Its that magical time again, the final day of the 6 Nations Tournament (well it would be, but for a re-arranged France V Scotland match).
Luckily we all manage to get some practice in for the annual liver-pickling event with the Ireland V Scotland game last weekend followed by Saint Patricks Day. A gallon of fresh orange juice a day later and this fans body was starting to recover…but no, we have one last hurrah and day of rugby to watch.
It all kicks off this year with Scotland V Italy at 14.15, followed by Ireland V England at 16.45 then France V Wales at 20.00.
Our token Welshman of the JockPaddy will be joined by a few impartial supporters hoping that Wales can equal the English record of thirteen Slams and pull two ahead of France with five 6 Nations Slams.
So, who is hoping for what today;
Scotland hope to inflict another defeat on a travelling Italy side, and pull ahead of England with a game in hand, but need Ireland to beat England for that to happen.
Italy’s last 6 Nations win was against Scotland six years ago; even the Italian media are not predicting a repeat.
Ireland have made six changes to the side that started and got a win last week against Scotland. Lowe is dropped in favour of a returning slimed down Stockdale, presumably due to Lowe missing every opportunity to tackle – we all played with someone what was able to side step out a tackle…..as the tackling player!
England hope for a fifth straight victory against Ireland but having started slowly this tournament, played well to win against a strong French side. As always, all eyes will be on Farrells tackling.
Wales, well what can we say, whilst its not a shoe-in, the title is looking promising for the Welshmen. Alun Wyn Jones has more caps than the entire French pack and is hoping to be the first player to be part of four 6 Nations Grand Slams winning teams.
France have named the same side that were narrowly beaten last weekend in Twickenham. Remember France won the last two games they played against each other in 2020 – we need to wait until 20.00 tonight to see what will happen next.
So, here’s hoping for an action packed final (well almost) weekend of rugby.
Jock Paddy Rugby Club 