Predictions: Six Nations, PRO12

One of the hardest Six Nations to call in recent memory gets underway this Saturday, when Ireland travel to Murrayfield.

Joe Schmidt’s side are without fly-half Johnny Sexton but head to Murrayfield gunning for a third title in four years. Later that day, England commence their title defence at home against France.

Wales travel to Rome to face Italy in the weekend’s final match, while in the PRO12 Munster are on the road against Edinburgh.

Let’s see who will come out on top.

SIX NATIONS

Scotland v Ireland

Preview: Vern Cotter’s rein as head coach comes to an end at the end of the tournament so his players will be determined to give him a memorable send-off.

Prediction: Although Scotland will be competitive in their own backyard, Ireland are a well-drilled team and will have too much firepower for their hosts. Ireland to win by five points.

England v France

Preview: Not since October 3, 2015, have [England] tasted defeat as this remarkable turnaround in fortunes sees them enter this Championship as hot favourite.

Prediction: Expect France to give a good account of themselves but it’ll be a home win at Twickenham on Saturday. England by six.

Italy v Wales

Preview: Italy will be desperate change their fortunes of last season in the opener. The Azzurri finished stone last in 2016 with zero wins from five games. 

Prediction: Despite the Italians’ one-hit wonder against the Springboks in November and playing at home, the Welsh should take it quite comfortably. Wales by 15.

PRO12

Edinburgh v Munster

International abcenses unsurprisingly have hit both teams hard for this rescheduled PRO12 fixture, which was moves to accomodate Munster’s postponed Champions Cup match with Racing 92.

The good news for Edinburgh is that John Hardie is back to full fitness and starts in a strong back row alongside Magnus Bradbury and Cornell du Preez.

Munster meanwhile hand opportunities to the likes of Calvin Nash, making his debut, and young centre Dan Goggin to name a few.

Jaco Taute, Tyler Bleyendall, Rhys Marshall and Jack O’Donoghue are all present but Munster’s winning record in the PRO12 is certainly under threat, a run that goes all the way back to October 8 last year. Edinburgh by six.