European cup action this weekend, enjoy folks!

Gonna be fun!

The finale. It ends today for 2025. Last weekend saw the setup for this weekend where the battle for the spoon heats up, and the winner is determined by the final game.

Saturday

1415 Italy vs Ireland
\ 1645 Wales vs England
\ 2000 France vs Scotland

As always, predictions before, reactions during, and analysis after all very welcome. Happy super Saturday and remember to pace yourselves!

How many times have we heard about the elusive 80 minute performance? That said I think Scotland can give France a scare before Les Bleus ultimately triumph

Much better than my talking points. Ireland only seem to turn it on vs Scotland now. England are sill improving, watch out in 2026. Wales have a long way to go. Scotland need some new forwards. France finally showing their depth, and 7-1 benchs need banned. Italy also need some new forwards, their backs are fantastic too

I have 6 points though, one better than the lazy BBC

I'm glad BB pulled it off but it caused me to hold my breath watching it live

Last round we saw a spirited Wales drift off the 2nd half vs a still yet to peak Ireland. England steal a win over yet another misfiring Scotland. And France stomp on Italy. Leaving Ireland top of the table, followed closely by France

So isn't it fitting that it's our first game this weekend? Miss this one at your peril, expect big tackles, trick plays, and drama to the final whistle. Following up is the always spirited Wales vs a Scotland team that should be doing better. With pressure on both coaches: a mist win for both teams! Then Sunday we see if Italy really can kick on and at least give England a scare at Twickenham, but England technically still in contention so don't expect an upset here

Saturday

1415 Ireland vs France
\ 1645 Scotland vs Wales

Sunday

1500 England vs Italy

As always; predictions in the comments, reactions more than welcomed, and your post round thoughts appreciated

Oooh, big shock

3 for the price of 1 here. They've all had Scotland's number for many years, so no tears here for sure. But you have to hat tip and acknowledge that they have been great for Ireland and have all earned a quiet retirement

Couldn't find a way to share at a specific timestamp but if you go to 57:30 then Asterix and his fellow Gauls discover rugby from Les Bretons. Great lots of great rugby related gags!

Also found it interesting as a british person to hear the brits speak French with their accent. That's less rugby related though.

So all teams have played now, and the early signs are that this season is going to be an absolute belter.

Of the 10 games, only 2 have been a bit of a blow out, everything else has been well fought for the full 80, and with the Aussie teams absorbing one club to reduce to four they look much more competitive already.

Probably the biggest talking point so far is how the new focus on continuing the game rather than pissing about for a cup of tea every few phases is making the last 20 minutes a huge battle.

Basically what happens now is lineouts have to be formed within 30 seconds, I think the only reason to delay is if the hooker isn't available. So there's just way less players taking a knee for a breather (though SR traditionally didn't have much of that anyway).

Kicks, Scrums, Lineouts are all going way faster, and once a player has held up play for an "injury" a couple of times the referee is making sure that its severe, and if it is asking them to get a replacement on.

I expect

Saturday

1415 Wales v Ireland
\ 1645 England vs Scotland

Sunday

1500 Italy vs France

All GMT for timezones, and what a feast again. Wales with new management, hoping against hope to at least give Ireland a scare. Ireland resting a couple of players even

An England side that have a bit of bounce after stealing a win vs France last week vs an underfiring Scottish side that have won this fixture the last 4 times. This one on paper is too close to call!

Then an Italian side at home vs France that is licking their wounds. A draw last year, will Italy go one better?

As always, predictions, reactions, and comments always appreciated. Happy six nations all

Some hype for the biggest game of the year for Scotland. Borthwick would say this, but beating France once does not magically make you a great team, it's only 1 result. Nor does beating a poor Australia. Nor Wales or Italy. I'm still scared of Twickenham, even if Finn Russell says he isn't. But I don't fear this England side either, and In hope the players don't either.

Both sides needing this game to keep hopes of (2nd realistically) the championship alive. The Calcutta Cup to play for!