn't scored a try since last year's Six Nations, and while they'll be defensively sound, it's not going to be a high scoring game.
Prediction - Ireland by 9
France v Scotland
Scotland will improve under Vern Cotter, and youngster like Finn Russell, Stuart Hogg and Mark Bennett mean that this is the best Scottish backline in a long long time. Cotter's knowledge of French rugby through his Clermont connections will make this a close game, but the discovery of Camille Lopez as a French outhalf of substance makes them dangerous.
Prediction - France by 10
Remember to join in the competition here:
Pool code: cropkite
