Rugby World Cup Blog

Ahead of this weekend’s crunch game against England, Ireland head coach Declan Kidney has called up experienced full-back Geordan Murphy and promising number 10 Jonathan Sexton, in his team’s bid to bounce back from a disappointing 33-10 defeat against the French two weeks ago. Also returning to the fold is Munster second row Donncha O’Callaghan, who having spent a month on the sidelines is fit enough to replace Leo Cullen. The only enforced change for Ireland is Ulster hooker Rory Best, who comes in for the banned Jerry Flannery. Flannery is facing a six week ban for his flying karate kick on France winger Alexis Palisson, which would end his tournament if his optimistic appeal fails.

When considering your Six Nations Free Bet, it should be pointed out England go into the match as narrow favourites over Ireland. Despite winning impressively against Wales and less impressively against Italy in their opening two games, Martin Johnson’s team have come under intense criticism from all directions for their performances. Jonny Wilkinson has been the focal point of debate after his poor display in Rome, but has been backed by his manager and retains his place in the unchanged England team.

Ireland will be desperate to prove they are still challengers for the title after being outplayed against the French, and will be hoping three cap Sexton will handle the inevitable pressure he will face at Twickenham. Dropping the proven and reliable Ronan O’Gara is a gamble but coach Kidney has stated he sees 24yr old Sexton as the future Ireland fly-half and is confident in his choice.

With home advantage and the unexpected sniff of a Grand Slam, Six Nations Betting odds suggest that England will need to improve on their uninspiring display against Italy in which they struggled to a 17-12 victory if they are to upset the critics and prove winning ugly is better than losing pretty.