Wales v England was hare and tortoise. The tortoise wins, but the hare is still a faster runner. The hare just makes mistakes.

It's not being bitter, it's match analysis. I'm not saying Wales deserved to win or should have won – they made too many mistakes. I'm just saying that England aren't as good of a side as they think they are 🙂

How has Jackson done for Scotland "A" ? I know they got hammered, but he must be better than Parks.

Backhander – you have never won the Elephant polo world cup have you?

Scotland could have the Time Bandits in the 2nd row and still beat the Welsh lineout, based on last weekend.

Hines is a class player but was poor last week. Hamilton is bigger but nowhere near as tough.

Could be close if the Welsh make as many errors as last week but they won't……………………..will they??

We also need Paul Thorburn back for those longer distances…….

Can't believe some of you Welsh guys are so pessimistic. What did you see in the Scotland team that makes you think we can win in Cardiff?

As I see it Wales lost to England mainly because of AWJ's complete stupidity (was it 17 pts in 10 mins) and a poor lineout. Even then without the late interception try Wales could possibly have stolen a result.

Scotland had to defend particularly well just to keep the score respectable and didn't really look like scoring tries.

As I said earlier – if Mossy kicks 10 penalties then we have a chance – if he doesn't then I fear we will once again be forced to defend for long periods.

Wales by 15 points.

I agree TJ – we made a few breaks but without a real open side wing forward to support them. Our back row are big and robust but not the best support runners.

If all the stats stack up then we should win but as you know no 2 games are the same and I just feel the Welsh will improve and they are playing at home which is a huge advantage in this competition.

I think you are right Tiggs – I don't see the Welsh being so poor again but they certainly have to improve to match Scotland on the showing of the first round of matches.

Getting pretty excited now.

I think both of Saturday's games could be crackers. Hope we get some have a go, heads up rugby for a change!

Scotland will miss Hines but not really at the line out. Around the park he is a notch above Hamilton but not at the set piece IMO.

I am concrened at the break down. Wales (Williams) are awesome there. Think we could see a few turn overs!

Interesting he backs Wales & France. I hope he is wrong on both fronts.

Will be interesting in both games that is for sure.

Nursing a cold so it will be feet up, fire on, beer in hand for a large chunk of this w/e.

It looks like he's trying to reinvent himself – and it's just a wee bit forced for my liking.

Anyway, onto the weekend….

Predictions:

Wales by 10 – 11 points

Ireland by less than 5*

England by 15 to 20 points

*Yeah, I know, it's crazy, but unless you at least think you can, you can't 🙂

TJ, I don't believe that for one minute.

I can't speak for what the players on the pitch can hear obviously, but in the stands there is no real difference in noise when the roof is open or closed.

I'd maintain that it should have nothing to do with the visiting team anyway – it's Wales' stadium, if they do get an advantage in any way why should that be negated?

Should we go to Croke Park and ask the Irish to be a little quieter because they are upsetting our little flowers?

A wet day would be to Wales advantage I am sure.

Really? Comparing the Welsh backs handling and attacking to the Scottish backs? I'd say it would be the other way around.

Irrelevant anyway as its likely to be dry.

Idlejon – Really? Look at the yards made players beaten and especially offloads in the last round of games – Scotland did far more than Wales

This whole myth of Scotland liking a wet day is from a generation ago. Scotland play a much faster offloading game than the rest of the NH including Wales altho Wales run them close. The scotland game plan is based around speed, offloading and pick and go – all best done on a dry day

You will see on Saturday. Unless Wales up their game a lot Scotland will give them a lesson

Idlejon – What the scots camp are saying
http://www.scrum.com/sixnations/rugby/story/110280.html

Last weekends games stats

Scotland Wales
26 Kicks from hand 36
129 Passes 123
110 Runs 82
436 Metres run with ball 252
Attacking
3 Clean breaks 5
10 Defenders beaten 6
14 Offloads 5

Now both teams were beaten But Scotland were beaten by what looks so far to be the best tam by far. Which team made the played the passing and offloading game more?