Rivalry adds so much to the charms of one's conquests- Louisa May Alcott
The finale of the 6 Nations is here. Both England and Ireland go into this game with much to gain and plenty to lose. Particularly for Ireland if they lose in Twickenham the campaign will be seen as a failure and all positive strides made will be compromised.
Admittedly a loss for England would not signify a disastrous tournament but a win would be a huge feather in the cap for Stuart Lancaster and this new England outfit. All the more so considering Ireland's comprehensive record against England since 2004. Ever since England reigned supreme at the 2003 World Cup Ireland have only lost once to their fierce rivals in the 6 Nations.
Both sides have undoubtedly grown and developed since the beginning of the championship. England are much improved from the side who escaped from Edinburgh and Rome with narrow wins. Furthermore Ireland's defence has clearly toughened up from the beating it took from the Welsh. Added to that Ireland have also scored the most tries in the tournament to date.
So where will this game be won and lost. Enland's trump card must be Manu Tuilagi. Is it coincidence England's performances have improved since he has returned to the side? I do not think so. His excellent try in Paris portrayed his dynamic power and pace.
His opposite number Keith Earls struggled with Tuilagi in the World Cup warm up game in the summer. However Earls has now had a good run in the midfield alongside Gordon D'arcy and both men have been astute and tough in defence thus far. They must take it up a gear tomorrow though if Tuilagi is not to wreak havoc again.
The battle of the back row is also another match up which is hugely intriguing. Chris Robshaw has done a manful job as England captain whilst the ballast of Ben Morgan allowed England good go forward ball against France. The final cog in the English back row wheel Tom Croft has also received many plaudits for his excellent try and lineout work against France.
On the other hand Steven Ferris is surely the form back row of the competition. He has been immense for Ireland whether it be making thundering tackles or rampaging runs. The Ulster man is in flying form. It can only be hoped that Seán O'Brien also continues on where he left off against France.
The final piece of this puzzle however may still be solved by the out halves. Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell have both had enjoyable campaigns going into this game. Farrell so far has shown great nerve and determination for England and looks set to hold onto the number ten shirt for a long time now.
Sexton has also been more comfortable in an Ireland shirt this year. Despite the excellent form of Ronan O'Gara it looks like Sexton is finally beginning to shake off his adversary for the out half slot.
If Sexton can hit his best form it could give Ireland the edge.
All in all it will be hard to see this being more than a one score game. It will as ever in these kinds of matches come done to a mistake or a moment of magic. Indeed Ireland can take confidence in the form of Tommy Bowe and Rob Kearney in the backline who can produce world class plays whilst England will look to the likes of the dynamic Tuilagi and the excellent Ben Foden.
England versus Ireland on St. Patricks day. A festival of fine rugby awaits. On this weekend I must go for Ireland.
Prediction: Ireland by 2
Italy versus Scotland
The annual wooden spoon decider once again involves both Scotland and Italy. This however is also a somewhat interesting tie. Italy have tried to play a more balanced game this year under Jacques Brunel. Certainly they have taken some tough losses but looking back they have made the first half of each match awkward encounters for their opposition.
Furthermore they were unlucky not come away with more from their maiden visit to the Stadio Olimpico. There can be no doubt that Italy will be hugely charged for this game and will certainly fancy their chances against Scotland at home.
On the other hand before Scotland's visit to Dublin they had been improving steadily throughout the championship. They probably are not as bad as that performance might suggest but they are clearly still in need of more firepower.
Despite that they possess a wonderfully gifted talent in the form of Richie Grey whilst their back row has also impressed. Much like the England and Ireland encounter this game should also be a one score game.
Italy will be up for this game like no other. It is the one game where they can really believe they are the better team. However Scotland have also deserved more from this championship. Andy Robinson will be desperate for a win here.
I think he will get it. But only by the skin of his teeth.
Prediction: Scotland by 3
Wales versus France
Can Wales make it three Grand Slams in eight years? Should they come through with another victory it will be a massive achievement for Wales. Without doubt much credit must be given to Warren Gatland for cultivating such a powerful side in such a short period of time.
A second Slam for Gatland will surely cement his status as one of the finest coaches of the professional era whilst it could also be a springboard to greater success for what is still a very young team. What is more impressive however is their mental strength to win games they should not win.
