Well that was a turnup for the books - I had hard cash on the Scots as well.
So to THE match this weekend. With the knee jerk press reaction to the French defeat (only 1 loss in 13 matches FFS) Ireland will be looking to bounce back with a win against England.
With quick possession, we have the backline to make it pay. Surprise selection ? Sexton showed last weekend (against Scarlets) his capacity for bringing his outside backs into play and, between a midfield of Gordon D"Arcy and Brian O"Driscoll and a back three of Murphy, Tommy Bowe and Keith Earls, there is considerable attacking potential to tap into.
A huge responsibility rests on the shoulders of Sexton. He showed against South Africa last November that he possesses the mental strength and playing ability to be a success at this level and this is just the sort of challenge to bring him on. Having Ronan O"Gara on the bench strengthens Irish options.
I think that England"s attacking ploys have revolved around forward rumbles and the kicking of out-half Jonny Wilkinson. Our defensive system, which wobbled in Paris when the "shooters" were taken out of play by the rampant French, badly needs to reassert itself today and I think it will.
Finally, we must keep our discipline -- Paris showed once again how yellow cards can be game-deciding.
England will score points through Wilkinson, but if our defence can return to its shut-out ways, there is greater potential in our line-up for touchdowns which are likely to prove the difference between victory and defeat.
This contest promises to be tense, hard-fought and, in all probability, won't be great to watch. However, we have the capacity to come out on top in a close contest.
Verdict: Ireland
