Ireland bidding to save Six Nations best for last
Updated / Wednesday, 17 Mar 2021
08:14
The recent history between Ireland and England doesn t make for pleasant reading with green-tinted glasses on.
On Saturday, the men in white are bidding for a fifth successive win over Ireland, a feat they last managed back in 1999.
Admitedly, a World Cup warm-up demolition and a Nations Cup fixture feature in that mix, but nonetheless, the difference between the sides has been stark with an average scoreline of 33-14 in England’s favour a reminder of the balance of power.
Throw in Saracens’ physical domination over Leinster in 2019 (Champions Cup final) and last year at the quarter-final stage in Europe, and the narrative of Irish sides playing second fiddle is understandable.
Wayne Pivac relishing French challenge in Paris
Date published:
March 14 2021
Wayne Pivac accepts that Wales will face “a massive challenge” when they go for the Six Nations title and Grand Slam against France in Paris next Saturday.
The unbeaten tournament leaders reeled off a third successive bonus-point victory to increase pressure on their rivals for silverware by crushing Italy 48-7 in Rome.
And Pivac’s team now head to the French capital knowing that a sixth Six Nations crown and fifth Grand Slam will be secured if they topple Les Bleus.
“We need to improve, and we are looking to improve each week,” Wales head coach Pivac said.
England proved they can play in a different way - they must not retreat into their shells
Make no mistake, that was England’s best performance since the World Cup semi-final win over New Zealand
14 March 2021 • 8:00am
France’s try after 80 seconds was simply sensational. It was also the best thing that could have happened to England. From that moment on they were chasing the game and they were forced to come out and play. And they proved, to themselves and everyone watching, that they are still a very, very good team.
Make no mistake, that was England’s best performance since the World Cup semi-final win over New Zealand. And it came because France were also absolutely intent on playing quick attacking rugby.