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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
Six Nations Round 5 Preview Guide 1 views
14 March 2014 by The Swede Eaters
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Who will win Six Nations 2014? Here is a guide to Six Nations Round 5.
Six Nations 2014 has been a brilliant competition which has many Southern Hemisphere scribes jealous. The standard of rugby isn't always pretty, but you can't argue with a competition that has one round left and three teams still vying for the title.
Will Brian O'Driscoll's Ireland team give him a fairytale Six Nations title finish to his career?
Who are you picking to win Six Nations 2014?
For Six Nations Round 5 team lists go to
http://www.superrugbytips.com/p/rbs-six-nations-2012-rugby-squads.html
Six Nations Final Round Permutations
England, France and Ireland are the three teams in contention to win Six Nations 2014 with Ireland likely to win if they can beat France through their healthy points differential courtesy of large wins over Italy and Wales. England has the easier final round fixture against Italy, but they must win handsomely to overturn the 49 points differential deficit they have to Ireland. If France beat Ireland and Italy upset England, then France will win the title, while if both France and England win then France would have to win by 30 more points than England do.
Italy vs England
England starts the early match of Six Nations Round 5 knowing that they must not only beat the Italy, but to improve their chances of winning the title, they must win by more than half a century. Failure to win by a massive margin will result in them cheering on France in the late game which is something that won't sit well with most English fans. It is difficult starting a game as red hot favourites, especially when everyone is expecting England to win by a big margin. Rugby is a funny game like that where complacency can sneak in as teams don't do the basics first before spinning the ball wide! Italy still have something to play for as they try to finish above Scotland and avoid the wooden spoon.
My pick : England by 28 points
Players to watch - For those managers playing www.testrugby.com , Mike Brown, Courtenay Lawes and Owen Farrell are expensive players but probably worth a shot. There are plenty of bargains in this game and with England wanting to score tries then Ben Morgan, Jack Nowell, Jonny May and Luther Burrell are great value. It is also hard to know what impact Mr Tuilagi will have off the bench. For Italy, Josh Furno, Leonardo Ghiraldini and Leonardo Sarto are excellent value and likely to play plenty of minutes.
Scotland vs Wales
There is little more than pride at stake when Wales host Scotland in Six Nations Round 5. Both of these teams are out of contention although Scotland could still finish with the wooden spoon if Italy somehow beat England. Wales should win this match easily, although Scotland have been more competitive in recent games, only narrowly losing to France last round. There will be plenty of experimentation for this match as Wales search for a quality fly half. They have made six changes for this game. Hopefully with nothing to lose, there are plenty of opportunities for this game to flow.
My pick: Wales by 18 points
Players to watch: Some of these Welsh players have plenty to prove after last week's loss to England. Watch for George North, Toby Faletau and Jamie Roberts to produce some points, while be careful of any bench players for this week. Dan Biggar could be an option if you are desperate to make up placings and need a bolter! Stuart Hogg, David Denton, Richie Gray and the cheap Alex Dunbar are options if you want to spice up your team!
France vs Ireland
France have flown under the radar in many regards this season yet they find themselves involved in the most crucial match of Six Nations 2014. It is great the way the schedule has worked out so that the title isn't decided until the last game. France haven't been spectacular and they only just beat Scotland last week, but they are still in contention. Ireland have looked good this season and would be deserved winners in my book, but you can never discount the French! Ireland will want to win the Six Nations for their retiring legend Brian O'Driscoll and new coach Joe Schmidt. Amazingly, the last two times these teams have met it has been a draw, while Ireland haven't won in France since 2000 and haven't beaten France since 2009. Despite these statistics, I am picking Ireland to win a nail-biter and claim the title for BOD.
My pick : Ireland by 6 points.
Players to watch: Devin Toner is a www.testrugby.com steal at lock. Ireland also have more established performers like Rory Best, Jamie Heaslip and Johnny Sexton. Peter O'Mahony is a potential bargain if you are strapped for cash. For France Louis Picamoles is back, while outside backs Brice Dulin and Yoann Huget have been great value outside backs.
Who will win Six Nations 2014?
http://www.superrugbytips.com/2014/03/six-nations-round-5-2014-who-will-win.html
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