Final Weekend

The Six Nations draws to a climax this weekend with the final round of matches. If you are English or Italian then you will be looking forward to a final weekend of triumph. If you're not - then you will be contemplating what could have been. Few could have predicted the outstanding win for Italy against France. Bergomasco's sphincter must have been popping as he hit that final kick. But fair play - a truly memorable victory. Almost nothing better than seeing Les Bleus humbled although I feel Wales may have the backlash this weekend. England and Scotland produced a dire battle of wills and Wales triumphed with a some what" dodgy" refereeing decision. Let take a look at the likely outcomes this weekend:

Scotland v Italy

Last chance saloon for Scotland to avoid yet another wooden spoon. What a disappointing season but at least the Bravehearts showed some bottle in facing up a nervous England at HQ. Richie Gray has been Scotland's man of the tournament for me and he needs another huge performance against Italy. The Scottish back row finally started to gel together and the backs showed some penetration. Italy will be on a high still and the outstanding Parisse will again be a handful for Scotland. The Scots do owe their long suffering fans a win and I feel the Italians are already dreaming of the beach. Scotland triumph at last.

Scotland 23 Italy 16

France v Wales

It is disappointing that Shane Williams swansong was in Cardiff and the Six Nations will no longer be graced with his dancing feet. The defeat in Rome will have seriously damaged French confidence and Livremont has wielded the axe on several of his team including the oh-so-disappointing Chabal. France will bounce back and will be looking for a fine finale against the dragons. Medard is always a treat. Parra brings quicker ball and the changes in backs should fix the handling errors which cost them so much in Rome. Despite ballgate, Wales always looked like they would conquer the Irish and they will give a strong account of themselves here. They will welcome back the rock in the front row that is Adam Jones and I see the Welsh scrummage standing up well to the French. Sam Warburton is rapidly becoming a worldclass talent at Flanker and Hook is settling into his natural role at fly half. George North will add bulk and power on the wing and I expect Wales to give the French a real tough outing. Enough to win in Paris? Its been a while but I have a sneaking feeling the Dragon will roar and they will win a tight match.

France 23 Wales 25

Ireland v England

I left the best game until last. England were stuttering and nervous in a awful game last week against the Scots. Expect England top bounce back strongly and fight all the way in Dublin. Banahan is a better option than Tindall and I am pleased to see him get the start. Young and Flood were poor against Scotland, not helped by a poor England back row. Croft is on the bench and expect him on with Danny Care, Thommo and Jonny also being critical replacements for England who have a strong bench. Ireland are rightly aggrieved about losing in Cardiff and BoD has been angry and scathing in the press. That isn't good for England. Expect lost of Irish fury being vented in St' Paddy's week. The excellent Trimble is back at winger and Earls will be solid at full back. The real issue for Ireland will be goal kicking and their weak pack. Sexton has been very poor and is an odd choice to bring back in for this game. I am not an O'Gara fan but he is the more reliable kicker and clearly more experienced. Expect lots of England penalties and that will be the deciding factor. England will dominate the forwards and with the exception of Sean O'Brien and Mike Ross, Ireland's pack has been desperately disappointing. England win and deserved grand slam for the white machine but it will tight.

Ireland 21 England 29