The 4^th week of matches has two crackers scheduled to make Saturday a rugby fans juices flow. The all-Celtic clash in Dublin should be full of passion and intensity whilst North of Hadrian’s fine wall – The wounded Rose has to face the sweaties in the last chance saloon in Old Reekie. Let’s look ahead to this weekend’s clashes:

Ireland v Wales

The Irish come straight from their Twickenham triumph to face Wales at Croke Park. Croaker has not been the fortress the Irish were hoping for and Wales will be looking for another win following their 2008 triumph here. The game makes a significant landmark for two of the Northern Hemisphere’s finish players. Brian O’Driscoll joins a very select band of rugby centurions, whilst Martyn Williams restored to the welsh captaincy surpasses Colin Charvis’s record for a Welsh forward. The form book favours the Irish who yet to fire on all cylinders this season and Declan Kidney names an unchanged side for the visit of the valley boys. That means no place for Leo Cullen in 2^nd Row once again, and the stuttering Sexton starts again ahead of O’Gara. There will be no surprises from the Irish. Solid forward platform and strong defensive backline. Wales are trying to shake off their tag of being a second half team. A half decent first half would help. Matthew Rees is back at Hooker and that should mean the Welsh line out returns to some element of stability. Wales should just have the edge in front row. Adam Jones is due a big game and Cian Healy struggled to contain Dan Cole last week. The excellent Bradley Davies forms a new 2^nd row partnership with Luke Charteris which look a little lightweight compared to the brace of Munstermen in the equivalent row in the Irish pack. Ireland on top in the boiler room. The Irish should also have the edge in back row. Martyn Williams has a poor record as Welsh skipper and hasn’t looked sharp other than 60 minutes against England. The enigmatic Gareth Delve comes in for Ryan Jones. Delve has been one of the best No.8s in the Guinness Premiership with both Bath and Glaws but has struggled with injuries and has rarely started for Wales. He is a great ball carrier and this could be his game. Elsewhere Ferris and Heaslip will cause real problems and Ireland will win the pack battle. Wales have the edge in half backs, Ireland in the centres on current form. Roberts and Hook have shown only brief glimpses of their talent and Wales need both to have big games. Shane and Ha’penny are much smaller than Bowe and Earls but have pace and nimble feet on their side. Byrne should be peppering Murphy with high balls. Ireland are clear favourites chasing a triple crown and Wales have nothing but pride to play form. Wales have the potential to upset the pikies but IRELAND by Six Points.

Scotland v England

They don’t come bigger than this. The rose versus the Auld Enemy for the Calcutta Cup. England were disappointing against Ireland with half backs being the main problem area. Care didn’t take his chances well, and Jonny looks past it. Flutey was anonymous against Ireland and needs to get to the fore to build on a solid platform from the English forwards. Scotland caused problems for both Wales and Italy in front row and also have the British form players of the tournament in Barclay and Dan Parks. England need a strong error free first 20 minutes. They have the clear edge in the backs and are pretty even in the forwards. The recall of Worsley tells us England will play a very defensive games and I think that could be their undoing. I am pleased to see Leicester’s Ben Youngs on the bench as he will liven things during the second half. Scotland’s makeshift back line will not try to run the ball much. Hoof and chase is the order of the day for the jocks. Jonny needs to kick the multiple penalty chances he will be given. Robinson will be desperate for a Scottish triumph. Scotland have been very competitive in all their matches but still have no points in the championship and surprisingly that probably gives them the edge. Scottish pride is badly damaged and England’s poor record in Scotland does not give confidence. Johnson will have ripped them apart after the defeat at Twickenham. Deacon is no Simon Shaw and the English pack will have a very tough time. I am disspaointed that Foden hasn’t been given his chance but I guess it’s not the time to make reckless changes. If England are ahead by more than 3 points at half time then expect an England victory. If it’s close or Scotland have the lead at the break – then Scotland will triumph. It won’t be pretty viewing – a long hard forward grind is what I expect. Whomever scores a try first will win. Despite backing England at the start of the season, I think Scotland will bounce back but it will be very close. SCOTLAND by Two Points.

France v Italy

Pointless exercise in Paris. Italy will drag Les Bleus down to their level, but France have too much power and skill to lose.

FRANCE by Ten points.