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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
Six Nations Round 4 Preview – Who Are You Picking? 17 views
07 March 2014 by The Swede Eaters
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Six Nations Round 4 preview who are you picking?
Six Nations 2014 is another tight one with four teams tied on four points with two rounds to go. The evenness of the 2014 competition is great for fans and means that the competition won't be decided until the final round. Six Nations Round 4 features England vs Wales as the Match of the Round in a repeat of the final clash in Six Nations 2013 where Wales thumped England, but can Wales repeat the dose away from home? Ireland has a somewhat easier task hosting Italy, while Scotland hosts France and can really throw a spanner in the works with an upset win.
Who are you picking to win Six Nations Round 4 matches?
http://www.superrugbytips.com/2014/03/six-nations-round-4-preview-who-are-you.html
Six Nations Round 4 teams named are here
http://www.superrugbytips.com/p/rbs-six-nations-2012-rugby-squads.html
Ireland vs Italy
Ireland are hot favourites when they host Italy in the first game of Six Nations Round 4. They have only made one change with Ian Henderson coming in for the injured Peter O'Mahony. Conversely, Italian coach Jacques Brunel has wielded the axe in a desperate attempt to changes the fortunes of his winless team. Usually their best player Sergio Parisse hasn't even been spared. His place is taken by Robert Barbieri, in a new look loose forward trio with Paul Derbyshire, while Josh Furno moves from lock to blindside flanker with Marco Bortolami back at lock. They have also gone for a new halves pairing. It is difficult to know if changing so many combinations will help or hinder their chances of beating the in-form Ireland team. You would be very brave to pick the Italians for this one! Being a day game, this match could really open up.
My pick: Ireland by 21 points - Despite Italy beating Ireland in an upset last year, Ireland has too much to play for in 2014 under coach Joe Schimidt, while Italy haven't been as strong as they were in 2013. The only thing that will trip Ireland up is if they are too focused on their Round 5 clash with France and take a win over Italy for granted. There is too much experience and respect for coach Joe Schmidt for this to happen!
Players to watch - www.testrugby.com . Remember to get rid of Sergio Parisse from your team. Italy has some bargain priced players with Joshua Furno a must buy. Paul Derbyshire, Robert Barbieri and Leonardo Sarto could be worth a punt if you need a bargain priced player, while Leonardo Ghiraldini is a good option in the front row.
For Ireland Iain Henderson is listed as a bargain priced lock but is playing on the side of the scrum and so could be worth a shot along with Devin Toner who is a good value lock. Some higher percentage options for the Irish are Johnny Sexton, Jamie Heaslip, Rory Best, Rob Kearney and Andrew Trimble, especially if there will be some tries scored by the Irish!
Scotland vs France
France are one of four teams on two wins out of three matches in Six Nations 2014, while Scotland saved face with a one point win over Italy to move off the bottom of the table. France has won their last seven Six Nations matches against Scotland who up until their win over Italy had been poor in 2014. Don't expect much to change in this match, although the home advantage may keep the scores closer than they otherwise would be.
France have seven changes to their team with usual stars Wes Fofana and Louis Picamoles among the casualties so check the team lists. This has the potential to be closer than anticipated, but France have so much to play for with a shot at the Six Nations 2014 title, while Scotland would need a miracle to win the Super Rugby Six Nations 2014 title given their form so far.
My pick : France by 7 points
Players to watch : www.testrugby.com
There are some bargains in this game too with the cut price Damien Chouly replacing Louis Picamoles for France. The French back three have been good value all Six Nations, while Jules Plisson could be worth a shot for the budget conscious.
Scotland also has their fair share of bargains in Alex Dunbar and David Denton. Given their poor form in 2014 Scotland has some productive players in Stuart Hogg, Scott Lawson and Richie Gray.
England vs Wales
The England vs Wales clash in Six Nations Round 4 is a grudge match of epic proportions. England looked to be on the verge of sealing the Six Nations 2013 title a year ago before being humbled by 30-3 at Millennium. Wales has been a bogey side for England having won their last three matches in Six Nations competition. This match could also be a title defining one since both sides have very winnable matches in the final round. It is also a little known fact that head to head England and Wales are sitting at 56 wins each from 124 games with 12 draws. If ever there was more incentive for this match, then breaking the deadlock must be up there!
Unlike last year this match is at Twickenham, although Wales won the corresponding game there in 2012. Wales welcomes back Jonathan Davies into the midfield and his partnership with Jamie Roberts is crucial to their team's chances. Most people are picking England to win based on home advantage, but if Wales hit their straps they have more firepower than England who will really miss big Billy Vunipola. This is the toughest game of Six Nations Round 4.
My pick : Wales by 3 points
Players to watch: www.testrugby.com
England hasn't finalised their team yet, but they have named a squad of 23. Their best fantasy players are Owen Farrell, Mike Brown, Chris Robshaw, Courtney Lawes and whoever will start at hooker. Their midfielders of Billy Twelvetrees and Luther Burrell and Jonny May.
Wales on the other hand have their usual studs in Leigh Halfpenny, Jamie Roberts, Richard Hibbard, Sam Warburton, Toby Faletau and George North, while Jonathan Davies is good value.
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