Three of the five votes for a Wales win came from Welshmen, Stephen Jones of the Sunday Times, Eddie Butler of The Observer and Steve Bale of the Daily Express, while Sky Sports commentator Miles Harrison plumped for an emotion charged victory for Ruddock’s men in a game “that is almost too close to call”.
When it comes to winning the RBS Six Nations title, it looks like being a one horse race. Unless it turns out to be an unlucky thirteen votes for the Irish, it seems as though nothing can stop Brian O’Driscoll’s men from capturing their first title. Only Chris Hewett, of the Independent, and Simon Roberts, of Wales on Sunday, bucked the green trend by opting for another French triumph.
So there you have it. England to win today and Ireland to take the title. You’ve never heard of a journalist being wrong, have you?
Stephen Jones (Welsh), Sunday Times, Wales this week, Ireland for the title
There is genuine confidence in the Welsh camp and Mike Ruddock doesn’t believe in fairy tales, he’s picked a proper pack and knows what it’s about up front.
Tony Roche (Irish), The Sun, England this week, Ireland for the title
England by five points because of the power of their front five. Julian White is the key man.
Chris Jones (Welsh), Evening Standard, England this week, Ireland for the title
England by four points. Their pack will be too powerful.
Eddie Butler (Welsh), The Observer, Wales this week, Ireland for the title
Wales by a slender margin if they can weather the early England storm. It’s going to be very tight.
Peter Jackson (Irish), Daily Mail, England this week, Ireland for the title
England by short head because front five will be too strong.
David Hands (English), The Times, England this week, Ireland for the title
It’s down to the forwards and England’s front five have greater power and experience.
Alex Spink (English), Daily Mirror, England this week, Ireland for the title
England know how to win the big games, while Wales only know how to compete.
Mick Cleary (Irish), Daily Telegraph, England this week, Ireland for the title
It will be very, very close, but England have bigger lumps in their front five and a more powerful scrum.
Alan Hedley (English), Newcastle Journal, Wales this week, Ireland for the title
England have made too many changes and Wales have a style of playing and a coach in which they believe.
Steve Bale (Welsh), Daily Express, Wales this week, Ireland for the title
Wales at last have a good enough team and I think they’ll win by eight points. It’s now or never!
Chris Hewett (English), Independent, England this week, France for the title
England by four because Wales don’t have a Thompson, White or a Grewcock.
Rob Kitson (English), Guardian, England this week, Ireland for the title
Charlie Hodgson injury time drop goal to close out a very tight game.
Simon Roberts (Welsh), Wales on Sunday, England this week, France for the title
England to edge it by one score because of the question marks that still hang over Wales front five.
Gerry Thornley (Irish), Irish Times, England this week, Ireland for the title
Wales have a great chance, but England aren’t as weak as people think. Remember they pulverised South Africa and should have beaten Australia in November.
Miles Harrison (English), Sky Sports, Wales this week, Ireland for the title
One score either way will win it. England have the advantage up front, but Wales are better behind the scrum. Can Wales get enough ball to win?
