SIX NATIONS 2008
Round Three - Sat 23 Feb
Results
WALES 47 - 8 ITALY (HT: 13-8)
IRELAND 34 - 13 SCOTLAND (HT: 14-6)
FRANCE 13 - 24 ENGLAND (HT: 7-13)
Table
1. WALES 6pts (+61)
2. IRELAND 4pts (+21)
3. FRANCE 4pts (+15)
4. ENGLAND 4pts (+8)
5. ITALY 0pts (-48)
6. SCOTLAND 0pts (-57)
So, Wales thrashed the Italians with an efficient and clinical second half performance - much improvement from the Welsh here despite the fact that the Italians were poor in the second half.
Ireland ease to a win over Scotland after Scotland fail to take their chances (once again) - although they did finally score a try sometime in the 2nd half.
England produce a tournament changing "shock" in Paris (where France are never a great team) with, surprisingly, a good second half performance.
That leaves the table as it is above, with Wales, Ireland, France & England still all able to win the championship. Great tournament this year! :cool:
Looking Ahead...
Round Four promises to be crucial in the outcome of this year's Six Nations.
Firstly, Wales, 3 from 3, travel to Dublin to play at Croke Park against a rejuvinated Ireland team. With both teams seemingly on a confidence high, this match should prove to be a cracker - especially with the chance of Wales winning the triple crown here - and virtually winning the championship due to their huge points difference. An Ireland win, however, would once again pull the championship level.
Then England travel up to Murrayfield, looking to continue this small improvement in their away form (although they still have only won 3 times in the last 17 matches away (minus World Cup)). Scotland will be hoping and praying that England don't get gifted anything in the Calcutta Cup match. Scotland will be trying their hardest to win this in an effort to avoid 6th place.
France host Italy at the Stade de France after their defeat to the English at home. Two wounded sides may come out fighting strong and this match could prove to be excellent - although would seem to be too much for Italy, you can never tell. If Italy won here, France's chance of the championship would (almost) be over.
My (Stupid) Predictions
Ireland 23 - 18 Wales
Scotland 18 - 14 England
France 34 - 14 Italy
Which would set the championship up for a nice ending in Cardiff with Wales V France in week 5.