If France are to fall short of expectations placed on them
in this year’s 6 Nations, then the two teams that look best placed to take them
on are Wales and France, who meet in one of the games that could well decide
the tournament.
You’d imagine that all eyes would be on Wales after a
sensational World Cup, where they defied the negative feeling that many had harboured
with their inclusion in the “Group of Death” with a run that saw them come
within a missed penalty of the final after several second half tries – indeed a
major feature of their campaign was the fitness they gained from training in
Ice Chambers before the tournament.
Ireland, so unlucky to suffer a defeat thanks to slack officiating
when the two met in Cardiff last year, can once again count upon the form of
their provinces to offer a solid title challenge and could have the possible
edge here. Leinster look just as strong as last year when winning the title,
while Munster and Ulster have put in fearsome performances not only at home but
on the road too.
The loss of Brian O’Discoll will be a blow for general fans
everywhere but there’s enough quality to replace him in the side all over and
Ronan O’Gara’a agelessness has been one of the highlights of the Heineken Cup
so far, while the same pack that destroyed Tri – Nations Champions Australia
still remains. Annoyances for Ireland include the tragic loss of Keith Earls
due to family illness, but there are few changes to the side that impressed at
the World Cup.
Gatland’s side have been given a huge fillip by the return
of Rhys Priestland and Jamie Roberts but
they are still missing Gethin Jenkins (knee), Luke Charteris (wrist), Alun Wyn
Jones (toe), Matthew Rees (calf strain) and Lloyd Burns (neck), while flanker
Dan Lydiate is still sidelined by an injury problem, his ankle providing the
strain.
VERDICT: In what could be one of the championship deciding
games, Ireland get the call. Outlcassed by Wales at the World Cup, they have
had the scales tipped in their favour since by injuries to Wales in key positions,
and the return of the match to Irish turf should see the 12 point gap close
just about enough for Declan Kidney’s side to win. Gatland’s side should be
shorter than 2/1 in the match market but travel here missing 6 of the team
which carried them to the semis, and it’s worth remembering that Ireland had
the vast majority of the ball throughought the game.
Advice
2 pts Ireland to win by 1-12 points (8/5 Betfred)
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