R B S 6 Nations: Final Round

[ChillDoubt]

Well, what can I say? It's been an 'interesting' campaign.
Farcical France, Woeful Wales, Silly Scotland, Indomitable Irish, Effervescent England and Inhibited Italians.

The Romans are at home to England today. On current form it should be a walkover, but England thought that in the snow 2 years ago and got away with it by the skin of their teeth. The other nations involved will be willing on the Azzuri and it may be tight in the first half, with a lot of spoiling/counter attacking, but I fully expect the (deservedly so too) Triple Crowners to power away in the last 20.

For match 2, we have Wales at home (thankfully), their away record being worse than that of Hitler's invasions.
Gatland has rung the changes after a dire display at Twickers and some today will look to put down a marker for RWC 2015 selection. We finally get Dan Biggar in at 10, woefully overlooked for a starting berth thus far in this campaign, his introduction comes not a minute too soon. Scotland must be badly bruised from kicking themselves all week, that 'Hollywood' pass for the intereception try will haunt them for months.
They'll be feisty that's for sure but I fancy my countrymen to put on a real display this afternoon in the lair of the Dragon.

Finally to Paris for the most oft asked question in rugby:
Which French team will turn up? They mugged the Scots last week and will want to please the home fans again with the champagne-style rugby they showed against England. Question is, can they do it against a strong Irish team who will be going all out to ensure BOD gets a send-off like no other. Despite French form, it's a tough one to call.....


So, predictions:

Italy 10 England 35
Wales 30 Scotland 18
France 20 Ireland 28

[DTCwordfan]

Italy 12 England 46
Wales 32 Scotland 12
France 25 Ireland 20

[ChillDoubt]

Hi DTC.
I know Sqad missed giving his predictions last week and I can't say I've seen him about on AB recently. I trust all is well with him?

[DTCwordfan]

He's been around I believe.

A delicious day in prospect.

[ChillDoubt]

Indeed, a veritable feast of rugby.
The Italians enter the arena to the strains of the theme from Gladiator.
Stirring stuff!

[DTCwordfan]

9.14 this morning.......

[DTCwordfan]

One of my fav films of all time.

[berniecuddles]

not that i'm a keen watcher of rugby i am watching, why cant England win the 6 nations then ? if France and Ireland draw do they not win it?

[ChillDoubt]

Both anthems impeccably observed and delivered.
Don't you just love a rugby match atmosphere?
We're underway imminently.......

[ChillDoubt]

bernie,
They can, they just need to score 50+ and hope other results and scorelines go their way.

[berniecuddles]

ok chilldoubt thx cant see them winning by 50 tho

[ChillDoubt]

Good first scrum for the Italians, they'll take heart from that.

[ChillDoubt]

7 minutes gone and it's first blood to the Romans, with a pen.
England straight back at them, all guns blazing.

[ChillDoubt]

Oh yee of little faith bernie........

14 minutes gone, England 10-3 up.

[DTCwordfan]

England win their match,and France beat Ireland, then England will probably win as the points difference on the French is considerable.

[ChillDoubt]

Great kick by Orquera, he has been a real find for Italy.
6-10, 23 minutes gone, wide open.

[ChillDoubt]

The Italians were holding out stoutly but a nice move sees Farrell go in under the posts.
Easy conversion and it's 6-17 to the men in white, 7 minutes to half time.

[ChillDoubt]

Second try for Brown and the conversion is made too, 6-24 and it's looking ominous for the Azzuri.
Half time almost upon us, they need to re-group.

[shoota]

What a lovely running game the ladies play....

[DTCwordfan]

Time to bring on the steamroller of our waiting centre......

[ChillDoubt]

Nearly 8 minutes gone of the second half and it's not quite going to plan for England, no addition to the score yet.
Is that a loose wheelnut on the chariot?