R B S 6 Nations: Round 3

[ChillDoubt]

OK peeps, it's a fortnight since we last played. Some would have appreciated the extra rest, others would have wanted another game last weekend as they're on a roll.
Wales have gone with the decision to drop Spike (Phillips) for Webb. No argument with that, but Biggar deserves the 10 jersey ahead of Priestland, epsecially as he and Webb played so well for Ospreys last weekend, they are a great partnership.
North moves to centre, which could turn out to be a mouthwatering prospect, Jamie and he should be punching some big holes in the middle, George has no little guile to add too.
It's a tough one to call, bar 10 minutes v Italy the French were largely ineffective and the scoreline flattered them. As we are at home and some players are playing for their international careers I'll say Wales, but it'll be tough going.
Scotland go to Italy, who have turned their new venue into something of a fortress recently. They improve year on year, whilst Scotland now look largely in disarray. This could be a Spoon decider and I fully expect the Romans to make full use of home advantage.
Then it's on to Twickers for what should be the game of the weekend. Ireland look menacing under the stewardship of Schmidt and weren't really tested last time out as a result of a dire Welsh performance.
Lancaster has new blood again and an exciting prospect in Ford. Should be a humdinger, though I feel the Twickenham roar will see those of the chariot reign supreme.

So, predictions.......

Wales 22 France 18
Italy 25 Scotland 13
England 25 Ireland 17

Over to Sqad and DTC......

[boxtops]

Brilliant second half, yaaaaay!

[jno]

I'm not really buying Andy Nicol's suggestion that a last-second win against Italy has turned Scotland's season around. I don't see them winning the remaining games, at least if everyone plays at their best.

[albaqwerty]

agreed jno, can't see Scotland doing any better with their remianing games at all.

[ChillDoubt]

Thanks alba, it is something I enjoy very much.
Meanwhile, the cauldron that is Twickenham is seeing a great start from both sides, almost a try by England who in all honesty butchered the chance.
A ferocious and even contest thus far, 13 minutes gone.

[ChillDoubt]

Great defence by England after some inventive play by Ireland, who should have fashioned at least 3 points from the play.

[ChillDoubt]

Bit of a chess game now, neither side gaining the upper hand. Who will flinch first?

[ChillDoubt]

Deadlock broken after 24 minutes with a long penalty from Farrell, great strike from distance. 3-0 England.

[ChillDoubt]

Farrell strikes the post with another pen from distance but regain possession again from the drop-out, pressure building again through the phases......

[albaqwerty]

oooh, that looked blooming painful.
(the foot-pull)

[ChillDoubt]

Vunipola is injured and replaced by Morgan, a more than able substitute.

[ChillDoubt]

Indeed alba, surprised he was able to hobble off unaided!

[ChillDoubt]

Almost half time and England go for a catch and drive.
Not quite the classic we expected thus far, both teams largely cancelling each other out or not quite making the final pass.
It must surely open up a bit in the second half as players tire....

[ChillDoubt]

Second half underway and starts with a bang! Kearney (R) waltzes through under the posts and it's an easy conversion.
7-3 Ireland.

[ChillDoubt]

England look a bit shell shocked, Robshaw needs to marshall his troops a little.

[ChillDoubt]

Ireland's maul is wreaking havoc now and it's penalty after penalty. Somebody will be going for a 10 minute rest shortly if I know Joubert......

[ChillDoubt]

Sexton pen increases the Ireland lead by 3.

[ChillDoubt]

England now with more urgency are pressing, a metre short. Brian Moore is almost apoplectic in the commentary box as they fail to make use of an overlap.
Farrell takes the 3 on offer but they should have made it 5 and subsequently 7.

[ChillDoubt]

Oh yes! Great break by full back Brown who passes to Care and he's under the posts.
Very open game now and creeping closer to the scoreline I predicted, thankfully!
13-10.

[ChillDoubt]

The England dander is now definitely up and they look mean and menacing, Ireland weathering the onslaught well though.
But indiscipline means another pen and it's catch and drive time again. Pressure on Ireland.

[ChillDoubt]

Another wasted opportunity, the maul is held up and Ireland should clear their lines.