Preview of the Six Nations Rugby

England’s coach, Stuart Lancaster, believes his side are better experienced to cope with the key match against Wales compared to the side that lost in Cardiff last year.  They have played eight Tests since and despite losses to New Zealand and France the coach thinks they now have the confidence and composure to maintain their best form when the score goes against them. The nature of defeat and margin of loss in Cardiff last year will not be easily forgotten and only in beating Wales in the reverse fixture this season will England totally recover from such a mauling. Neither team can afford to lose the match if are still able to win the title before the final group of fixtures. In a tight match home advantage can be key in determining the outcome. Ireland are 22 point favourites to beat Italy at home in their penultimate match of this year’s Six Nations. A home win is a banker and the margin of victory will be decided by how much Italy are motivated in for them what could be a meaningless fixture. However, they will not want to win the wooden spoon which means Ireland may struggle to win by 22 points or more. Scotland are given an 8 point start for their home match with France. Away wins are always hard at this level but France can cover that handicap but win the match in any case and head into the final week of matches with a chance of winning the title. However, the key match is at Twickenham which England can win and become stronger favourites to win the Six Nations of 2014.  ]]>