Stephen Ferris previews Italy v Ireland and Wales v England
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Ladbrokes ambassador Stephen Ferris looks at the round three games in the Six Nations on Saturday when 4/6 grand slam favourites Ireland get the weekend rolling with a trip to Italy, before Wales hope to put their troubles behind them against England.
We are now two games in, and the front runners are starting to separate themselves from the pack. Those front runners being Ireland and Scotland. Momentum is absolutely everything in this competition so let’s see which of these two can keep it going.
Wales’ preparations for the England game have been overshadowed by the threat of strike action, but a compromise has finally been reached and head coach Warren Gatland has finally named his team for Saturday’s match.
Gatland made nine changes, including no places for British and Irish Lions trio George North, Dan Biggar and Liam Williams.
All the other countries in the Six Nations are very much in support of the Welsh players, but at the same time, they are conscious of the huge games they have coming up. Preparation and focus are essential for success in round three.
Italy v Ireland (Saturday, 14.15, ITV)
Ireland, like Scotland, have made a perfect start to the Six Nations thanks to bonus-point victories over Wales and France.
The world’s top-ranked team have won 22 of the 23 games against Italy in this competition and although they are away from home, Andy Farrell’s men are massive favourites for this match and rightly so.
Our line up for Rome! 💪#TeamOfUs | #GuinnessSixNations
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 23, 2023
Ireland have won their last seven Test matches and only France and New Zealand away from home have been able to knock over the men in green. Johnny Sexton has been ruled out due to injury, with James Ryan replacing him as captain. The loss of Sexton opens the door for Ross Byrne. The Leinster fly-half hasn’t put a foot wrong since coming into the side against Australia in the autumn. He has a 100% kicking record in the Six Nations and 95% in the URC. He is a reliable replacement for Sexton.
There is absolutely no doubt that Italy have improved over the last 18 months. When you have young players like Ange Capuozzo, Federico Ruzza, Lorenzo Cannone and Tommaso Menoncello in your team, it makes the coaching job a little easier.
The playing numbers in Italy can always be improved, although if the national team keeps getting better and good results follow, then ultimately this will filter into the grassroots. Let’s hope the rise of Italian Rugby continues.
Prediction:
Weather conditions look great for Saturday afternoon. Ireland will want to play with lots of width and variety to their game.
Wales v England (Saturday, 16.45, BBC)
There has been drama and plenty of talking points before a ball has been kicked for all the wrong reasons. Putting the controversy of the last 10 days behind us, this fixture always delivers one heck of a game.
England have the upper hand when it comes to recent results against their nearest rivals, but Wales have won their last two home games against England, so the question is ‘can they make it three?’
Hear from head coach Steve Borthwick as he previews Saturday's #GuinnessSixNations fixture against Wales.#WALvENG
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 23, 2023
Steve Borthwick’s men will believe they have turned a small corner after putting in a very good shift against a resilient Italian side two weeks ago. If they can go to the Principality Stadium and inflict some more pain on a wobbling Welsh team, then there is every chance the lads in red will drop their heads and whatever confidence they have left will drain from tiring bodies.
England didn’t get off to a winning start against Scotland on home turf. They have stuttered in their first two games, and this will be a much better test to see how far they have come over the last few weeks. England are five-point favourites with the handicap, and with six of England’s last seven wins against Wales being less than six-point winning margins, this game is expected to be a cagey and tight affair.
Never write off a Welsh side at home. There will be passion running through the veins of the Welsh players, who I’m sure have a point to prove. Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric are heroes and Welsh icons, but can they deliver once again on the biggest stage for their country. Something is telling me they might!
Prediction:
England to win by between 1-5 points @ 5/1
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
