It was disappointing for many Irish fans as their legendary centre or the son of Ireland Brian O’Driscoll was left out for the deciding finale of the British & Irish lions tour last July;
numerous criticisms received by Gatland the lions coach who is the Welsh coach now and then. Instead of Brian O’Driscoll the New Zealander decided to stick with the Welsh centre pair Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies which gave the lions a fruitful result as they beat the Wallabies 41-16 in Sydney.
However, rugby legends in the lights of Keith Wood, John Mcbride and Sir Ian McGeechan, criticized Gatland’s decision before the match due to the selection of in experienced Jonathan Davies was paired with Roberts in the centre.
It was an epic performance showcased by Davies along with his countryman Dr. Jamie Roberts who played as inside centre and scored a crucial try. With his coach’s selection, certainly that could be the best situation in his life thus far. This was a situation where the kiwi had to choose the head overruling the heart, nevertheless which led many media to praise his brave decision on choosing Davies as No 13.
When IRB total Rugby tweeted on O’Driscoll’s retirement, he replies saying YES, will retire before the next rugby world cup. Therefore ongoing six nations could be his last to call it a full stop, no wonder the Irish will be coming strong and maintain their winning home record as they still have a good chance in hand to take the grand slam this year especially the way they played against the All Blacks in the last autumn which nearly spoilt the All Blacks winning record. The crowd might be hostile on welcoming the Welsh coach at the Aviva stadium tomorrow afternoon in Dublin despite Welsh remain the top favorites to create history with a triple crown. So much action to happen tomorrow especially when O’Driscoll takes his opponent lions mate Jonathon Davies although he said no animosity on Gatland’s lions decision.
The Calcutta Cup ( Eng v Sco)
This trophy has a great history behind it as it is currently with England since 2009 six nations. It was decorated with cobras and elephant from silver coins of India. Both teams competed first in the year 1879 Scotland has only won one third of the game since then.
Stuart Lancaster’s men on verge to make their greatest ever comeback victory in a test match trailing 16-8 at the half time leading the game 24-19 until the 76th minute of the game which was denied by the French. Scotland on the other hand got thrashed by the Irish 28-6 at the first week of play. However, both teams will come with new strategy in order to win the prestigious Calcutta cup. Having said that England are favorites on this occasion even though it is an away game which is to be played at Murrayfield, England’s working on the ball has been outstanding and especially the two line attacking among the forwards allows them to create more spaces.
Disappointing news for the Scotland as their captain Kelly Brown been dropped from the crucial Calcutta cup he is been replaced by the debutant Chris Fusaro who is playing outside flanker who has naturally possessed the aerial skills. Scottish pack was badly beaten in Dublin last week it was a dreadful start for their campaign but Fusaro’s addition will give them an impact for the back row. The way Italy played against the Welsh seems that Scotland is going to the wooden spoon once again.
France V Italy
Italy showed great moral and temperament on the match against Wales at the millennium stadium last week, despite losing for 23-15 in an encounter which was full of excitement which was not expected as most thought Wales will win in a huge margin.
20 year old Michele Campagnaro stole the show last week with one skillfully supported try and one interception. Italy surely has the psychological edge due to the fact that they beat the French last year 23-18 and a great fight against the defending champions at the start of this year. Moreover the French are always a tough team to beat at Stade de France, consolation is high for them after poor defense in the second half against England.
Phileppe Saint-Andre the French coach must be pleased with the outcome of the England game no matter what as the points get counted. It was all about his tactical change where he replaced the big powerful centre Mathieu Bastareaud to the nineteen year old Gael Fickou who kept the winning try which denyied England the greatest ever come back victory. However, Saint-Andre has been criticized for not using younger players in the French side where as he now gives chances for youngsters who shined in the French Super 14. Fly half Jules Plisson is one of the highlighted players this season he even kept the Springbok fly half Morne Steyn in the bench for his club at Stade Fracais. Saint-Andre further complained there is not enough raw talent in the super 14 the most lucrative league to pick due to overseas players flooding in.
Yet again it is time to see whether the reality has chosen a French Grand slam or a championship as they have been won since after all the British & Irish Lions tour. Will that fatigue favor the French ???
