Six Nations 2022 - Round 4 Predictions

The Six Nations is back with us this weekend. Here is what’s going to happen, almost definitely (maybe):

The hors d’oeuvres to the weekend’s action is Wales vs France in Cardiff. Just about everyone has this down as another French victory on their road to the Grand Slam. I am not so sure. France won with relative ease at Murrayfield but I think Wales in Cardiff could be a difficult proposition. There were signs at Twickenham of what the Welsh are capable of and I have a sneaking suspicion they will properly turn up for this one. I am therefore going for Wales by 5, albeit I doubt anyone would agree with me.

We then have Italy vs Scotland in Rome. Scotland’s Six Nations has fallen apart somewhat following defeats to Wales and France and they will be looking to make amends in Rome. Italy, meanwhile, need to get back to seeing what they can do with fifteen players on the park. I can’t really see anything except a Scotland win, but I think Italy will keep the points difference down to around 12-15, and a losing bonus point isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.

Finally, to Twickenham for England vs Ireland. Both teams have been a bit patchy so far this tournament but I have to agree with Eddie Jones when he says that Ireland are the more cohesive outfit. If Ireland can match their first half effort against Wales and their second half performance against France then they’ll be really hard to beat. England just have to hope that something will click, but the imbalance in the English backline, evident throughout this Six Nations, remains unaddressed. As I am going to the game I hope I am wrong, but Ireland by 9.

Total Flanker – the older I get, the better I was