Perhaps the biggest RBS Six Nations clash yet is this weekend with England and Ireland at Twickenham. England’s side hasn’t changed much since the poor performance against Italy. Jonny Wilkinson has taken a lot of heat from that game after letting England down with his kicking game.
The blame can’t be all on Wilkinson. England is lacking confidence with the ball, making betting decisions tough. They are lacking an effective gameplan and balls are slow right from the breakdown. England manager Martin Johnson is happy with the close victories since his job security was in question. Calls for changes include Ben Foden coming in at full back as a spark on offense.
On the other side, Ireland has more experience playing together as a team than England. The Irish surprised the Welsh and Italians and may be the most formidable challenge England has faced in a fair amount of time. England will be happy to play in front of the home crowd at Twickenham on Saturday, but they have fallen apart under pressure recently.
Ireland did beat England at home last season but is coming off a 33-10 loss against the French two weeks ago. Jonathan Sexton is getting the nod over Ronan O’Gara for Ireland. The Irish will need to keep a fast pace to stay ahead. Both clubs are well rested and lines will most likely fall toward an Irish win, because of their experience and teamwork.
There is a storied history between these two teams. England has won 70 matches and Ireland has won 44. There has been 8 draws. England averages 11.80 points against them. Ireland averages 7.95 points against them. Ireland beat England in 2009 by the score of 14-13. Below are the odds to back your team to win.
Ireland: 19/20
England: Even
Draw: 20/1
Ireland: 10/11
England: Even
Draw: 22/1
Ireland: 1.83
England: 2
Draw: 19
Ireland: 1.90
England: 1.95
Draw: 19
Ireland to win by 1-5 points: 5
England to win by 1-5 points: 5
Draw: 17