Rugby

sweeeeet

I'm in. Some big changes for the weekend already & some unknown quantities. Furlong out is a blow to Ireland, Gats back & Halfpenny can't catch a break, England with a new coach, a raft of withdrawals and won't have the same centres two games in a row for the past 8 years it seems, Scotland ring the changes also... Looking forward to it. So the games will be rubbish, won't they? ;)

Furlong out is a blow to Ireland

It is, but nothing insurmountable. Bealham is in great form and deserves it. With Sheehan starting and Stewart called up to the camp, there's a definite shift to the more dynamic (read: young and fit) hooker position. Beirne and Ryan in the second row would terrify me, and that back row is a perfect mix of shit housery, ball carrying and jackals.

I was about to go through the rest of the team but it would just be sycophantic love letters and I do this every year and immediately get kicked in the balls in some way.

I am excited as an Irishman, but then I am every year.

Ugh. Are we going to go through all this again - Farrell at 12... No running threat. Easy meat for Tuipolotu.

Looking forward to McCloskey vs Hawkins in the centres and Morgan vs O'Mahoney could be a cracking battle also. Can't see beyond Ireland by 10 though, maybe a lot more.

In fact, Ireland by 10+ vs everyone bar France this year.

England side seems to have a certain Tigers bias.

I'd like to level that criticism at Tigers. But it's no more than with Eddie really. At least it's not so Bath-centric as it was.

France is always the concern. I really fancy their WC chances. McCloskey has been an overlooked favourite of mine for a long time. Both he and Aki are big heavy runners, McCloskey has a touch more nous about him in my view. My bias (also as an Ulsterman) knows no bounds.

I think I'll cry as much when O'Mahoney retires as I did when B O'D and Stephen Ferris did.

Righto - predictions

Ireland by 14
Draw (or whoever keeps 15 on the park longest wins)
France by 28

Don't think Eccles 1st XV 12 & 13 are going to have a pleasant Saturday afternoon playing Wigan Rugby Union with their guesting centre partnership. Considering it's an RFU level 8 match a little naughty!

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Ouch! "Your man"