On To Weekend 2

A weekend of interesting action last weekend sets up weekend 2 even more. Why? Read on to find out.

Before we move on the games themselves, it was a busy day for the disciplinary panel today, with the citing hearings from the weekend. Bradley Davies was given a 10 week ban, which was lengthened by 2 weeks due to the seriousness of the incident, then somewhat counter-intuitively reduced by 5 weeks for previous good-behaviour. I'm puzzled by the mixed message this gives, but what it does mean is Mr Davies will be absent for the rest of the tournament.

Following this, Stephen Ferris was hauled in front of a panel, who decided not only that he had no case to answer, but also that it should not have been a penalty in the first place, according to the Irish Team Manager. Quite why the Citing Commissioner felt the need to call him in front of this panel is beyond me. Some good news finally for the Irish then.

We start this weekend in Rome. Tempting as it was to fly over for the game, the impending arrival of Valentine's Day saw the price of flights and hotels soar and meant it wasn't do-able. Still, England will go to Rome with a win in the bag, and a hard-fought one at that. Italy, will be relatively confident too I think. Strange to say that after a 4 try defeat in Paris, but Rome is different. They may be slightly less advantaged compared to previous years given the relocation to the Stadio Olimpico from the Stadio Flaminio, but there will still be a fervent belief that, now that they have beaten France at home, England will follow on as they continue to build a competitive side. England should still have too much though, and with the only likely change being Morgan in for Dowson at Number 8, some continuity could see a more confident and open performance. 2 sides desperate for a win for very differing reasons. It won't be a classic game of open rugby, the forecast freezing conditions and the high tension will see to that, but I expect another close game.

From Rome we cross the border into France as Ireland, stung by their home defeat to Wales, know that if they have any desires on the trophy, then an elusive win in Paris is an absolute necessity. The pack should see changes, even though Ferris has not been suspended following his citing for his "tip tackle" against Wales which ultimately cost Ireland the game. Ryan is a possible to replace O'Callaghan in the second row, though expecting the unexpected has become the norm with Declan Kidney. I'd like to see Ryan alongside O'Connell and O'Mahony brought into the back row. We'll see. Philippe Saint-Andre has rung the changes in the French pack, with Debaty, Servat, Nallet and Bonnaire making way for Poux, Szarzewski, Maestri and Harinordoquy. The backs remain the same, and will be looking to exploit the holes they did against Italy, which coincidentally were the same holes Wales exploited against the Irish last weekend. As usual, Ireland will need to boss the game up front and perform at 9 and 10 if they are to have a chance. Last chance saloon for the Irish, while the French will want to serve up another classy performance for their home fans, before their trip to Murrayfield in a fortnight. An interesting side show will be the refereeing of Dave Pearson, who correctly identified the tip tackle by Davies, but incorrectly advised as to the punishment. Best behaviour boys; anything borderline red and you'll be walking....

Sunday sees the euphoric Welsh host the downtrodden Scots. Scotland were rocked this week with the surprise retirement of Dan Parks. Andy Robinson has chosen between Laidlaw and Weir at 10, with Laidlaw getting the nod. The young pack showed well against England, but are up against a more confident, experienced and capable pack (arguably) in the Welsh. Murray sits this one out for religious reasons (Sunday) and is replaced by Cross. As for their opponents, the second row could be a problem area for the Welsh with Bradley Davies suspended adding to those already absent, though rumours are circulating of a return for Wyn Jones. In the backs, the centre partnership of Roberts and Davies grows stronger with every game, and with the mighty North on the wing, hard to believe isn't it that he is still growing, Wales have the firepower that England didn't show in Murrayfield and as a result the Scots will need a miracle to come away with anything this time around. Everything points to a comfortable Welsh win.

Now it's Friday, I feel prepared to divulge my actual Predictions, with a little footnote:

Italy vs England - a fresh day in Rome should see England run out victors, but they need to be wary of over-confidence, as Treviso have proved what a tough task it is to win in Italy this year. England by 9


France vs Ireland - much as I would love to see it, I can't find a way that Ireland can win this game. France have too much across the park. France by 12


Wales vs Scotland (Sunday) - A week of turmoil for Scotland, amid much soul-searching and self-doubt as to how they didn't beat England last weekend. The Welsh look stronger, more mobile, quicker and better organised. Wales by 14