Six Nations 2015: Round 5 Predictions

So here we are, approaching the end of the Six Nations road for another year. As has been the case more often than not in recent times, the identity of the winner is still shrouded in uncertainty, but for the first time in a while (if not ever) a whopping four sides could still feasibly win the title come Saturday evening. Who will it be? Read on to find out our thoughts.

Italy vs Wales
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Sat 21st March, 12.30 (GMT)

Wales’ chances of winning the title will hinge on how many points they can put past Italy, and whether it will be enough that England and Ireland don’t catch up. In that sense, they have the toughest ask, not knowing how much is enough, exactly. Another way of looking at it is that they can loosen the shackles and simply go out to play; to score as many as they possibly can. If it’s enough, it’s enough, if it isn’t, they gave it a good go. Italy will provide resistance, of course, but without inspirational leader Sergio Parisse they are half the side. Nathan Hyde thinks the visitors will win big, predicting Wales to win by 25.

Scotland vs Ireland
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Sat 21st March, 14.30

Scotland are staring down the barrel of a wooden spoon, but that isn’t the real story at Murrayfield this weekend. Ireland have a chance to win back to back titles, but like Wales they will have to wait until the final game has been played to learn their fate. Should the Welsh win big, it might leave Ireland with a target to chase, but either way they will want to put as many points on the scoreboard as possible to lay down the gauntlet to England. Scotland have played better than their results suggest, however, and will be desperate to reward the strides they have made under Vern Cotter with a win, and avoid an ignominious whitewash. Charlie King thinks it’s unlikely to pan out for them, however, predicting Ireland to win by 8.

England vs France
Twickenham, London
Sat 21st March, 17.00

Whatever happens before it, the Six Nations title will be decided at Twickenham as Le Crunch rounds off the 2015 Six Nations in style. England are hot favourites coming into the game having played the most exciting brand of rugby of any team so far, resulting in 11 tries over four games, compared to France’s four. The visitors, however, have the best defensive record, and are in serious need of restoring some pride after a campaign that has seen them stoop to new lows under Philippe Saint-André. It’s a big ask, but not one that should be beyond the calibre of player in their team. Even so, says Jamie Hosie, a win looks beyond them, as he predicts England to win by 9.

Here are our picks from TRB HQ:

How do you see the final weekend going?

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images