Quote:
Originally Posted by Stewy  The Six Nations start this weekend folk's and I for one can't wait! 
I can't be the only WAB member who is a rugby fan can I? I'd much rather watch a good rugby international than a game of footy, we've got France for our first game so that's an easy win then!  |
I can't wait Stewy either.
Annnyhoo...
I live for rugby (after wildlife of course!) - been playing and going to games since I can remember - though I don't play any more. Too old.
Big Scotland supporter (of course) and big Bristol supporter too (used to do the odd match report for them online).
Chances for the teams this year (in my opinion....)
SCOTLAND: Lot of talk about how we played the best out of all the home nations in the World Cup. Not convinced mesel. We did what we had to against the lesser teams, put our second team out against the All Blacks, and should've beaten the Argies (who I enjoy watching play a lot).
If Hadden has the guts FINALLY to stick Chris P. in at stand off, for the WHOLE tournament, where he can dictate, we may do well. Three things in our favour - (apart from our immense line out), France at home, England at home, and that fool Marcus Di Rollo has ruled himself out of the squad to concentrate on club rugby.
I think we'll beat France.
Bet of the tournament at present, and then we may, we just maaayyy well be the dark horses this year...
ENGLAND: Did very well indeed at the World Cup, after playing like a bunch of school kids early on, and being written off by everyone - including me.
One man doesn't make a team though, and Wasp's Danny Cipriani could be a real star for England, if allowed to play. A
name to watch in this tournament I think.
Good to see Tindall back also, a real under-rated work horse, who is often labelled as just a donkey.
"Ronnie" Regan might struggle hooking though - he's seriously lost some form for my Bristol team - so will the England lineout work?
As always with England, a stoic win is all thats necessary. They should do well, but may struggle against a spoiling Scotland at Murrayfield!
WALES: All the talent, and with Gatland at the helm now, a chance to finally, FINALLY rise to the big occasion. The loss against Fiji in the World Cup was a hammer blow though - will they dwell on that?
Interesting to see THIRTEEN Ospreys in the starting XV this weekend, though some of the picks are very questionable.
Tom Shanklin on the bench?!!
Come on Warren - he's one of your best men!
I think Wales may suffer this weekend from not having Dwayne Peel at scrum half, and Lee Byrne will have his work cut out, not only replacing the world class "Alfie" Thomas, but also, being peppered by Jonny's
Garryowens I think...
Interesting to see Hook picked instead of Stephen Jones also, and this weekend is another chance for Mr.Charlotte Church to forget his hair gel and orange skin, and show just what he can do...
I think Wales have been blessed, big time, by the decision of Martyn Williams to play internationally again, after "retiring" at the World Cup.
If Wales play to their ability, their CONSIDERABLE ability, they'll do well. Chances of that happening?
Like France.... with Wales - who knows?!
IRELAND: An ageing team, on its last legs in my opinion. Stuffed to the gills with talent again, like Wales.
This week Ireland will miss O'Connell in the second row, AND Shane Horgan (both injured). I think Stringer should always play ahead of Reddan at scrum half too, so I think O'Gara may miss his team-mate there too.
Of course, Ireland are still playing at Croke Park at present - I'm not convinced thats a plus in the favour either. Historical yes, but like Lansdowne - No.
I really hope Ireland do well. When everyone's fit, they should...
FRANCE: Now that Laporte has gone, Lievremont wants to make his mark, and stamp his authority all over
les bleus, and boy... has he done just that.
Was Laporte "one crepe short of a picnic"? I think so. In that case, Marc Lievremont is deux or trois crepes short...
Sebastien Chabal, Jerome Thion, Clement Poitrenaud, Imanol Harinordoquy, Pierre Mignoni and David Marty are omitted from the team as are Lionel Beauxis, Yannick Nyanga, Remy Martin, Nicolas Mas and Sebastien Bruno
Props Marconnet, De Villiers and Milloud have not been selected (injuries), while Yannick Jauzion is also on that injured boat.
Blimey.
Now. Add to that the fact that Ibanez, Pelous, Dominici & Betsen have all retired from internationals, AND on top of that - Michalak has taken a year off from international rugby to play Super 14.
France are favourites to win again this year.
Don't put one euro on that happening.
Stick your pounds instead, on Scotland to catch France (traditionally slow starters) cold at Murrayfield. Oh yes.
ITALY:
Who cares?
Seriously though - improving match on match, and traditionally now beat us (after we gift them three tries in as many minutes
).
New coach in Nick Mallet, now that Berbizier has gone.
I think Italy will really stuggle this year. They will
not beat Scotland, even in Rome, and will sorely miss Troncon, Griffen, Stanojevic (massively under-rated Bristol wing) and De Marigny. I happen to think Borolami will be missed hugely also, in the first part of the tournament at least (injury again).
Italy's chances? Negligible.
So.
To summarise.
Scotland to come good this year, and prove that we can not only talk the talk, but actually walk the walk also.
At VERY NICE ODDS!!!
Doug
