register to 888sport
888sport time:

Featured Sport News

Who can stop Wales?

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 26/02/2009

Who can stop Wales in the Six Nations? After two games, Ireland would appear to be the best bet but you certainly wouldn't rule France out of shocking Warren Gatland's imperious side on Friday.

Wales did not have to hit any great heights to beat Scotland in their opening game but showed enough style in edging out England to suggest they are on course to win a second successive Grand Slam and third in five years.

Last year Wales ended a perfect campaign by beating Les Bleus 29-12, but that was at a frenzied Millennium Stadium and it will be a completely difference atmosphere in Paris.

France have been patchy at best in their opening two encounters, playing some sublime rugby in defeat against Ireland in the game of the Six Nations so far, before securing an unconvincing victory against Scotland in a mundane encounter.

With Jamie Roberts and Shane Williams both expected to return to the starting line-up, Wales would appear to have the class to clinch a rare victory on French soil.

France and Wales have secured the last five Six Nations titles between them but, on current form, Gatland's side should secure a narrow victory this time.

At the other end of the table, the match which seems certain to guarantee who claims this year's Wooden Spoon will be staged at Murrayfield where Scotland entertain Italy.

Frank Hadden's team were tipped to have a good season but injuries have not helped their cause and, despite an improved showing in defeat in France after the appalling display against Wales, it looks like being another disappointing campaign for the Scots.

Scotland may have been poor this year but if anything Italy have plumbed even greater depths and look as though they will have to go back to the drawing board after several years of steady improvement.

Coach Nick Mallett has been criticised for his side's two showings and the bizarre decision to start with flanker Mauro Bergamasco at scrum-half against England has highlighted the confusion that is currently surrounding the game in Italy.

Home advantage should prove decisive, but don't expect a classic! Scotland to win by ten points.

There were some signs of the green shoots of recovery for England in their spirited display in Cardiff but once again Martin Johnson's side go into a game against Celtic opposition as underdogs.

It speaks volumes that a team which has reached the last two World Cup Finals could come away from a defeat in Wales with reasons for optimism.

Ireland go into the game in a positive frame of mind having followed up the scintillating display against France with a more prosaic and workmanlike performance in Italy.

It seems as though the 'Golden Generation' squad that has promised much but delivered little in the last few years could finally be realising their true potential.

A narrow victory against England should give Ireland the chance to take part in a winner-takes-all finale in Cardiff on March 21 and the possibility of a first title since 1985.

online betting