SCOTLAND’S stunning win over France has thrown the outcome of this year’s Six Nations battle into an exciting disarray.
Three teams are still in contention for the title: favourites France, Scotland, and Ireland, with the latter pair in a straight battle for the Triple Crown at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday, 2.10 pm.
Ireland did struggle against Wales at the weekend but one wonders about the coaching when the stats showed that fly-half Jack Crowley kicked the ball from his hand only three times, and carried into contact on just 14 occasions during the entirety of the game.
“We’re a well drilled team and if we get space we want to attack and use it. Looking back I think we overplayed it tonight,” admitted Jamison Gibson-Park afterwards.
Wales made it difficult for the home side.
They used a very physical tackle system throughout and Andy Farrell’s side had to pull out all the stops to carve out the victory.
Scotland will not be uncomfortable in Dublin; they will bring a different style of play to this final match of the series and after their shock success over France, Ireland will have to be on their toes for the full 80 minutes.
The clash between Jack Crowley and Finn Russell will be interesting.
The Munster out-half has been criticised for kicking the ball only three times from the hand last Friday. Maybe this could have been under coaches’ orders?
This promises to be a thrilling end to what has been an entertaining Six Nations, and the Scots will be no walkover.
Then for Ireland, there could be plenty at stake when France host England later, 8.10pm.
In between, we have Wales home to Italy, 4.40pm.
What a rugby feast!