Rbs 6 Nations: Round 2

[ChillDoubt]

So, we go into the second round of matches and it already look as though the championship deciding (or rather decisive) game will be at Lansdowne Rd on Sunday.
I reckon England will just shade it as I can't see them imploding as they did the last time they were there but Ireland at home with that crowd, who knows?
The first try will be crucial and whoever scores it will doubtless set the tone for the pattern of the game.

Wales in typical style have gone from GS champs to possible Spoon contenders in successive seasons, something we do all too often.
Warburton is out but I'm not too disheartened as Tipuric is a more than able replacement and on current form is actually performing better than his captain. Sam hasn't been 'at it' for some months now and needs to regain form and fitness before re-consideration for his place IMHO.
The armband goes to Ryan Jones, a more than able replacement.

As ever, which French team will turn up? I've no doubt they'll perform better than they did last week and both teams have a lot to prove after losing starts.
If they go behind early the crowd will get on their back as they usually do and it could go pear-shaped for them.
My heart says Wales in a thriller (we have had some there of late), but then it would, wouldn't it?

Scotland performed well last weekend and despite the scoreline showed some great skills. Italy will be buoyed with their fantastic home result last week, now the Azzurri need to galvanise themselves as everyone's second favourite team and show that they can do it away from home soil and with an on-song half back partnership at last, backed up with a little belief they've every chance.

Your predictions?

[DTCwordfan]

There's a roof I think, beejay

[DTCwordfan]

maybe not. but the design minimises the wind effect - look at the pack weights - big difference and the English are highly mobile to boot.