2021 Six Nations: Round 3 Predictions

Sadly we have just two fixtures this weekend, after the French camp was hit by coronavirus, and now there is uncertainty once again about when the tournament can be completed.

Ireland travel to Rome and England visit Cardiff on Saturday, with one pick much harder than the other.

Here are my Six Nations predictions for Round 3 this weekend.

Italy v Ireland

Ireland have made 7 changes to their team from the side which lost narrowly to France, but that includes the return of Johnny Sexton and James Ryan from injury, as well as Tadhg Furlong reinstalled in the front row, and it looks like a stronger side to me. I think the Irish have been a little unlucky so far, and this should be a comfortable win against a limited Italy side. Ireland by 33

Wales v England

England have been very disappointing so far, showing very limited ambition with ball in hand, conceding penalties every 5 minutes and being content to kick the ball away. On the other hand, Wales have been slightly fortunate so far, with opposition red cards making both of their matches slightly easier to win. If both teams live up to their potential on paper, England should win, but they haven’t done that for some time. Wales are a form side, finding it hard to reverse a slump, but also being very difficult to beat when they start winning. I’m picking England, but I’m not at all confident. England by 2