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I’m predicting wins for England, Scotland and France in week two

by Matt Mitchell, Wooden Spoon National Rugby and Communities Manager

Matt Mitchell Wooden SpoonEveryone was predicting that the opening weekend of the Six Nations was going to be really exciting and it certainly lived up to expectations.

I have to be honest and admit that I got all three of my predictions correct.

Though I am a proud Englishman, I just had an idea that Scotland would win. You don’t often go to Scotland and win, especially when it is raining! Having the fans back gave them another edge. I think it all put pressure on England and we didn’t think as clearly as we could have done.

It was fantastic to see all the fans back and I know a lot of Wooden Spoon supporters were in Scotland for the match and also for Ireland against Wales.

I wasn’t surprised that France proved too strong for Italy as the French have got a really exciting set of players.

Italy are no mugs anymore and they have some good players, but I still think it is almost a given that England will win in Rome this weekend.

Wales at home to Scotland is a much tougher game to call. When you have lost your first game, like Wales did, you usually bounce back with even more determination. I do expect Wales to play harder but I think Scotland will win narrowly. They just have a little more maturity and control.

The pick of this weekend’s matches has to be France v Ireland which is going to be a really exciting game. If you had picked your best overall team from the first weekend of matches, most would have come from the French and the Irish and it really sets it up nicely. Both have started well but I think the French are just a little stronger.

France v Ireland Six Nations

With the exception of Italy, five of the teams could easily win games at some point. But Scotland and France are my favourites for success in the tournament.

I don’t think either will win the Grand Slam, but I can see Scotland winning the Home Nations and then it will be virtually a ‘final’ between Scotland and the French for the title.

I think France will win it overall. Starting with Italy gave them an easier route into the competition and this should give them momentum.

Obviously, we will know more after this weekend when it comes to results and standings. But I think the next three matches will also go a long way into shaping the destiny of this year’s Six Nations. Every game will be intriguing and enjoyable in equal measure.