PICK OF THE SPORT: The Bulls need a full five points to keep their hopes alive of winning a home quarter-final, writes Dylan Bettencourt.
Remember how Ireland and France were the favourites for the World Cup in 2023? And then the All Blacks beat Ireland and South Africa beat France, and the world was left wondering which of those two teams was the best.
Well, wonder no more.
The highlight of this weekend happens on Saturday when Ireland and France go head to head in Dublin in their Six Nations match, for one of the most anticipated matches since the World Cup.
The weather might not play along, though. It’s going to be cold and there might even be rain and the wind will definitely be blowing.
Some commentators say Irish flyhalf, Sam Prendergast is having a great run, others are not convinced. David Campese, who was a better player than he ever was as a commentator, describes him as ‘flaky’.
Prendergast has Jamison Gibson-Park, one of the best scrumhalves in the world, who will give him great services, but the Irish number 10 could stumble in the stiff breeze, and it could cost Ireland the match.
On the other side of the scrum, Antoinne Dupont and Romain Ntamack appear unbeatable and both Dupont and Gibson-Park have a point to prove.
It all boils down to how badly the French want it. They don’t travel well. They might not like the cold. And when France starts losing, nothing can stop them.
Scotland better not take their game against Wales too lightly. The Welsh dragon is rising, and the Scots could get a surprise if they’re not ready for a major battle.
One thing about the Italians is that they do not give up. They are always ready for the fight. Steve Borthwick could have played Marcus Smith on flyhalf or at fullback, instead, he has put him on the bench. It was a simple decision, he claims, but he may live to regret it.
➤ The Sharks, this time at home, have another crack at the Lions. They go into the match as the favourites, but when they are bad, they are really bad. Can John Plumtree motivate the men in black to give their best? Sometimes it’s hard to think that he can motivate anybody to give their best.
On the other hand, you can rely on Jaque Fourie and Cash van Rooyen to get the Lions to give everything.
Ireland vs France on Saturday in Dublin 4.15pm
Scotland vs Wales on Saturday in Edinburgh 6.45pm
England vs Italy on Sunday at Twickenham at 5pm
Sharks vs Lions on Saturday in Durban at 2 pm
Matches will be live on DStv channels 201 and 211.
➤ The Nedbank Cup quarterfinals are here, and the remaining teams are just two wins away from a place in the final!
Orlando Pirates take on SuperSport United in a blockbuster clash, with both teams eager to add silverware to their season. Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs face a tricky away test against Stellenbosch, a side capable of causing upsets.
Later in the evening, tournament favorites Mamelodi Sundowns will have to navigate a tough challenge against Sekhukhune United, who will be looking to shock the reigning league champions.
The last quarter-final fixture sees Durban City and Gallants battle it out on Sunday, with both sides eyeing a historic cup run.
Saturday, 8 March:
SuperSport United vs. Orlando Pirates at 3pm
Stellenbosch vs. Kaizer Chiefs at 6pm
Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Sekhukhune United at 8pm
Sunday, 9 March:
Durban City vs. Gallants at 3pm
All matches will be live on DStv channel 202.
Pictured above: France preparing to take on Ireland.
Image source: @FranceRugby
