Talking Points Ahead of This Weekends Action

Talking points ahead of this weekend’s action

After 4 rounds of up and down northern hemisphere rugby, we arrive at the final weekend of Six Nations action with four teams still vying for the championship. Ahead of a huge Saturday of action we look at some of the biggest talking points that will decide the destination of this year’s trophy.

Will Ireland find their try scoring touch?

The Irish entered last weekends round of matches with a first Grand Slam since 2009 well within reach, only to be out muscled and out defended by a determined Welsh side. While there will be no doubt that the camp will be deflated and bruised after such a physical encounter, Joe Schmidt will have rallied the troops by now with the Championship still on the line. The Irish will need to find a try scoring flair yet to be shown in the Joe Schmidt era, needing to overcome a slight points difference disadvantage to England. Beating a resurgent Scotland in Murrayfield alone will be tough, but if they are to win a second successive Championship then tries will need to be scored. Reports coming from the Irish camp suggest Luke Fitzgerald will start ahead of Simon Zebo on the wing, perhaps indicating that Ireland are looking to play with more width and risk. By no means impossible, but the task ahead of Ireland is arguably the toughest of the three front runners for this years Six Nations.

Can Italy hold out Wales?

Although Wales have by far the worst points difference of themselves, England and Ireland, they are perhaps the best placed of the three to take home the trophy this weekend. They face Italy, a team notoriously poor in their final outing of the championship. Last year they were beaten by more than 40 points in their corresponding fixture, and Wales will be hoping they can repeat a similar scoreline. A win of that magnitude would potentially be enough for Wales, as both other games are more than likely to be tight, dramatic affairs. Wales are ever improving since there defeat to England in the Championships opening match, and may will fancy their chances of putting on a big score if they can put the game to bed early.

Will France break English hearts?

England go into this weekend with the best points difference, but with arguably the toughest match of the home nations. England vs France is always a tight affair, and this weekend will be no different. Both nations have already named hugely physical sides, and space will be at a premium on the Twickenham pitch. Beating France will be no easy task for the English, as France continue to win in spite of their complete lack of cohesion and imagination. The final match of the weekend, regardless of what happens before it all eyes will be on Twickenham to see how this absorbing Championship finishes out.