PICK OF THE SPORT: Ireland needs a miracle in Rome while France only needs a bonus-point win, writes Dylan Bettencourt.
All we need is a minor miracle. Sure, England and Ireland can still snatch the Six Nations trophy away from France, but it is what is called only statistically possible.
Last week, Ireland needed to play the game of their lives, but they only managed a disappointing, lacklustre performance which saw France run away with the game – and probably the trophy.
There’s a lesson to be learnt here: when it matters, don’t bet on Ireland. Their infuriating habit of stumbling through a match and then suddenly waking up in the last ten minutes when it no longer matters has become characteristic of their game.
Is it because their head coach Andy Farrell is away taking care of the British and Irish Lions and Simon Easterby is in charge? Perhaps, but not likely.
The record is beginning to count against Ireland. It may even cost the B&I Lions when they go Down Under to face Australia with Irish coach Farrell leading the team. It is also Joe Schmidt’s last chance to prove that he is a great coach, and it is good to remember that Ireland were successful when he was the coach.
Ireland can do no more than destroy Italy in Rome, but it will be another opportunity for Ireland to prove that they can turn it on when it doesn’t matter.
France, on the other hand, need to beat Scotland with a bonus-point victory and it’s all over. Of course, you never know with the French, but playing in Paris they seem to be unbeatable. Their bomb squad is too big and too strong.
Scotland has made all the right noises and it is dangerous to write off the Scots. They have put together their best team and you can bet that they, unlike the Irish, will come out fighting. And they can do it – but only if you believe in miracles.
England can’t possibly lose to Wales, can they? England will almost certainly get the bonus-point win over Wales. Even then, if France only gets the win, they will have the same number of championship points, but the French have a massive match-point difference after their huge win against Italy.
Can Scotland beat France? Of course. This is rugby. But it would be miraculous. You will have to wait until the middle of the night on Saturday to find out.
Italy vs. Ireland on Saturday in Rome – 6.15pm
Wales vs. England on Saturday in Cardiff – 6.45pm
France vs. Scotland in Paris – 10pm
All will be live on DStv channels 201 and 211.
➤ Another thrilling weekend of Betway Premiership action is upon us, with the stakes getting higher as the season edges toward the business end.
Mamelodi Sundowns remain firm at the top on 58 points, but Orlando Pirates (40 points) and Sekhukhune United (34 points) are still chasing. Meanwhile, the bottom of the table continues to tighten with Gallants and Magesi in a fierce relegation fight.
This weekend brings a blockbuster double-header on Sunday: Sundowns clash with Orlando Pirates in a potential title-defining encounter, while Kaizer Chiefs look to climb back into the top half as they take on Richards Bay.
Elsewhere, Stellenbosch vs Sekhukhune United promises fireworks in the battle for CAF spots.
Can Chiefs find consistency? Will Pirates derail Sundowns’ title march? Will Magesi or Gallants escape the drop zone? It’s all to play for!
Friday, 15 March 2025
AmaZulu vs TS Galaxy – 7.30pm
Saturday, 16 March 2025
Magesi vs Golden Arrows – 3.30pm
Cape Town City vs Gallants – 3.30pm
Chippa United vs Polokwane City – 8pm
Sunday, 17 March 2025
Richards Bay vs Kaizer Chiefs – 3.30pm
Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns – 3.30pm
Sekhukhune United vs Stellenbosch – 5.45pm
All the action will be live on DStv channel 202.
Pictured above: The French team in training.
Image source: @FranceRugby
