Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
The Calcutta Cup between England and Scotland always proves to be an interesting fixture. However, if there’s anything to take from what happened two years ago at Murrayfield, it’s that this is by no means an easy test for the English. And with both sides having lost their previous games, could we be in for a bore just like in 2008? Personally, I doubt it. England, despite everything, are a much better team than they were back then and the same goes for the Scots. With the Scottish playing at their own headquarters I imagine this will be a close run thing. But their defence was just too weak against Italy, meaning England should be able to finish off more of their opportunities (especially if they have anything like the possession they had against Ireland!) and come away with a victory.
I don’t want to speak too soon, but it looks like France are on for the Grand Slam. The only thing that’ll stop them is England (in two weeks time), and it's unlikely that the French will have much trouble brushing them aside. This week France play Italy. And even though the Italians have been showing improvement this year, theres nothing that makes me think this will anything other than a complete walkover. I’m gonna say, a French victory by 15 to 20 points; that sounds about right.
In recent years, Ireland have become very efficient at winning the Triple Crown, (awarded to one of either England, Ireland, Wales or Scotland for having beaten all of the other three) having won it in 2006, 2007 and 2009. The only other team to have won it in the past seven years is Wales. However, in this championship, the Irish are the only team still in with a chance to secure this honour. After their last matches, I’ve been largely unimpressed by both of these teams. To me, Wales look clueless and Ireland uninspired.
However, the fact that they’ve both not being playing that well could lead them to playing more of an exciting game out of sheer desperation. Both teams have the capability and the flair required to turn this one into a spectacle. In terms of line-ups, Ireland have an unchanged team and Wales have only changed theirs slightly. I could be wrong, but wouldn’t it be great if this match turns out to be enjoyable? Oh, and prediction-wise, I guess Ireland have the better capability to win this one.
Check back after the weekend for a recap on the action and some predictions for the final set of games.
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