Wales Stand On The Verge of Grand Slam Glory on Super Saturday
The 2019 Six Nations will conclude tomorrow with three teams still in with a chance of winning the title. Wales are in the box seat with a home win over Ireland sealing a fourth Grand Slam in 14 years. England are lying in wait to pounce should Wales slip up with a trophy to be present in both Cardiff and London.
Here is a look ahead to what could be a dramatic afternoon of rugby.
Italy v France (12.30pm)
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy will kick off proceedings on Saturday afternoon with Italy looking for their first win against any Six Nations opposition in six years. Conor O’Shea’s side have improved their performances this season despite the fact they remain rooted to the foot of the table and they will be targeting victory against a French side who have been well below par this year
TEAM NEWS
Both teams have shuffled their packs. Italy make five changes with the most notable being the inclusion of Gloucester flanker Jake Polledri.
France have six changes from their defeat in Dublin, Wesley Fofana returns from injury with Etienne Falgoux making his debut.
WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA IS SAYING
PREDICTION
Embed from Getty ImagesThis has to be the chance for Italy to end their baron spell in the Six Nations. France are not playing well, particularly away from home and head coach Jacques Brunel appears to have lost the dressing room. With the Rome crowd behind them, O’Shea’s improving side have to take this opportunity.
Italy by less than 7.
Wales v Ireland (2.45pm)
Embed from Getty ImagesWales go searching for a third Grand Slam under head coach Warren Gatland when Ireland come to Cardiff tomorrow. Ireland can still win the Championship should they pick up a bonus point win and England slip up against Scotland.
TEAM NEWS
Wales are unchanged from the team that beat Scotland last weekend with Liam Williams passed fit to play.
Ireland name their strongest line-up of the Championship, Tadhg Beirne has returned from injury while Sean O’Brien is back for the injured Josh van der Flier.
WHAT THE COACHES ARE SAYING
Embed from Getty ImagesWarren Gatland: “I pride myself on the record I’ve had in big matches when it’s really mattered. It’s important the coaches are positive and we express that confidence and self-belief from us to the players.”
Joe Schmidt: “There’s been a request from Wales that in the interest of the quality of the game and the very poor weather forecast that the roof be closed. At the moment I’m not sure about the roof.”
WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
PREDICTION
Wales’ Grand Slam charge has been built on strong defence and this could be key in what is likely to be a low scoring match. Ireland are yet to hit their stride in this year’s tournament and if they can reproduce their Autumn form they could go close. However, the Cardiff crowd got Wales home against England and that could be decisive.
Wales by 5 points.
England v Scotland (5pm)
By the time the 137th Calcutta Cup kicks off at Twickenham, England will know what they have to do to win the Championship. Eddie Jones could win his third title in four years if Wales were to lose against Ireland. England have three bonus points wins from four games so far with Scotland arriving at Twickenham having lost their last three matches.
TEAM NEWS
Embed from Getty ImagesEddie Jones makes four changes from last week’s victory over Italy. Jack Nowell returns to the wing with man of the match from last week Joe Cokanasiga not even in the 23. Exeter duo Ben Moon and Henry Slade also start along with flanker Mark Wilson.
Scotland change six from their home defeat to Wales. The impressive Hamish Watson gets an opportunity from the start. Sam Skinner and Ben Toolis get their first Six Nations starts while both wingers are changed with starts for Sean Maitland and Byron McGuigan.
WHAT THE COACHES ARE SAYING
Eddie Jones: “It is going to be very tight. I think Wales are definitely tiring but Ireland are coming to a peak so it will be a close old game. But we need to be ready to play come kick off.
Gregor Townsend: “We have to build on the positive aspects of our performance against Wales. The players showed in the second-half what the team is capable of against one of the best sides in the world.”
WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
PREDICTION
Embed from Getty ImagesFor the first time since 2009, Scotland enter this fixture holding the Calcutta Cup. However they have not won at Twickenham since 1983 and that much is true given that Spandau Ballet were number 1 on that day. England are strong favourites for a third straight home win and will be nervously watching events down the M4
England bonus point win.
