A two-horse race for Six Nations glory.
There have been plenty of reasons, over the centuries, to be grateful for Italian women [Grazia Deledda, Rita Levi-Montalcini, Catherine of Siena and Monica Bellucci] and their 17-12 win over France, last Saturday, is the latest.
France’s defeat ended their Grand Slam aspirations and has given Ireland an attainable goal of winning their second championship in three seasons. Ireland beat Wales 20-0, the following day, and ensured the Six Nations title race will go to the final day.
The French bounced back, on Saturday, March 20, by defeating England 21-15 at Twickenham.
France [8pts, +69 pts diff.]
France got the win they required against England but it could have been so much better. They were 21-8 up at one stage but Harriet Millar-Mills got over for a converted English try in the last quarter.
Tries scored is the third criteria to decide the winner, after points and difference, and England [15] lead the way here. France are next, on 14, while Ireland have nine.
Ireland [6pts, +43 pts diff.]
England’s men had the advantage in their, ultimately forlorn, championship race. In the women’s championship, Ireland get the last dance.
Tom Tierney’s women face bottom-placed Scotland on Sunday, at 1pm, in Broadwood Stadium, home to Clyde FC. The Scots have lost all four of their matches, have scored 24 points [including two tries], and conceded 154, shipping 25 tries.
Ireland go into the match knowing exactly what they have to do. They need to beat Scotland by 27 points. In short, they will need to put a beating on the Scots.
A beating is eminently possible. Ireland’s last three wins over Scotland have been 20-0, 30-3 and, most recently, 59-0.
VERDICT: France are favourites but Ireland can still make it a double by thrashing the hapless Scots.
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