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Former England rugby star Chris Ashton has stated the upcoming Guinness Six Nations match between Ireland and Wales match is a foregone conclusion.
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The recently retired winger anticipates a dramatic twist elsewhere in the tournament as is customary but doesn’t expect Wales to deliver this surprise.
Instead, the 36-year-old suggests the pivotal moment could occur during the England versus Ireland game at Twickenham which he predicts will be a significant event.
“I think for Farrell’s players, when they get past Wales, which I have no doubt they will, I do think there will be some sort of dramatic unexpected win in the tournament somewhere in this Six Nations because there always is,” said Ashton.
Ashton advises Ireland’s coach Andy Farrell to stay focused amidst growing expectations and points out the historic opportunity for Ireland to secure consecutive Grand Slams. His analysis underscores Ireland’s strength and the strategic approach needed for their success.
“Will Wales throw that up? I don’t think so, so that sets up something for England vs Ireland at Twickenham. That will be a great occasion. I think if you’re Andy Farrell you need to play down all of the noise and take it one game at a time. There is an opportunity to make history with back-to-back Grand Slams.
“Unfortunately for Wales, I don’t think that it is that much of a surprise that they have lost their two games at the Six Nations.
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“I think Wales have to understand and identify the players that are going to be in the team for the next six or seven years and build their team around them. They have some lads in the squad that have been thrown in at the deep end who have hardly played any first team rugby, but the situation in Welsh rugby at the minute has given these guys an opportunity.
“They need the five or six players that they can build their team around to establish themselves. They have some wonderful young talented players coming through.
“Some of the young Welsh players probably would not have been given the chance under different circumstances, so they have to take the experience and enjoy the opportunity they have.
“They would have had get more club experience and slowly brought through the system, but they haven’t been given that time.
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“These inexperienced players are doing well in difficult circumstances, but there is a big difference between doing well and pushing teams close to winning test matches and Gatland knows that better than anyone,” concluded Ashton.
“I do think there will be some sort of dramatic unexpected win in the tournament somewhere in this Six Nations because there always is”.
Don’t agree with this: Scotland were not favourites to beat England in Twickenham last year (but England shipped 55 to France in Twickenham). Italy beat Italy in Cardiff in ‘22. That’s it I think. All other results to form.
That said I do feel it this year that there is going to be a huge match, likely involving Ireland. I think Ireland will judge their improvement on getting through that. If they do, they will win the Slam. If I was Borthwich I would have targetted the Ireland match even before the tournament start. Just like they targetted the RWC semi final. That is likely the one.
I’ll tell you what’s a forgone conclusion:
Ireland winning the World Cup. Eh, @Turlough ?
But seriously though. Wales can’t beat Ireland. The way they leaked tries against Scotland, Gatland must be sweating profusely during his sleepless nights.
But England can beat Ireland. Unlikely but if they can bring their spoiler A-game, and focus on their rush defence, they can frustrate Ireland into a loss. Hope I’ll be able to stay awake through it though.