Six Nations: Round 2 Predictions

I had a reasonable start to the Six Nations with my picks last week, although they were all relatively straightforward to call as all the home teams emerged victorious as expected.

This week, things get a little trickier - here are my Six Nations predictions for Round 2.

Italy v Wales

First up we have the unusual situation in which Italy start a Six Nations match as favourites. It is well-deserved too, after significant improvement over the last couple of seasons and a half-decent showing at Murrayfield last week. Wales were abject in Paris - although to be fair, France were quite good - and the pressure is on for this game as they face the prospect of a second consecutive wooden spoon. Confidence must be so low in the Welsh camp, and I suspect the hosts will be the stronger side. Prediction: Italy by 7

England v France

Last weekend’s final score in Dublin flattered England, and they were second best to Ireland by a distance. France looked the best team in the tournament, albeit against Wales who gave them all the time in the world, and there’s nothing to suggest that England can beat them except hope. The hosts’ blitz defence can work against some poorer teams, but France will be too skilful to be caught out by it, and I think they’ll continue their dominance in this fixture. Prediction: France by 8

Scotland v Ireland

This is the toughest fixture to pick for me, but I’m going with Ireland. Scotland were not terribly convincing against Italy, and whilst they did the job with a bonus point win, I suspect they won’t take a huge amount from it. A thumping win and they might have come into this game with more confidence to trouble the title favourites, but the visitors won’t be too worried. Ireland have had the edge over Scotland for years, and the sensible prediction is that Ireland put in another clinical performance and come away with a win. Prediction: Ireland by 6

How do your predictions compare?