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No matter the shape of the championship table I always look forward to Wales v Ireland. There have been some very exciting games between them in recent years and no little controversy. My sister and her husband have travelled to Cardiff for the game with some Welsh friends. They got their...

I think what really helps Schmidt's approach is that every one of the players buys into it. You could be the best coach in the history of the game but if the players don't believe in your philosophy you may as well talk ancient greek to them. Try the same appraoch with the French squad and...

This one almost made the 6 things article this round so I've watched it's a fair few times. As such I can help you with what was said between Joubert and O'Connell. Joubert: I feel like I need to explain it. So because the guy at the front still had the ball when your first guy connected...

The lineout you're looking for starts at about 36:00 on the game clock. O'Connell claims the lineout and immediately passes the ball to Toner and an Irish pod set up the maul at the back of the lineout. Can't post a clip of the footage as I found it on RTÉ's replay service on their website.

England were pretty poor yesterday but they're a very good team and they'll learn from it like they did the mauling in the Millennium. They can't afford too many more learning experiences though if they want to be contenders at the RWC.

Castrogiovanni is out of Saturday's game following a dog bite. http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/31588224

Pape picked up a 10 week ban for his knee into Heaslip's back.

It's a pretty exciting game so far. Scotland should hit back early in the second half then it's all about who finishes stronger.

Ireland got the win in the end but their inability to stretch away is still worrying. The attack looked a little better this week but it couldn't have gotten any worse. Still a lot of improvement to come from this team. France are a perfect example of the fact that it doesn't matter if you...

On the England midfield Joseph and Burrell have played really well as a combination rather than just individually. I'd want Tuilagi to win his place back in the team rather than just slot him in and then possible be left scratching your head when the combination doesn't deliver. It's a great...

Ireland have done well in the first half but 6 points isn't that safe a lead. Will need an early try in the 2nd half to put a bit of daylight between the teams. Last thing we need is France to score one and get their tails up.

I don't doubt for a second that this Irish team has the ability to beat France well, even a French team that seems to be coming into some form. What I'm not so sure about is the mental approach. In the past when we've had a superior team in better form we've still made it difficult for...

I think Maddigan will be on the bench just by virtue he covers more positions. I hope Keatley sees more game time over the tournament.

Scotland v Wales really does look like it's going to be one to remember. The Scots will want to harness all the positivity that Cotter has brought and produce a result to go along with improved performance. Wales really need a win to keep any hope of a tilt at the title alive. I can see this one...

When it comes to player welfare I'd prefer that Unions or teams not make excuses. They should hold their hand up and say we made a mistake and we'll do better next time. Players themselves don't take concussion seriously, as evidenced by the way they try to cheat their base tests. Concussion...

Kidney was an excellent coach for Ireland but like Eddie O'Sullivan before him the end wasn't so good. The same may happen to Schmidt some day too. No matter how the end was Ireland owes a lot to Kidney and the same can be said for Wales and Gatland. However past success isn't a free pass from...

When Farrell is fit he'll get back into the team once Ford's place kicking costs England a game. Personally I'd rather lose the odd game and build with Ford. To me Farrell is a runners-up fly-half, doesn't have the ability to unlock the full potential of the England backline. He's good if you...

Burgess really was terrible last night but there won't be too many of the players on show asking their agent to add the game to their highlights reel. He really shouldn't be anywhere near the England squad at this stage but it's slim pickings at centre for them presently and I wouldn't fall over...

Burgess looked totally pedestrian in what was a god awful error strewn game. Not many of the players on show covered themselves in glory. I thought Henderson was the best of the Irish and English fullback Pennell was man of the match. Neither Lancaster nor Schmidt would have learned much and I...

How long until we see the headline "Hartley banned for 8 week for eye gouging psychologist" with the article saying his ban was reduced because of an early guilty plea, lack of video evidence and Lewis Moody's testimony as to his changed character?