Biggest tournament in the north kicks off
PICK OF THE SPORT: The best is left for last this weekend when current Six Nations champions host England in Dublin on Saturday evening, writes Dylan Bettencourt.
The Six Nations has never been more hotly contested. Ireland are officially the favourites to beat England in Dublin, but nobody told the English that.
England are at last showing signs of the greatness that took them to the final in the 2019 World Cup and coach Steve Borthwick is finally emerging as the great coach everybody was hoping he would be.
And England flyhalf, Marcus Smith is in peak condition. He can swing a match in England’s favour against any opposition.
Ireland coach Andy Farrell is away on official coach with British and Ireland Lions, and Simon Easterby is in charge of the team.
It may just make a telling difference. The Irish team, however, seem to have all the heavy guns, particularly in the forwards.
The weather will be icy cold but clear. Expect a fast, close game. It’s going to be spectacular to watch.
➤ France, playing in Paris is almost unbeatable (unless they’re playing the Springboks) and Wales are going to have a hard time keeping the French away from their tryline. Expect a big win for France.
➤ Scotland are clearly the favourites to beat Italy at Murrayfield. Italy are at their best, but so are the Scots. If Italy manages a win this weekend it will break Scottish hearts until the next World Cup.
France vs Wales, Friday 10.15pm.
Scotland vs Italy, Saturday 4.15pm.
Ireland vs England. Saturday 6.45pm.
All matches will be live on DStv channel 211.
➤ As the SA20 heads into its final stretch, the race for playoff spots is reaching fever pitch. Paarl Royals (28 points) and MI Cape Town (26 points) have all but secured their spots, but the battle for the remaining two places is heating up. Joburg Super Kings and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (both on 19 points) are hanging on, while Pretoria Capitals (14 points) are clinging to their last hope. Meanwhile, Durban’s Super Giants (8 points) are officially out but could still play spoiler.
Friday’s action sees MI Cape Town take on Pretoria Capitals. With PC desperate for a win to stay alive, they’ll have to find a way past the tournament’s best net run rate side.
Saturday delivers back-to-back excitement. Sunrisers Eastern Cape face league leaders Paarl Royals in a clash that could secure SEC’s top-four finish—or leave them sweating. Later, Joburg Super Kings face bottom-placed Durban’s Super Giants, knowing a slip-up could open the door for Pretoria.
Sunday’s finale sees MI Cape Town and Pretoria Capitals lock horns again, potentially deciding the fourth and final playoff spot.
Pretoria Capitals vs MI Cape Town, Friday 5.30pm.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Paarl Royals, Saturday 1pm.
Joburg Super Kings vs Durban’s Super Giants, Saturday 5.30pm.
MI Cape Town vs Pretoria Capitals, Sunday 3pm.
All the action will be live on DStv channel 212.
Pictured above: All the captains of the Six Nations teams with the trophy.
Source: @SixNationsRugby