'Even Cipriani would offer more in the 15 shirt, while gaining valuable experience on the international scene for what is expected to be a long and illustrious career.
I just hope Ashton is not too belligerent and complacent to recognise that Balshaw does not deserve his place in the squad.'
Cipriani is a straight swap for the maligned Balshaw who is fortunate to be handed a place on the bench.
It is the only change in the backs which dominated the French with a blitz defence and surprisingly expansive attack.
Clown Dropped
In the pack Lee Mears replaces Mark Regan who is unfortunate to be dropped from the match day 22, as George Chuter retains his place amongst the substitutes.
James Haskell has not fully recovered from the knock he suffered to his ankle against the French, and his replacement in that game, Tom Croft, will make his first start for his country against the Scots in Murrayfield on Saturday.
Scotland have only made two changes to their starting XV, with Simon Taylor making a welcome return in the back row, replacing Kelly Brown at number eight.
The other change sees inside centre Graeme Morrison make his first start in four years.
Croke Chokers
The most interesting and important game of the weekend sees Ireland take on Wales at Croke Park.
If Wales can produce another big performance and beat the Irish then they will fancy their chances to win the Grand Slam when they host France at the Millennium Stadium in the last round of the competition.
France will waltz past Italy, even with a host of uncapped players making their debuts as part Lievremont's radical selection policy.
My Predictions:
England beat Scotland by 17
France beat Italy by 35
Ireland beat Wales by 2
No comments:
Post a Comment