Take 2

You can take your pick as to the meaning of that. It could be what it says in the packet of anti-flu tablets I seem to have been traipsing round Europe with for the last month (I've tried British, Polish and now Spanish remedies, none seem to be working really). It could also be the director's call ahead of the re-scheduled France vs Ireland game this Sunday.

An extra Sunday of 6 Nations rugby is a blessing of course, unless you are an Irish or French player, when there will be 4 consecutive games. Ireland should in theory be slightly fresher, having had a relatively comfortable win against Italy last weekend, while the French were buffeted by the plucky Scots in Edinburgh. (Note, after years of it not being the case, it now appears that the word plucky is a required adjective when referring to the Scots, replacing disappointing).

Both sides will believe they have a chance at the title. France's is obvious: keep winning and the Grand Slam is theirs. Ireland's is a bit more unlikely (win all their games, hope France beat Wales and cross fingers that their points difference is sufficient). They will be regretting ever more that late penalty 'conceded' against Wales.

France should have too much for Ireland, but speaking as an Englishman, I hope Ireland make it as hard a game as is physically possible, given England's arrival via the Eurostar next week. France's end of tournament is the toughest I can remember to a 6 Nations, with Ireland, England and Wales in consecutive weeks. Philippe St Andre seems to either be searching for his best pack, or cunningly rotating key elements. Bonnaire returns in place of Picamoles this week, while Poitrenaud replaces the unfortunately injured 'muttonchops' Medard.

Ireland have stuck with the same fifteen as beat Italy, surprising given the inadequacies of Conor Murray last week and the pep provided by Eoan Reddan. Ireland's pack have to try to dominate their opposite numbers, which given the recent form of Dusautoir, Poux and Harinordoquy in particular, and the recent struggles of O'Callaghan and O'Brien, is no small task.

I'm plumping for France by 10-12 points.

In other news, England edged a step closer to appointing their new Nick Mallett this week. Let me rephrase that. In other news, England edged a step closer to appointing their new coach this week. The John Kirwan publicity machine clicked into full gear when he didn't get an interview, which outside of the Kirwan family not many thought he would get. The choice would appear to be Mallett, Eddie O'Sullivan (why?) and Stuart Lancaster.

Leaving aside all rugby decision making, there is only one option for me and that is Stuart Lancaster. I am a great believer that a coach is an integral part of a team's success and should therefore be from that country. Lancaster is the only one who fulfils that criteria. However, it would appear that many other major nations disagree with that premise (Australia, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Italy have all had foreign coaches) and I am not one to cut my nose off to spite my face, so if Mallett arrives, then so be it. But O'Sullivan? Please no. I can't see a single positive that could be drawn from his appointment.

The thing I don't understand about this is why we (the RFU) are paying such a large sum of money (5 figures) to Odgers Bernstein to manage this recruitment. They are essentially in charge of creating a shortlist from the applicants. Well I'm sorry, but I could have done that of an evening after work. Have a chat with the RFU and decide what their criteria are, apply those criteria to the applicants, provide a shortlist. Not rocket science, more money for old rope. Same old RFU in this case unfortunately.

The 6 Nations continues to throw the Premiership into chaos. Newcastle (12th) hosted Harlequins (1st) last night, and only a late late penalty from Nick Evans salvaged a draw for the leaders. Newcastle have the wind in their sails at the moment, and their lack of departures for international duty is helping them. Wasps, on a serious downturn, are urgently looking over their shoulder and have a must-win game against London irish this weekend. It is shaping up to be a fine season once more.

I'll be back tomorrow with a detailed review of the Ireland game for you. Hell, it may even be bilingual if I'm in the right mood.