Well, after a brief hiatus - or a little longer for French & Irish fans, we're back to the Six Nations again. This weekends opening attraction is an Irish side who were out of luck against Wales and out of a match against France against an Italian side who seemed to have built on the hard work of Nick Mallett in the early days of Jacques Brunel's stewardship, but how will this one pan out?
The major talking point going into this one will undoubtedly be the fact the Ireland have had two weeks off, and now face four in a row. Whilst this might get into the heads of other sides I doubt it will have any effect on an experienced side under the supervision of Declan Kidney.
Though it hasn't been talked about much I feel the more major factor is the absence of Martin Castrogiovanni, whilst some have begun to question whether his strength is starting to fail him his leadership is beyond doubt, especially in close games. I would still expect the Italian pack to edge the day - though Ireland will look at what an inexperienced England pack did on Italian soil, but despite the presence of Bortolami and Parisse, I don't feel the domination will be clear cut by any means.
In the backs the game is more clear cut, Ireland have options to pick from, Italy don't and Irish dominance is to be expected. This area could be interesting in seeing how Ireland will fair in the near future as, after a fairly vicious beating from North & Cuthbert they now have the opportunity to show what they can do. Should Ireland fail to dominate here question will be asked both about the quality of the players and their mental state after the Welsh game, and I believe it is very important that Ireland do well here.
I expected Italy to go backward after Mallett, whereas they have undoubtedly continued to march on - at least so far - and were this in Italy I might just fancy Italy to claim their first win over Ireland. However, at Lansdowne Road, Ireland should have enough - if not more than enough - to see them home, though I think the margin of victory may be modest and Ireland may get another harsh time of it in the press - Ireland by 7
What do you think? Where do I have it right / wrong?
Six Nations Predictions - Ireland Vs Italy
posted on 21/2/12
I think Italy will get completely and utterly mauled by Ireland who have a point to prove. Italy have played well away in Italy and will be feeling good after just failing to beat ireland last year but Ireland will be smarting after that Welsh defeat and will be glad of the chance to redeem themselves rather than facing the prospect of playing italy having lost two games.
Irleand by 24
posted on 22/2/12
Italy put it up to the French sure enough, but the french were not firing on all cylinders and looked to be in 3rd gear. England barely scraped past them and England were far from impressive.
Italy showed serious if not grievous lapses in their defense and got 2 lucky tries against England, but a better team would have seriously punished Italy for their tendency to shoot up when defending.
Italys defense is tailor made for the Likes of Earls to slice them up in the center and any up and under' will be gobbled up by an in form Kearney (Certainty for Lions Fullback) and run straight back at them with venom.
I think KEIOC is right. Italy are going to be well beaten.
posted on 23/2/12
As you say SARS, Castro will be a huge loss for Italy and with Lo Cicero dropping to the bench I feel Healy and Ross will, if not exactly licking their lips, be feeling quietly confident of putting one over the inexperienced (10 caps between them?) Italian props.
Also, whereas Ireland are blessed with 2 top notch fly-halves Italy must have the worst pair ever to grace the 6 Nations.
So, I see Ireland winning plenty of ball from the pack and Botes (for about 45mins then Burton) throwing lots more away.
Italy will defend well but will be ground down and eventually sliced apart by an Irish side baying for points.
Ireland by 30+
posted on 23/2/12
You chaps are sounding very confident!
posted on 23/2/12
I always do. My glass has never been as empty as half full.
Show me a half full Irish Rugby Glass and I'll show you a full pint.
Of course that's coming from someone who saw us winning that last 2 World Cups and beating Wales a few weeks back. I also believe the French got lucky that their ground was frozen because we were going to marmalise them.
posted on 23/2/12
Well you'll be right eventually - typewriters and monkeys etc
posted on 23/2/12
Ireland by 18
posted on 23/2/12
Personally i just can't wait to demolish England on paddy's day it will be EPIC!
posted on 23/2/12
I'll have a go
The Italians are getting better each season, however I just can't see Ireland losing back to back matches at home.
I'll go for Ireland by 10 points
posted on 24/2/12
Ireland by 18