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......

[bibblebub]

ENgland are vertainly looking much livelier than before

[ChillDoubt]

Kicks going awry abit now, fatigue must be hitting some now. Ireland get into the England half for the first time in a while.

[ChillDoubt]

The Irish attack comes to nought with a knock on, 12 minutes left, still anyone's with a 3 point deficit.

[ChillDoubt]

6 and a half minutes left and England still lead by 3.
It's gonna be another nail biter folks.

[bibblebub]

phew

[bibblebub]

yesssssssssss

[ChillDoubt]

And that's it! It slowly peters out with no further advance made by either side and England hold on for a 13-10 win.
Mike Brown was oustandning at full back, as were the England wings.
That result and score means that it's still very much all to play for in the remaining fixtures.
Well done England, commiserations to Ireland on a game performance.

[Sqad]

Fabulous game of rugby from both sides.
England showed their inexperience at times, but the "young pups" came through.

[ellsman]

Well played England. A great game of Rugby.

[DTCwordfan]

Now that was a good game - loads of excitement, credit to England's defence....two cracking tries!

[Slapshot]

Some shocking decisions in this match, both ways...appears it's now legal to join the maul behind your opponents back foot and not be offside and to kick a ball away from a ruck from an offside position....used to think that Craig Joubert was a decent ref.... must have had his eyes shut half the time

[anneasquith]

woo hoo Scotland :)

[jim360]

Four sides on 4 points each... sets it up nicely for the remainder of the competition. With Ireland v. France and Wales v. England still to come, too, so lots of big games left.

Great, anyway, to see England win yesterday.