Friday showdown.

Big games galore this weekend with France, South Africa, England, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand likely to be the top dogs by the time the last whistle has been blown on Sunday evening. Anyone got a view on the Irish side? Or any of the others come to that?
The only team that has 'improved' this tournament (according to my prognostications!!!) is Scotland. They seem to have that extra bit of stamina - late into the second halves of their games. For any number of reasons they will need all of that and more to get past Italy but, just for now, it looks possible - just.
Going back to the France v Ireland game, I think the French will win it through significant efforts by Heymans and Clerc. They get well looked after by the very good Dusautoir and his back row colleagues, and I think they have too much talent - even against the  Irish rugby passion (that we spectators are still waiting to see!) No Geordan Murphy either, which will be another handicap to a busted Irish machine. Still, hope for the best and it may happen - it used to be a Double Diamond that worked wonders... after tomorrow it could be a few pints of  Guinness!

Comments

[annie]

Totally agree with your views on who will be top dogs come Sunday. Except for one England not sure about them as it is a difficult match and could go either way if they dont up their game a lot.
As for the Irish team, I always love to watch them play, because of the Celtic passion they play with, and you always know that win or lose, they will have given their best- bit like the scots, but we have not seen the Irish fire on all cylinders yet! I have to add Portugal to the theme of passion, as it was great to see their reaction to the try they scored against Italy.

Im a little mixed up about tonights game as I dont want France to go out, and miss the chance to watch them play further into the tournament, as they are very exciting to watch, but I dont want Ireland to go either...difficult one. Can Ireland still qualify if they lose to France Im not sure of the situation in that pool.