2022 Six Nations Round 5 – Brendan ‘Patchy’ O’Connell previews the final round with Ireland vs Scotland and France vs England on the cards.
It’s the final round of the 2022 Six Nations and all eyes will be set firmly on Dublin on Saturday afternoon and then onto Paris later in the evening.
However, I feel it’s the first match that can provide a good start to the day’s proceedings and a prodigious opportunity to increase the float. Despite their results so far Italy have performed better than they’ve been given credit for and I rate them as my best bet of the final round.
Wales v Italy – 2022 Six Nations Round 5
The current champions Wales have not enjoyed a great tournament but a bonus 5-point win here could elevate them to a possible third place finish overall.
With Scotland playing in Ireland later on, Wales certainly have the ability having performed admirably since their poor start in Dublin. They face perennial wooden spoon holders Italy who have played marginally better this season and should put in a much better performance than the 7-48 drubbing in 2021 and 42-0 thumping in 2020.
Andrew Brace takes charge of the whistle and the forecast predicts a partly cloudy day with a light breeze.
Patchy’s Pick
Wales have finished the tournament stronger than expected but I do feel Italy will be competitive here. In fact, in my opinion, they are better side away from home and should be able to stay within the handicap by contributing a little more than in their previous two matches against Wales.
Italy plus 28.5 points on the handicap market is a somewhat confident play and I’ll be staking a healthy 4.5 Units that the Azzuri do just that.
Ireland v Scotland – 2022 Six Nations Round 5
Ireland managed the business required of them at Twickenham to keep their feint tournament hopes alive but were helped in no uncertain terms when a red card was dished out to England’s Charlie Ewels after just 2 minutes of the match. The hosts lie a mere 2 points behind France and there are a number of possible permutations for them to upstage the French.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ireland build “points pressure” early on, taking 3 pointers when they come and then to try and go for the 4 try bonus point once a buffer has been established.
The handicap under normal circumstances of 14 points in favour of the Scots would have me very interested, but with the weekend balanced on a knife edge it makes calling this game very harrowing indeed.
Wayne Barnes is the referee for the match and the weather is partly cloudy and mild.
Patchy’s Pick
As mentioned this game is a tough one to call on the handicap and so I’ve had to look elsewhere for an interest. Scotland should be able to score a few points with Ireland focused on capturing a 4-try win.
It doesn’t always pan out the way the teams would prefer, but as the weather is good I feel 2 Units on overs Scotland’s total points is worth an interest. Quote still unavailable but I’m expecting around 15.5 points.
France v England – 2022 Six Nations Round 5
France return home after two good wins on the road against Scotland and then Wales.
Made to work really hard in Cardiff in the latter, they managed to dig deep and edge out a narrow 4-point win. Destiny is in their hands however, and they’ll take heart in the fact that England’s last win in Paris was back in 2016. In an unlucky turn of events, England were reduced to 14 men for most of their match against Ireland, they tired badly in the latter stages but did show enough to suggest they’ll be competitive here.
South African referee Jaco Pyper is to manage this enticing fixture and once again the weather forecast is good.
Patchy’s Pick
France will know exactly what they need to do against England come game time and Ireland’s result will provide an obvious pointer. They have been superb and preparations are going very well for the World Cup next year.
However, I can’t see France running away with this and should England play well, I think France will be grateful to grind out a narrow win. For now England plus 8.5 points on the handicap for 4 Units .
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