1. Robbie Henshaw/Jared Payne vs Luther Burrell/Jonathan Joseph
Ireland vs England
Assuming this quartet are all selected, we are in for a compelling midfield battle on Sunday in Dublin. The Irish duo of Henshaw and Payne haven’t really been used to great attacking effect thus far – their roles have remained relatively defensive, and both have performed them admirably, to be fair. There is so much more to come, however, and you sense that Ireland will need more than the conservative game we’ve seen so far to beat a confident England side. This could be the match when Henshaw’s brutally powerful running and Payne’s silky lines finally combine. Opposite them Burrell and Joseph have struck up an instant understanding. Will Joseph be as devastating as in the first two games? It will be intriguing to see what plan Schmidt has put in place to deal with his attacking prowess – and you can bet that he will have come up with something.
2. Rory Best vs Dylan Hartley
Ireland vs England
The lineout will be crucial at the Aviva Stadium this weekend. Both sides have kicked a lot of ball this championship and, for the most part, both have done so with great accuracy – which has helped them both to a 100% start. It is also no coincidence that their line-outs have been functioning smoothly. Of course a lot of responsibility falls on the gurus in the second row who devise and implement the calls, but when it comes down to it, in the heat of battle it will be Best and Hartley who have to hit their men. Best has had his demons at the set piece in the past, but with a sterling set of jumpers in O’Connell and Toner, it is an area of his game that has vastly improved in recent times. Hartley has always been a solid set piece merchant, and his performances have flown somewhat under the radar so far this tournament – which is no bad thing for England.
3. Sofiane Guitone vs George North
France vs Wales
The last Wales took on France in Paris, it was George North’s brilliantly finished try that made the difference. He has not been at his best in a Wales shirt for some time now, perhaps indicative of the national team’s general malaise this tournament. North has failed to influence games as he has done for Northampton this season, but you can bet that there will be a big performance from him at some point this tournament. This weekend might be a good time to bring it, as he is up against an entirely different type of winger in Bordeaux’s Guitone. The Frenchman is far more diminutive in stature but his attacking threat is every bit as big as North’s, and he possesses some of the quickest feet around. Whether the French can utilise his talents properly is another matter – it will require a change in approach.
4. Damien Chouly vs Taulupe Faletau
France vs Wales
This is a match-up of two number eights who use brain more than brawn to make their influence felt on a rugby pitch. They are slighter than some of their contemporaries, but no less effective in what they do. Faletau’s offload to Webb for his try against England was one of the most skilful moments of the Championship so far, while Chouly’s soft hands are clearly highly regarded by the French management when you consider the calibre of players waiting in the wings. So, while neither might make the number of metres that your traditional, bulldozer-like number eight will, their ability to bring other big runners (and both sides possess them in abundance) into the game with their offloading capabilities is crucial. Add to that their increased mobility (how often is Faletau the man to give the scoring pass after a lengthy Welsh break-out?) and they are both valuable assets to their sides.
5. Johnnie Beattie vs Sergio Parisse
Scotland vs Italy
While the Scottish backs have been tearing things up, their counterparts in the pack have not been having it all their way this championship. Johnnie Beattie has been thoroughly subdued, compared with the rampaging ball-carrier we all know he can be. Against Wales, he carried the ball just three times, for a total of five metres. Those stats speak for themselves and if the precociously talented back-line is to have a chance to run free, Scotland need to be on the front foot. Sergio Parisse continues to operate several levels above everyone else in an Italy shirt, and must wonder how much better he has to play to inspire those around him to up their game. It is a wonder he can continue to drag himself to the consistent levels of excellency that he does. He will know this is one of Italy’s best chances of getting a win this tournament.
By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
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Key battle for me is Hartley/Best, i imagine there will be a good few defensive line outs in the 22 this game and whoever holds his nerve better gives their team a massive advantage.
Toner/O’connell v Atwood/Kruis will be more important than that in the centres and its outcome will determine the impact the girls will be able to have.
Key battle for me is Goode / Kearney.
The kicking game is what Ireland will use, and England need to be able to combat it well. Goode needs to kick brilliantly, and not run down dark alleys. Same goes for Watson and Nowell. Territory could decide this game and that could be decided by the back three.
For England it’s surely the front row battle, i.e., mainly the props. If England get the upper hand here, which I suspect they might, it will be difficult for Ireland. A confidence thing for the latter, although JS will surely be aware of this & so will likely counter with quick put in’s & clearances on Ireland’s scrum ball. The line outs ought to be fairly even & the breakdown? Dunno with Heaslip out, but Ireland must dominate here. Midfield will depend on the fwd possession. Ireland, @ home by 3?
Beattie has his coat on a shoogly peg at the minute. He needs a big game on Saturday with Denton and Ashe (no doubt Stern Vern’s favourite 8) nearly back to fitness. If he doesn’t shine he’ll go the way of the other Killer Bs and the rest of the old guard, never to be seen again.