Six Nations 2022 - Super Saturday predictions

Here we go then, the final Saturday of the 2022 Six Nations – here is what I anticipate might happen:

First up –  Wales vs Italy in Cardiff. Easy Welsh win, you might think, but Italy went well last time out against the Scots and I sniff an air of complacency about the Welsh selection for Saturday’s game. Surely Italy can’t win their first Six Nations game since 2015? Well, no, I don’t think so but it could be close. Wales by less than 10.

Next we have Ireland v Scotland in Dublin. The Scots have had a poor campaign, despite wins over England and Italy, while it is difficult to judge Ireland’s play as it is a while since they have played against 15! Dropping Finn Russell is a major statement from Gregor Townsend but I doubt it will affect the outcome, with Ireland’s forwards shading the battle upfront. Ireland by 9.

And finally the big game in Paris – France vs England – where France will chase their first Grand Slam since 2010 (unbelievably). I’m sure the English forwards will be as defiant and belligerent as ever but I honestly can’t see any result other than a French victory and it could get quite messy. France by 15-20, maybe more.

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