Stephen Ferris previews Ireland v France and Scotland v Wales
Published:
Ladbrokes ambassador Stephen Ferris looks at Saturday’s round two action in the Six Nations as Ireland take on France in a potential grand slam decider followed by Scotland’s clash with Wales.
Ireland v France (Saturday, 14.15, ITV)
What a start Ireland made against Wales last weekend. Putting on a masterclass in the opening half all but secured their victory. Wales did fight back, but Ireland were in cruise control and handed them the hammer blow in the closing minutes when Josh Van Der Flier crashed over between the posts. It was a resounding victory that leaves Ireland still in the chase for glory. That was last week, this week is different…
The French juggernaut will come steaming into Dublin on Saturday afternoon. They have won their last three internationals against Ireland and will be quietly confident of making it a fourth if they can play to their potential.
"Home advantage has to be a weapon for us." 🏠#TeamOfUs | #GuinnessSixNations
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 10, 2023
However, a shaky win against Italy last week makes them the five-point underdogs. It’s maybe not a bad thing to get your ring rust brushed off in the first game, and still win it away from home with a bonus point. There is absolutely no doubt if the French continue to give away penalty after penalty like they did against Italy, then Ireland will punish them. I feel this is going to be a ridiculously tight game.
Wayne Barnes will be the man in the middle. Countless times this referee is involved in controversial rugby matches, that grip the attention of the rugby world, and I’m expecting this game to be no different. There are too many good players on show for it not to be a cracker of a Test match.
The weather forecast gives it to be a half decent day. This should suit Ireland’s attacking game plan, and slightly nullify the heavy-duty French team that I’m sure would love to roll up their sleeves and flex their biceps in a damp and dirty contest. Will the French get to show their power game or will Ireland show once again why they are world no.1?
Predictions:
Scotland v Wales (Saturday, 16.45, BBC)
Well the Scots surely have to kick on after another Calcutta Cup win against England last week. However, history tells us that when get off to a winning start they fall flat on their faces – usually against Wales in round two. Wales have won 13 of the last 15 games against Scotland, and Warren Gatland has won 10 out of 10 which is quite an achievement. So why are Scotland six-point favourites you might ask?
Welsh rugby has come under so much criticism in recent years. The regions and the national team have underachieved in many people’s eyes, and maybe they are right. When Warren Gatland returned, I think many people, me included, got sidetracked by all the success he has had before. This group of players can beat Scotland on their day, but it takes time to build cohesion and confidence that has been missing for so long, and I don’t Saturday will be their day.
🗣️ "We feel this team deserves another opportunity. There is cohesion, but there is going to be improvement too."
The thoughts of the Head Coach on the team to face Wales. #AsOne pic.twitter.com/51iP5RxAQv
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 9, 2023
The Welsh lads will be trying to get better with each game. Work on partnerships, attack shapes, defensive structures and other fine details which can make them a potential threat at the Rugby World Cup in September. Wales are a work in progress and hopefully they can return to being the powerhouse they once were.
The Tartan Army will be singing along to ‘Flower of Scotland’ just before their heroes take to the field of battle. It’s always a spine-tingling atmosphere at Murrayfield, and different to many other stadiums across the globe. The fans play such a huge part in the outcome of a game, and I feel it’s now time for them to make their stadium a fortress. Can Scotland deliver?
Predictions:
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
