Six Nations 2015: Round 4 Predictions

Round 4 of the Six Nations beckons, with a massive, championship defining game in Cardiff preceding matches in London and Rome. While the latter two games might not have as much riding on them in theory, there is still plenty left to play for in terms of pride, and reputations to be salvaged for some teams. Have a read of our predictions below, and follow the links to head to more detailed previews of the games.

Wales vs Ireland
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Sat 14th March, 14.30

Once again Ireland put their Grand Slam on the line as they take on a Wales side brimming with confidence after two wins away from home. Once again all eyes will be on Johnny Sexton to see if he can lead the Irish to another pragmatic win with his pinpoint tactical kicking and flawless execution of Joe Schmidt’s gameplan. Wales will look to blast out of the blocks and get an early lead, forcing Ireland to chase the game – not something they have done much of recently. Should the visitors rack up an early lead, however, it’s tough to see Wales breaking the Irish stranglehold. Jamie Hosie thinks that’s exactly what will happen – Ireland to win by 3.

England vs Scotland
Twickenham, London
Sat 14th March, 17.00

The Calcutta Cup has not been a happy hunting ground for Scotland in recent times, and with three losses already to their name, Twickenham is not the place they would have wanted to come to break their alarming slide towards the wooden spoon. They have played enough good rugby to have deserved a win, but their composure in the opposition’s 22 has been shocking. England were knocked down a peg in Dublin, but that doesn’t detract too much from the stellar work this team did in the opening two rounds. They will fancy themselves to get the upper hand at the set piece against a creaking Scottish eight, and if they can use that platform the release the likes of Joseph and Watson, there could be fireworks. Charlie King thinks it will be a comfortable home win, predicting England to win by 17.

Italy vs France
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Sun 15th March, 14.00

Sunday’s game sees two sides with differing problems take to the field. Italy have superb fighting spirit and under talismanic leader Sergio Parisse, consistently punch above their weight, whereas France play as comfortably less than the sum of their parts. On paper, they have enough talent to breeze past the Italians, but under Philippe Saint-André they have become a shell of a side, lacking leadership and an obvious gameplan. They have made a whopping eight changes, so it is over to the new blokes to arrest this run of insipid performances. Italy bloodied French noses with a famous win here in 2013 – can they do so again? Hugh Foyle thinks they will battle valiantly, but ultimately fall short, predicting France to win by 10.

Here are our picks from TRB HQ:

How do you see the weekend going?

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images