Six ntions on saturday

Ireland V Wales

A vital game here which could yet decide just where the title goes. With one defeat already Ireland badly need to win here. Warren Gatland has had a huge influence on Wales and wins over England, Scotland and Italy have left them in a good position. However outside of that win over England i don't feel that they have been tested for the full 80 minutes yet and this could backfire on them today.
Ireland have a few positional problems with Dempsey and Murphy out as Kearney moves to full back. He may be young but is an exciting talent so his selection should not worry potential backers. Ulster's Tommy Bowe switches flanks to take Kearney's place on the left, Shane Horgan is promoted from the bench at 14.
Jones has retained his place over Hook after an impressive game in the victory over Italy - but he will have a new half-back partner. Mike Phillips has been chosen over Dwayne Peel at scrum-half as one of four changes made by Gatland. Jones returning to the second row in place of Evans after recovering from an ankle injury suffered in the win over England. Bennett returns at hooker while prop Adam Jones regains the tight-head role from Rhys Thomas.

Verdict
Ireland have had more problems in recent times than Wales but should be fired up for this one. As i mentioned before anything but a win for the Irish and their dreams are over for another year. The confidence has been restored after a decent 2nd half display against the French and a resounding win over Scotland. I do not expect the Welsh to give in as easy as the Scots or not to make as many mistakes as them either but i do expect them to get a tougher challenge than they have had to this point. I like to watch Wales play as they can create from nothing but i think the Irish have learned from the defeat to France and will be looking out for the wide expansive play and especially the threat of Shane Williams. Home advantage and Ronan O Gara's kicking should see them through by 5 - 7 points.

PICK
Ireland -3 points (2 @ bet365) 4 points


Scotland V England

Another very interesting game.
How will England react to the win over France? Im prepared to think they may be a little over confident going into this one. Here's the story of the last two game, England were magnificent against France. Scotland were rotten against Ireland. There can only be one winner right? Im not so sure, lets face it, as good as England were against France, i couldn't believe that the French continued to run the ball as it wasn't working. Time after time they ran when kicking for touch would have made more sense. Also the fact that the French had no out and out kicker meant they missed some vital frees. England sat back, played basic rugby and lapped up all the pressure for a deserved win.
Scotland on the other hand were cruel to watch against Ireland, too many basic handling errors cost them and by the end of the game they looked like they wanted to be far far away from Croke park. Do not under any circumstances expect them to give up so easy today. Playing England at Murrayfield always brings out the best in the Scots id be expecting a much more committed display today. Scotland have recalled number eight Simon Taylor for Saturday's game but there is no room for Scott Murray in Hadden's squad.
Ian Balshaw is back in the England side in place of Danny Cipriani who was dropped from the panel after some late night action on Thursday night at a night club ended his starting place.

Verdict
The 5 on Scotland is too big. This is a game that England wont have easy. They could either trounce Scotland or else as i suspect have a very difficult afternoon ahead of them. In my opinion i think that Scotland will show us today that they can play and that they are no pushovers making the English work hard for every point. Kicking will be crucial and it may come down to a battle between Wilkonson and Patterson. Im not at all convinced by Balshaw and think that he may be in for a rough afternoon if targeted by the Scots. Very tight game in store where i think taking Scotland with a 9 point start may be the way to go.

PICK

Scotland + 9 ( 2 @ bet365) 4 points