Six Nations Predictions 2023 – Round 3

After a two-week break, the Six Nations resumes with high drama and high-stakes this weekend, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

Title favourites Ireland are away to the Azzurri to kick off Round Three while the other showdown on Saturday will see Wales host England in Cardiff, if the clash goes ahead. 

In a case of saving the best for last, France and surging Scotland cross swords in Paris on Sunday. 

Italy v Ireland

Saturday, 25 February – 16:15

After giving France a massive scare, Italy were disappointingly limp against England, trailing 19-0 at halftime and losing 31-14 in the end. A serious weakness was exposed as well as they were mauled to death and Ireland will follow England’s blueprint.

Topping the table and on a high following their 32-19 victory over France, Ireland won’t rest on their laurels and will efficiently secure a third straight bonus-point win. With rain on the cards, though, Italy look good on the plus.  

Wales v England

Saturday, 25 February – 18:45

It’s become clear that winless Wales’ on-field woes are a product of off-field issues. It’s reached the point that there’s a threat of a players’ strike over salary cuts that puts the Cardiff clash in danger. 

Warren Gatland, who’s supporting the players but opposes a strike, is still searching for his first win in his second term at the helm with Wales languishing in last place following heavy defeats to Ireland and Scotland while Steve Borthwick is on his first away assignment as England boss. 

England, who rebounded from their defeat to France with a commanding win over Italy, have been boosted by the returns of vice-captain Courtney Lawes and Tom Curry and will be too strong for a Dragons side devoid of hunger.

France v Scotland

Sunday, 26 February – 17:00

The break certainly favoured France in this fixture. It afforded Fabien Galthie and his charges an opportunity to do a thorough post mortem on their 13-point away loss to Ireland, which snapped a record 14-match winning streak, and to start fresh. 

In contrast, it was an unwelcome interruption for Scotland as it slowed down the momentum they gained from securing back-to-back wins for the first time in the Six Nations era. Ireland haven’t done them any favours either as the French will be bullish to bounce back.

Belief goes a long way and that’s what Gregor Townshend has instilled in his troops. They’re daring to dream of something special this campaign and have the memory of a 27-23 upset in the final match of the 2021 championship on their previous visit to Paris, which cost Les Bleus the title, to further fuel their belief. 

France were held up over the line three times by the Irish, so it could’ve been a different story in Dublin. Scotland have the attacking sting to cause France problems and are brave on defence but they won’t be able to duplicate the special defensive effort Ireland produced to topple them.