Predictions: England to deny Ireland the number one spot
Ahead of the World Cup warm-up encounters, we are putting our head on the block and picking our winners from the big matches this weekend.
Scotland and France open proceedings at Murrayfield before England and Ireland go head-to-head at Twickenham, where the visitors could claim the world number one ranking.
WORLD CUP WARM-UPS
Scotland v France
These two sides clash in the reverse fixture in Edinburgh following France’s dominant victory a week ago. Jacques Brunel’s men were hugely impressive in Nice as they played some outstanding rugby to overcome the Scots 32-3.
Following that excellent performance their head coach has not made too many alterations, but they have arguably strengthened with the inclusion of Thomas Ramos, Felix Lambey, Arthur Iturria and captain Guilhem Guirado, who takes the leadership role back from front-row colleague Jefferson Poirot.
In contrast, Gregor Townsend has made mass changes with full-back Stuart Hogg the only survivor from that poor display. On paper, they look slightly better due to Finn Russell’s and Greig Laidlaw’s selections in the playmaking positions, while Hamish Watson, Ryan Wilson and WP Nel will help bolster the pack.
However, it wasn’t necessarily about the individuals involved last week, but more the whole unit. Townsend’s side were overwhelmed by Les Bleus and struggled to find any rhythm.
The Scotland head coach will duly demand a significant improvement but, should the visitors repeat their efforts from the previous match, then they will have too much. France by 5
England v Ireland
Wales earned the number one spot last weekend, coincidentally overcoming England at the Principality Stadium, but they may well lose it on Monday, with the Irish searching for the honour.
Joe Schmidt’s men will take that spot with any type of victory at Twickenham, although it is easier said than done, with Eddie Jones’ men showing plenty of positive signs heading into the World Cup.
Despite the defeat to the Welsh in Cardiff, it was not their strongest outfit and Jones will expect, with Ben Youngs, Owen Farrell and Manu Tuilagi all starting, to see a better performance.
This XV is much closer to the one the Red Rose will put out at the global tournament, while the Irishmen still have a couple of problems they need to address. The key one is mere form, having faltered in the 2019 Six Nations but, under the guidance of the astute Schmidt, it would be no surprise should they re-find that physicality and accuracy on Saturday.
The other query which will have to be answered is at fly-half with Johnny Sexton rested and Joey Carbery currently injury. Ross Byrne enjoyed a fine 2018/19 campaign at Leinster but, at the home of English rugby, the pressure will be vast and possibly too much for the inexperienced pivot. England by 8.
TOP 14
It is the opening weekend in the Top 14, where Toulouse begin the defence of their title at Bordeaux-Begles. Lyon’s encounter against Stade Francais is another intriguing contest while Sunday’s game sees last season’s runners-up Clermont Auvergne host La Rochelle.
Agen v Toulon: Toulon by 5
Castres v Montpellier: Castres by 6
Lyon v Stade Francais: Lyon by 8
Pau v Brive: Pau by 10
Racing 92 v Bayonne: Racing by 20
Bordeaux-Begles v Toulouse: Bordeaux by 3
Clermont Auvergne v La Rochelle: Clermont by 9