Italy vs Wales: 5 - 41
Italy will need a big response after a dire performance at the weekend, but high-flying Wales will be confident of putting the Azzurri to the sword, Wales by 36 doesn't seem far-fetched with players like North, Roberts and Davies reigning down physicality on a weak Italian side. They will be wary of England's mistakes against the Italians however, and will need to start strong. Giving away "kickable" penalties is fine though, as the Italians won't stand a chance of slotting them. With the Welsh pushing forward I can see a couple of slip-ups in defence, but still expect a big Welsh victory.
Scotland vs Ireland: 12 - 22
Desperate to avoid the wooden spoon, Scotland will need a win. There is no better time for the Scots to host the Irish, but they certainly won't be confident of victory, even if the Joe Schmidt's Irish side doesn't travel well and doesn't beat teams by many points. Both teams are low on confidence, but Scotland took the lead going in to half time away at Twickenham, and could spring a surprise on the Irish, although that in turn could spur the Irish on to play a different style of rugby, a more aggressive, try-scoring style of play. Trying to force a style of play they are unfamiliar with, the Irish could slip up against the Scots and the home side could steal a famous victory. However, I think Schmidt won't care too much for the 6 Nations title, and will solely focus on the RWC later this year, so will field the same side as last week, and we will see Ireland grab an uninspiring victory.
England vs France: 27 - 15
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In the last game of the weekend, England will know exactly what is required in order to win. Cipriani could have a massive role and become an English hero out there if England need that extra 7/10 points with 15 minutes left. France were uninspiring as they cruised to victory against Italy, but they did secure a 29 point victory in Rome. They will have some confidence going in to the game, especially with the Yoann Maestri try and the impressive debut of Naikataci on the wing. England will win at the weekend, spurred on home by the home crowd. Nowell looked very dangerous on the wing, and Courtney Lawes impressed on his return to the international stage, both make it into our team of the week, which will be up in the near future.
Our predicted table:
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Points For | Points Against | Points | Points Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 129 | 80 | 8 | +49 |
| Wales | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 126 | 78 | 8 | +48 |
| Ireland | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 101 | 58 | 8 | +43 |
| France | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 83 | 73 | 4 | +10 |
| Italy | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 47 | 162 | 2 | -115 |
| Scotland | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 75 | 110 | 0 | -35 |
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