And we’re back!
Week 3 of the 2018 NatWest 6 Nations is upon us and we have our latest leg of the PSA Academies Predictions Challenge to share!
When you last joined us, closet rugby genius Graham had joined Head of Rugby Programme Johan at the head of the table by virtue of his genius Scotland prediction in round 2. It’s a tight bunch but at this stage, surely we can hand the wooden spoon to our token English beer drinking fan?!
Read on to find out more.
PSA Academies 2018 6 Nations Predictions Challenge – Post Week 2 Results Positions
- Tied 1st place – Johan & Graham 30 points
- Tied 3rd place – Cory & Johne – 25 points
- 5th place – Philippe – 20 points
- Last & 6th place – Neil – 15 points
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TIGNES RUGBY ACADEMY, THE ULTIMATE RUGBY CAMP
The 2018 6 Nations Predictions Challenge rules are simple. Each competitor needs to give us a simple match summary plus a winner prediction and winning margin (if a draw was predicted, they need to predict the total match points). It is 5 points for a correct result prediction and 5 points for a correct winning margin/total draw match points total.
The ‘expert’ with the most points at the end of the tournament is crowned the 6 Nations Predictions Challenge ‘King of the Picks’, whilst the person finishing last needs to make a public donation (amount TBC) to our 2018 Charity partner Unicef Ireland at our upcoming Unicef Ireland Charity Rugby Clinics in Ireland in April.
Friday 23 February – France v Italy, 2000hrs kick off
Johan – Two poor sides so far this competition and the French are a mess. But at home, in a rugby cauldron, they’ll just have too much for an awful Italy team
Prediction – France by 20 points
Johne – France are always most dangerous with their backs to the wall and that’s definitely where they are now. Who knows, maybe the Edinburgh booze cruise will have unlocked their best 15! Passion and mayhem to prevail.
Prediction – France by 35 points
Philippe – Things are no going well for France this 6 Nations but this is a chance to get things back on track against a very poor Italy team
Prediction – France by 9 points
Neil – France may be at their most frustrating this 6 Nations BUT they have too much firepower for this Italian rabble
Prediction – France by 25 points
Cory Brown – France have another week together, away from the Top14. They’ll be angry, fired up and passionate after the Scotland defeat. Expect them to dominate against the weak Azzuri Prediction – France by 24 points
Graham Ross – France are a shambles. No discipline on or off the pitch and now virtually a completely new side. They could only draw with Japan away from Paris in November & with Conor O’Shea targeting this one, an upset is the call Prediction – Italy by 3 points
Saturday 24 February – Ireland v Wales, 1415hrs kick off
Johan Taylor (South African) – It’s going to be a hell of a match up with no bonus points for either side but Ireland have enough at home
Prediction – Ireland by 7 points
Johne Murphy (Irish @MurphyJohne) -A cliffhanger is on the cards, with two strong defences & a tactical mash up. Another Sexton kick to clinch it late on.
Prediction – Ireland by 3 points
Philippe Saint-André (French @PSaintAndre) – Difficult challenge for Ireland but they have a Grand Slam to play for and home advantage will be enough
Prediction – Ireland by 9 points
Neil Marchant (English @NeilMarchant2) – Very close call, two well matched side & Ireland to play tight to protect Grand Slam chances
Prediction – Ireland by 5 points
Cory Brown (New Zealander @corybrown90) – Game of the round. It will be an arm wrestle but the two Lions that matter Murray & Sexton will steer the Irish home Prediction – Ireland by 36 points
Graham Ross (Irish @GrahamRoss76) – In Joe we trust. Faith in the young guys but the old heads steer the ship & will deliver the masterplan. Just too much control for Wales…just! Prediction – Ireland by 3 points
Saturday 24 February – Scotland v England, 1645hrs kick off
Johan – The Scots expect, the English will deliver. Too much strength in the chariot, even away from home
Prediction – England by 17 points
Johne – Scotland just don’t have the tools to compete and expect another meltdown in the cockpit when the 2nd half heat comes on as Scotland try to ‘Sevens’ their way out of trouble
Prediction – England by 11 points
Philippe – Scotland showed some control in beating France but beating the England pack is a different challenge. Atmosphere and passion brings them to 60 minutes but England, with Farrell in charge, pull away
Prediction – England by 7 points
Neil – Scotland who? England to show their Grand Slam credentials by crushing shambolic Scots defence. Easy!
Prediction – England by 30 points
Cory Brown – The Scots will be confident after winning at home to France and usually they raise their game for the English, especially at home. But this is a step too far. England just know how to win. Prediction – England by 10 points
Graham Ross – England not yet firing and a trip to Murrayfield against a buoyed Scots team has potential to backfire. Think this one could be tighter than people think with Scotland throwing the kitchen sink at it Prediction – England by 3 points
Best of luck to all involved in the 2018 6 Nations Predictions Challenge and enjoy the rugby wherever you are this weekend.
