England v Ireland Six Nations Rugby Match Preview

Rugby Betting

So there we have it. The Six Nations rest in the Irish hands once more and on this occasion with a game to spare. It has been a fantastic tournament for the boys in green, who will now want to go one better and claim the Grand Slam at Twickenham on Saturday. Hopes are riding high for a result which would emulate the success of 2009. It will be no easy task, but should they succeed they will surely provide the inspiration for the next generation of young rugby players from the emerald isle.

For their part, England will want to deny them a clean sweep in much the same way the Irish did to them the previous year. It is a chance to return the favour which the English lads will no doubt relish. Although the papers will disagree, it is a little too soon to dissect where it has all gone wrong for England this time around. Going into the tournament, the side was not without injury problems, but in that regard they were no different to anyone else. Who could have guessed that the possibility of a fifth place finish was a real prospect for Eddie Jones’ team? Not many, but right now that is where the competition lies. In crucial moments England have been found wanting, outfought or out-thought in ways they rarely are.

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Bookmakers William Hill have priced England at 11/10 for victory, Ireland at 11/10 for the same and the draw at 20/1.

Ireland’s Six Nations

France 13-15 Ireland

Ireland 56-19 Italy

Ireland 37-27 Wales

Ireland 28-8 Scotland

Ireland began the tournament by edging through against a French side who were always marked as whipping boys this time around. France have struggled for too long to find any kind of form or rhythm to their play. Jacques Brunel has stopped the rot somewhat, but Ireland play to the very end and a brilliant drop goal in stoppage time from Johnny Sexton gave the points to Ireland. From here Ireland steamrolled a beleaguered Italian team in a victory which requires little mention.

Against Wales Jacob Stockdale again proved why he is one of the best players in the world at the moment with two tries to his name. Relative newcomer Chris Farrell also put in a tremendous display showing the Irish strength in depth.

Next up came Scotland who were fresh off a confidence-building victory against England. The attacking style which the Scots used to unlock England so effectively got short shrift against the Irish and once more the Irish scored late in the half. It made a bad day for Scotland and England both.

England’s Six Nations

Italy 15-46 England

England 12-6 Wales

Scotland 25-13 England

France 22-16 England

England began the tournament with a warm-up game against Italy. Emphatic doesn’t quite cover it, but whatever problems the England side would face in the tournament were not on display in the first round. Following that ground out a result against Wales which could be happily described as a result. So far, so solid, although warning signs were showing in the form of penalties conceded and a lack of creativity moving forward.

It wasn’t until the English faced Scotland at Murrayfield that the wheels truly came off. Faced with Scottish side who had lost the plot against Wales and scraped through against an ill-assured French side at home, England may have been forgiven for being complacent, right up until the match started. From there it was all downhill. Too often beaten at the breakdown, England looked less creative and dangerous than their Scots hosts.

Against France therefore England were required to beat France and to beat them emphatically to stay in the chance of contention. They didn’t have it in them, and more than that they couldn’t even secure the win. To many, the prognosis was simple; England are a side heading in the wrong direction.

England v Ireland

Ireland are rampant right now with Johnny Sexton is scoring tries for fun. The Irish are playing with speed, force and flair. England look tired, confused and at times lost. So far England have conceded an astonishing 46 penalties this tournament – as opposed to a mere 22 from Ireland. Ireland also have the advantage on tries with 17 scored as compared to England’s 11. What about successful passes? 762 for England, 900 for Ireland. England have lost 25 rucks while Ireland have merely conceded 12. Heard enough?

Ireland to win: It doesn’t matter where you care to look or what statistic you examine, going on the form at this tournament, Ireland have the advantage. It’s almost unbelievable to say it, but if England were to win this game it would be one of the shocks of the tournament.