Warren Gatland delayed naming his team until Lunchtime Friday to keep the Irish Management guessing and despite all the talk two of their best players are in fact fit to play and Jamie Roberts and Rhys Priestland will be starting at the Aviva on Sunday. Ireland selected pretty much as predicted apart from Donnacha Ryan losing out to Donnacha O Callaghan for the starting lock spot. Keith Earls was forced to withdraw today and Fergus McFadden will take his place. Fergus is a brilliant defender and I would have no worries about his ability to step up to the plate.
I expect Ireland to win this game and I see them doing the damage initially up front. At the World Cup Wales just went around the ankles on our main
ball Carriers Ferris and O’Brien and we had no plan B. This time around I expect Ireland to us the Maul a lot to gain territory and then move the Welsh around the field by attacking in the wider channels and using the odd cross field kick to take advantage of Trimble and Bowes Height and Aerial ability.
Italy have a 20 point start against a French team that they best last season. Both sides have new coaches at the helm and I expect this game to be a very scrappy affair with Italy covering the Spread.
The other match this weekend is at Murrayfield where Scotland will be looking to avenge their defeat to England at the World Cup. They are a much more experienced side than England and also settled. The Scottish sides have been performing very well this season and they will be confident of getting the win. I fancy them to do so.
