Weekend Rugby

Fletch went 1 for 2 on the rugby this weekend, after identifying a potential Scotland resurgence, but siding with Ireland’s value. Meanwhile the call on England was spot on as France sealed the deal after an even contest by 6 points.

Scotland v Ireland, Saturday 1.30pm

Two things strike me here – especially about Scotland. For the first time in three years they have Chris Paterson at fly-half. He is an excellent kicker at goal, and for some time many have felt he should be playing 10 and trying to control the game.

Then there is the backrow: Jason White, Simon Taylor and Alastair Hogg will be formidable.

Ireland have a mix-and-match side. Brian Carney gets a run out and so does Brian O’Driscoll. O’Sullivan has admitted he has two backrows and wants to watch both, and they will get a test here. Paddy Wallace is fly-half – a consistent performer but a cut beneath O’Gara.

Ireland are favourites and at 4/7 and 8/13 mostly.

Paddy Power have been patriotic and gone 8/11- drumming up business and keeping on the right side of their Irish punters, so let’s join them and take some for value.

England v France, Saturday 5pm

Another warm-up, and a more strenuous one than last week’s rogering of a third string Wales. That suited us as we won on the fixed odds, and on the handicaps, but this week against Les Bleus is tougher – both for England and for us.

Side news:

Olly Barkley in at fly-half. Abendanon, Sackey and Lewsey are the back three. Haskell and Moody join Dallaglio in the back row. Kay and Shaw as locks and then a grizzled front row. Centres are Catt and Noon.

I have to say, this has a bit of makeshift feel about it. Almost a set-up where some will play themselves OUT of the world cup rather than in.

France on the other hand have named nearly a full strength side. They need game time but this is a settled team unlike England’s. If the game is loose and England won’t want that, France will dominate and win handsomely.

If it is tight England could keep in touch for most of the game but I still fancy the more settled unit to win.

France look good at 10-11 with 5 point handicap (widely available).