They may have been the better team against Ireland yet they were still two scores down entering the last ten minutes of that game. Yet they still managed to pull the goods out of the bag and win. Such was their form many thought they would steamroll England in Twickenham.
That never transpired of course but they rolled with the punches and just did enough to win. Yes they have had a good deal of luck but sometimes teams need that bit of luck to be successful. Indeed they were unlucky to lose Sam Warburton against France in the World Cup semi final but such is sport.
In the blue corner however things are far from good. It is ridiculously hard to imagine that France actually would have regressed since the departure of Marc Lievremont. Sadly that is the case.The way in which Philippe Saint Andre criticised his team after losing to England was particularly shameful.
There is no doubt France have been hugely flat this year. If ever a team can pull a dinosaur never a mind a rabbit out of the hat it is the French. They should be much better against Wales whilst it is the end of an era for players such as Julien Bonnaire and William Servat which makes France all the more dangerous.
The placing however of the wonderful Wesley Fofana on the wing is baffling whilst many would prefer to see the aggressive Francois Trinh-Duc start ahead of the erratic Lionel Beauxis. Their resolve should however be enhanced by the returning of the hard man Servat.
Wales have so much riding on this game too. Revenge, redemption and glory is what lies in front of the men in red. Provided the occasion does not get to them they should prevail. With the captain fantastic Sam Warburton leading them I think they will be victorious
Prediction: Wales by 9
The annual wooden spoon decider once again involves both Scotland and Italy. This however is also a somewhat interesting tie. Italy have tried to play a more balanced game this year under Jacques Brunel. Certainly they have taken some tough losses but looking back they have made the first half of each match awkward encounters for their opposition.Furthermore they were unlucky not come away with more from their maiden visit to the Stadio Olimpico. There can be no doubt that Italy will be hugely charged for this game and will certainly fancy their chances against Scotland at home.
On the other hand before Scotland's visit to Dublin they had been improving steadily throughout the championship. They probably are not as bad as that performance might suggest but they are clearly still in need of more firepower.
Despite that they possess a wonderfully gifted talent in the form of Richie Grey whilst their back row has also impressed. Much like the England and Ireland encounter this game should also be a one score game.
Italy will be up for this game like no other. It is the one game where they can really believe they are the better team. However Scotland have also deserved more from this championship. Andy Robinson will be desperate for a win here.
I think he will get it. But only by the skin of his teeth.
Prediction: Scotland by 3
Wales versus France
Can Wales make it three Grand Slams in eight years? Should they come through with another victory it will be a massive achievement for Wales. Without doubt much credit must be given to Warren Gatland for cultivating such a powerful side in such a short period of time.A second Slam for Gatland will surely cement his status as one of the finest coaches of the professional era whilst it could also be a springboard to greater success for what is still a very young team. What is more impressive however is their mental strength to win games they should not win.
They may have been the better team against Ireland yet they were still two scores down entering the last ten minutes of that game. Yet they still managed to pull the goods out of the bag and win. Such was their form many thought they would steamroll England in Twickenham.
That never transpired of course but they rolled with the punches and just did enough to win. Yes they have had a good deal of luck but sometimes teams need that bit of luck to be successful. Indeed they were unlucky to lose Sam Warburton against France in the World Cup semi final but such is sport.
In the blue corner however things are far from good. It is ridiculously hard to imagine that France actually would have regressed since the departure of Marc Lievremont. Sadly that is the case.The way in which Philippe Saint Andre criticised his team after losing to England was particularly shameful.
There is no doubt France have been hugely flat this year. If ever a team can pull a dinosaur never a mind a rabbit out of the hat it is the French. They should be much better against Wales whilst it is the end of an era for players such as Julien Bonnaire and William Servat which makes France all the more dangerous.
The placing however of the wonderful Wesley Fofana on the wing is baffling whilst many would prefer to see the aggressive Francois Trinh-Duc start ahead of the erratic Lionel Beauxis. Their resolve should however be enhanced by the returning of the hard man Servat.
Wales have so much riding on this game too. Revenge, redemption and glory is what lies in front of the men in red. Provided the occasion does not get to them they should prevail. With the captain fantastic Sam Warburton leading them I think they will be victorious
Prediction: Wales by 9
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