Rugby Fans

[Kilted_Yank]

Are you ready for the six-nations?

What do you think of the chances of the four home unions?

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I think this years Six Nations is wide open, I would suggest that any bar Italy and Scotland (sorry guys) have a chance of winning.

Unfortunatley England have fallen away a bit since winning the World Cup but I reckon we are still in with a fair shout - France are always a big danger though.

 

[Disney owl]

Whilst six nations will be watched by all male members of our family they really are Rugby league fans. DS 19 plays in a team at the weekend & DS 13 plays at school

 

[Goofyish]

I agree with Johnny - it's going to be a close one this year!

 

[kristieuk]

Just giving a shout for my beautiful homeland! Never forget the Welsh .

 

[florida sun]

Just giving a shout for my beautiful homeland! Never forget the Welsh .

Ditto!! Come On Wales


Sue

 

[Boss Hogg]

Can't see the Welsh repeating their recent success. Not enough strength in depth IMHO.

Weather will play a large part. None of the teams will be able to live with England's pack, they are simply to strong and dominant in the set piece. No matter how good your backs are, if you have not got a sound platform you'll never be able to attack the gain line enough. This will become even more important if the weather is poor.

Only weakness I see for England are the backs. We need to have some speed I think. Someone like Simpson-Daniel can carve through any teams line if given enough ball. I'm not a big fan of the Cohen/Tindall crash ball approach and I think if you want to take on the French you need some flair in the backs.

Anyway, to conclude England have to be the team to beat I think.

Matt

 

[Kevin Stringer]

I'm another that thinks England will be stronger this year. Last year was a bit of the 'after the Lord Mayor's show' syndrome.

If England play to their potential I can't see anyone living with them.

Kev

 

[Kilted_Yank]

While I think the comments about England are correct... particularly with respect to their excellent pack, I wouldn't be quick to discount Wales.

Even though Wales have lost Gavin Henson for a time (fairly or not), they still have many great players.

In any event, the Six nations is going to be great fun!

Owl,

We get absolutely ZERO european or U.K. rugby league televised in the U.S., we get to see one or two weekly games from the National Rugby League in Australia, but thats it.

Bill

 

[Kernow_Clan]

Before I start, I am a huge England fan , but I will watch every game possible as I enjoy good rugby,whomever is playing.

IMHO

I am of the opinion that putting Josh Lewsey in the centres, and having Tom Voyce on the wing, with the option of Ian Balshaw / Marc Van Gisbergen at Full back will give England a much stronger and dynamic back line. The pack (as previously posted) is awesome, with the Cornish Bull ( Phil Vickery) and the monster that is Andrew Sheridan leading we will be hard to stop.

However, the new dynamic Wales are a joy to watch in full flight, and will be a very dangerous proposition. With the best number 10 currently playing in the Northern Hemisphere, they do not need Gavin Henson to win, contrary to popular belief. They may well come unstuck in the pack against England but this will not hinder them in the other 4 games. Injuries would cause them problems

France as stated, are a very dangerous team but it always depends which team turns out, they are either spectaclularly good or spectacularly bad, never a happy medium.

Scotland are making a good job of rebuilding under a new coach, I wish them luck, they deserve to be better placed than the wooden spoon!! They have a decent pack and a fresh but untried back line. I hope they learn well and are able to challenge hard in 2007

Ireland are in a rut at the moment, they need a good six nations to rebuild their confidence, I doubt that this will happen though. They need a fresh injection of high class young players, and this is just not happening at the moment

Italy are not just there to make up the numbers, they improve every year, and always give a tough challenge, however their fitness always lets them down in the latter stages of any tough game, and their lack of discipline often loses them the tight matches.

In summary:

England win 5 lose 0 draw 0
Wales win 4 lose 1 draw 0
France win 3 lose 2 draw 0
Scotland Win 2 Lose 3 draw 0
Ireland Win 1 Lose 4 draw 0
Italy Win 0 Lose 5 draw 0

Golden boot - Stephen Jones ( Wales)

Player of the Championship - Josh Lewsey / Martin Corry

And I am already excited with a month to go!!!!!!!

 

[Kilted_Yank]

Did anyone see Worcester v. Northampton this weekend???

Great match!

 

[Boss Hogg]

Did anyone see Worcester v. Northampton this weekend???

Great match!

Saw a bit of it did look good. More importantly, did you see the Gloucester game - away win.

Playoffs here we come!

 

[Ji||s]

David Humphries was back to his old form for Ulster on Saturday against Glasgow so hopefully he will get a fair run out for Ireland. I'll be supporting Ireland all the way but am not too hopeful this year.

 

[Kilted_Yank]

OK, my children...

We are now two weeks in. What do you think so far?

I watched Scotland beat France and was amazed... I saw France give Ireland what looked like, in the first half, to be quite a drubbing... and then saw Ireland put on an anazing comeback even if they still fell short.

I have enjoyed this immensely.

I am also excited about the Super 14... I think Canterbury (NZ) or NSW (Australia) will come out on top of the pack.

Oh... and I saw Bristol v. Wasps this weekend... a good show by all.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi there,

I think England are in a strong position and would expect them to beat Scotland, although it will not be easy.

France are inconsistent, but always dangerous whilst I do not think Ireland and Wales are as good as they were last year.

For England the game in Paris is the real test, I think if we can win there the championship will be ours with Ireland at home to come.
I do think there is a levelling out process going on though, Italy have become stronger and I do feel on their day any team is capable of beating any of the others.

 

[Kilted_Yank]

Anyone see England V. Ireland at the weekend?

What a game!

Tell me your thoughts on Dallaglio... why wasn't he played? And where was Josh Lewsey???