Rugby Union

I reckon Eng v Ire might be closer than people think. Ireland thrive off dominant carries and quick ball, and despite our shit handling the one thing we've been good at is knocking teams in possession backwards.

Our scramble defence is shite at the moment though, which is where I think things might fall apart. But if we can shithouse a couple of maul tries and only let them through the main line a couple of times, we might manage it.

I'm expecting Away, Away, Coin toss

I'm hoping for Home, Home, Away.

Every time Italy are playing I'm backing them all the way, except when they play England and even then I want them to do well. Basically I want to shut up all the "Italy aren't good enough to be in the competition" people. They only way the sport develops is by developing teams playing top flight teams and Italy are getting so close on numerous occasions.

France: I'll support them over any "anyone but England" side on principle. That tends to be Wales and certainly Scotland these days. I enjoyed the Scotland / France result immensely (Scotland played poorly for 80 mins against an underperforming French side - I'm glad they didn't get let off the hook).

I acknowledge that France are not the side they were looking like they were going to be a couple of years ago, but Wales are so bad right now. I think it'll be a tough watch.

England / Ireland : Ireland are certainly favourites, no doubt. I'll also never write England off as, on the day, they can beat any side. All depends on which England team shows up.

My wife's English and I was the sole person in my scottish local supporting them during the semis. I am praying they can do a number on Ireland because Scotland are physically incapable of it.

What a finish, bet you enkoyed that

Fuck me Stadio Olympico is a nice away trip