FORMER WALES INTERNATIONAL Rhys Williams believes Sunday’s clash between Ireland and England could determine who wins this year’s Six Nations.
As the only two unbeaten sides left in the competition, the pair share pole position in the race for the championship ahead of their clash in Dublin this weekend.
And Williams, who was part of Wales’ Grand Slam-winning side of 2005, thinks defending champions Ireland just have the edge over their visitors, citing the return of out-half Johnny Sexton from injury.
“The crunch match is England-Ireland,” he told Perform. ”You’ve got to be looking at those two.
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“You’d probably say that Ireland are edging it at the minute.
“They’ve got a couple of key players who have been out with injury and have returned – Sexton is the prime example - and they had a good victory against France [18-11].
So I can see the winner of the England-Ireland head-to-head going on to win the championship.”
Wales bounced back from a disappointing opening defeat to England by beating Scotland 26-23 last time out, and Williams says Saturday’s trip to France could be crucial to the success of the team’s campaign.
“Murrayfield isn’t the easiest place to go, even though we expect to win and the supporters expect to win,” he added. “To go there and pick ourselves up and get the victory was a job well done and it set them up nicely for the next match against France.
“Obviously there are facets around the game that they need to shore up a bit. The scrum has been under quite a bit of pressure over the last couple of games and it’s been well documented that we need to see more creativity from the backs as well.
Staurt Lancaster's England have enjoyed success against Ireland in recent times. Cathal Noonan / INPHO
Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO
“Every single game’s an important game. At the moment, the France game is the most important game because it is the next game. It’s as simple as that.
“Paris I don’t think has the same fear factor as it used to have in years gone by, but it’s still a difficult place to go.
“If you can start well against France and turn their support against their team, you’re doing well, and I’m sure that’s what they’ll try to.”
Italy visit Scotland in the weekend’s other fixture.
Ireland v England clash could decide the Six Nations - Williams
FORMER WALES INTERNATIONAL Rhys Williams believes Sunday’s clash between Ireland and England could determine who wins this year’s Six Nations.
As the only two unbeaten sides left in the competition, the pair share pole position in the race for the championship ahead of their clash in Dublin this weekend.
And Williams, who was part of Wales’ Grand Slam-winning side of 2005, thinks defending champions Ireland just have the edge over their visitors, citing the return of out-half Johnny Sexton from injury.
“The crunch match is England-Ireland,” he told Perform. ”You’ve got to be looking at those two.
“You’d probably say that Ireland are edging it at the minute.
“They’ve got a couple of key players who have been out with injury and have returned – Sexton is the prime example - and they had a good victory against France [18-11].
Wales bounced back from a disappointing opening defeat to England by beating Scotland 26-23 last time out, and Williams says Saturday’s trip to France could be crucial to the success of the team’s campaign.
“Murrayfield isn’t the easiest place to go, even though we expect to win and the supporters expect to win,” he added. “To go there and pick ourselves up and get the victory was a job well done and it set them up nicely for the next match against France.
“Obviously there are facets around the game that they need to shore up a bit. The scrum has been under quite a bit of pressure over the last couple of games and it’s been well documented that we need to see more creativity from the backs as well.
“Every single game’s an important game. At the moment, the France game is the most important game because it is the next game. It’s as simple as that.
“Paris I don’t think has the same fear factor as it used to have in years gone by, but it’s still a difficult place to go.
“If you can start well against France and turn their support against their team, you’re doing well, and I’m sure that’s what they’ll try to.”
Italy visit Scotland in the weekend’s other fixture.
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