Weekend Sporting Supplement

Dear readers, I've decided to issue a one-off weekend Sporting Supplement - completely free of charge (I know, sometimes I'm just too generous ...!)
Six Nations
France v Scotland
Scotland were dire last weekend. Forget the 'fightback' in the last 20 minutes - the Welsh had the game well won by that time and made multiple substitutions to rest their key players and give some of the other squad members a run out.
At times it was embarrassing to watch, with all of the old frailties still there for all to see - the basic errors, the lack of punch, the wrong options being taken, etc, etc. What was more worrying was the pack's poor display - driven back off their own ball on two key occasions. Make no mistake this is a very good Welsh team, but we made them look even better. It was humiliating, and once again coach Frank Hadden seems very able to pinpoint our shortcomings but seems equally incapable of doing anything to address them.
So it's over to Paris this afternoon, with expectations less than sky high. Yes, the coach has listened to the fans' calls to introduce the Evans brothers and flanker Stroscoch, but he's also now missing key members of the pack - a pack that was given a torrid time by the Welsh last week. So we may have the talent and speed in the backs, but will they see any decent ball?
The French played well against Ireland last week, showing some phases of that famous Gallic flair and running rugby that can make them such a joy to watch, but it's still a team in transition, building for the World Cup. No doubt they will be keen to run the ball out wide in front of their own fans, and there's just a chance that Scotland could benefit from spills and broken play. It's also possible that, should Scotland start more positively than we did against the Welsh - and avoid silly errors - then the crowd could quickly get on the backs of the French side. The French cannot be high on confidence, so perhaps ...
Anyway, it's just a passing thought. If the French get into top gear early we are in for a torrid afternoon. I don't expect us to win, but I hope that at lest we show a bit more passion and make an entertaining game of it. Really, we have nothing to lose as so little is expected of us, so the pressure is all on the French.

Wales v England
The Welsh are on a high, but they'll feel the loss of the talismanic Shane Williams today. They didn't have to be at their best to beat a tame Scotland side (they even lost their captain before the game without noticeable effect) but they'll face a very determined (if decidedly less talented) England team this afternoon. England were not that impressive in beating a poor Italian side last week - although again, they didn't have to be - and they will do everything they can to disrupt the Welsh. England are unlikely underdogs - they still have their pride and nothing would give them more pleasure than beating last year's Grand Slam winners. A victory today, however unlikely, would leave them on course for the Grand Slam.
The Welsh must keep their discipline - and Robert Jones goal kicking must improve on last week's performance - but they have match winners throughout their squad and also have the ability to change their game plan. England, on recent showings, do not. For the sake of entertaining rugby (and my bank balance) I hope the Welsh hammer them - but I believe it may finish a lot closer than most pundits expect.

Italy v Ireland
The Irish travel to Italy on the back of a tremendous victory over a rejuvenated French side last week. Where the Irish were magnificent - O'Driscoll back to his peerless best - The Italians were awful. The gamble of playing the talented Bergomasco at scrum half was a huge mistake but illustrates the lack of strength in depth of Italian rugby. They are unlikely to be quite as bad again in front of their own fans on Sunday, but the Irish have too much fire power. Expect a comfortable Irish victory.

And the round ball ...
The Old Firm lock horns again tomorrow; another titanic struggle of blood, snotters, full-blooded challenges and ninety mile per hour football - I hope. The quality of the football has never been what an Old Firm game is about, and long may that continue - the 'gemme' needs a wee bit of passion!
Whether both halves of the Old Firm have deteriorated, or whether the chasing pack is improving (probably a bit of both), both Rangers and Celtic have been slipping up against 'minor' teams this season so it's unlikely that the outcome of this match will determine the destination of the League title. Having said that, it's a game Rangers really can't afford to lose and I don't think they will. Whether they can actually beat Celtic at Celtic Park again is more questionable, however, and I can see this finishing all square. I'll go for a score draw, and one sending off apiece too just for good measure. Yellow card count? I'll guess five - fairly unremarkable for an Old Firm clash!
Football purists could always tune into another local derby over the weekend - AC and Inter square up in Milan, but honestly, what would you rather watch? Silky skills in Milan or clattering hoofs in Glesca? There's only one winner for me ...
the pies and Bovril are on order.