Everyone who appreciates great sporting occasions will be watering at the mouth at the feast being served up this weekend. Stock up on the snacks and get your excuses in early with the other halves because you won’t want to miss a minute of what’s on offer.
Super Saturday will see things literally kicked-off in style with the climax of one of the closest and most exciting 6 Nations Championships in recent memory. It’s set to be a nail biter with all still to play for as France, England and Ireland sit on 6 points apiece. The English begin our Super Weekend against Italy in Rome at 13:30. Following a tight opening defeat in the Stade du France England have never looked back winning three games on the trot making them real contenders for the championship.
England’s significantly inferior points difference compared to Ireland adds to the entertainment as we should expect an England team out for blood on Saturday afternoon seeking to score try after try as they will need to rack up the points in case Ireland do the business in France.
Sandwiched between the two 6 Nations Title deciding matches is an intriguing encounter not to be dismissed as Scotland travel to take on the Welsh. Whilst undoubtedly pride will be on the line both teams will value such a competitive fixture as they look forwards in the build up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
All eyes then turn to Paris at 18:00 as France take on Ireland in the eagerly anticipated and decisive game of the tournament. Mathematically the French have a chance but they are in need of a true miracle to lift the crown. Frankly they simply haven’t been good enough claiming a fortunate victory against Scotland last weekend that left them with a meagre point difference of +3.
Ireland remain the favourites, although playing away from home seems to be a different ball game in international rugby compared to other sports. Nevertheless victory remains in Irish hands and it is time that this crop of quality players delivered more than just potential.
They have been the entertainers of the tournament so far racking up 110 points and only conceding two tries in the process. Of course one of which at Twickenham from Danny Care blew away their hopes of a Grand Slam, breaking Irish hearts and keeping England in the hunt creating this thrilling scenario.
It’s hard to imagine an Ireland team without they’re maestro, Brian O’Driscoll and his international retirement may see the romantics amongst us hoping the Irish can pull it off in Paris. He seems like a man that could go on forever especially considering his performance last weekend. Yet next year this true sporting Great really will be gone and I urge everyone to appreciate his magic one last time on the big stage and soak up every last minute of this International curtain call.
O’Driscoll has carried Irish hopes and indeed his teammates on occasion and it seems fitting, dare I say destiny, for Ireland to send BOD of in style.
Super Sunday ensures that this sporting feast does not end in Paris with arguably the two most highly anticipated fixtures in any Premier League calendar occurring in one afternoon.
First up we see an in form free scoring Liverpool team rejuvenated under the management of Brendan Rogers travel to Old Trafford to take on an underperforming Manchester United side. Last season United finished a staggering 28 points above their traditional rivals, yet with only ten games left in the season Liverpool have leap frogged the Red Devils and are currently 11 points ahead. That is an astonishing 39 point swing!
This is a true 6 pointer. If United are to mount a late challenge for a Champions League spot they simply must win. On the other hand if Liverpool win they will cement their place in the top four and will undoubtedly be considered major title rivals with two home games against City and Chelsea yet to be played. Come Sunday so much more than the usual will bragging rights and pride will be on the line.
The same script applies to the later kick-off at White Hart Lane with both teams needing the win. Arsenal have once again promised much only to go off the boil when it really matters at the business end of season, yet they remain level with Liverpool and a win on Sunday will keep them in the title race.
There is no doubt that this is the biggest game of the season for both sides. A win for Tottenham would cut the gap between them and Arsenal to 3 points opening the back door to a coveted Champions League spot at the expense of their North London rivals, giving Spurs fans real hope of salvaging a so far disappointing campaign.
If this isn’t enough to wet your appetite there is the added plot of Tim Sherwood’s future being on the line along with some big names in the Spurs dressing room.
Despite all of the stats the form book will go out the window on Sunday and entertainment value will be high in both encounters for supporters and neutrals alike. The only certainty is that goals and drama will not be in short supply.
Source: DSG
