6 Nations 2013

[Holdfast]

So, all you rugby fans, who's going to win this years 6 Nations?

Personnally I would hope England will, but will it be a Grand Slam year for anyone?

Has Scotland got a snowballs chance in hell of even getting a single point?

Will Wales bounce back after their disastrous autumn internationals?

Can England carry on in the same vein as they ended last year?

Are France the favourites? Will Italy push everyone this year and only win just one game?

So many questions to be answered over the next month or so. ;D

[nemesis]

I think it will be the country that keeps its players healthy. One of the biggest problems Wales faced in the Autumn games was the amount of injuries they had. Mind you it was much the same at the beginning of the Six Nations last year, all of the front row were out and no one gave us a chance....and we won the lot. Can Wales do it again? I would love them to but i think they will struggle.

England did not have that outstanding a Autumn series. Granted they beat the All Blacks, but only after infecting them with food poisoning Seriously though if England play as they are capable of doing then they do stand a good chance and could win the lot.

France? Who can say. they seem to delight in playing thew opposite of what they should. Moments of true skill and beauty, and then they seem to forget just how skilled they are.

Ireland are in a transitional period with some of their players coming to the end of their career. Do not bet against them winning just in case it is O'Driscolls last Six Nations.

Scotland have under achieved for years and although i hate to say it, i think they will again this year.

Italy will play hard and if their opposition is not on the ball Italy will steak a win and miss out on the wooden spoon.

Regards from the Swamp

Eth

[paulh]

My prediction is : No grand slam or Tripple crown, with either England or Ireland winning the championship.
O'Driscoll will be chomping at the bit for what is probably his swansong- the form that the Irish team displayed in the AI series, particularly the maturity of the new blood gives me cause for optimism.
P

[Holdfast]

Will the Lions tour this year have much affect on the way the four home teams play? Is BOD such a shoe in for a place on the tour that some players will have to play out of their skins to even get a look in?

My hopes as always would be for an England Grand Slam, but, it would be too early for this group of players. They need to mature as internationals and a team as yet.

The Irish will be a real threat as well as a focused French side. The Welsh will hope to produce a string of good games.

It's going to be a narrow margin of victory for the final victor.

[Deleted]

To be honest I am just looking forwards to some entertaining games and plenty of beer whilst watching!

[paulh]

I've been very lucky- managed to score a pair of tickets fo ther Ireland - Wales match for me & the boy (he still doesn't know)! So 2 green shirts in a sea of red-should be fun whatever happens.
P

[Holdfast]

England team to face Scotland 02/02/13

15. Alex Goode (Saracens, 6 caps)
14. Chris Ashton (Saracens, 29 caps)
13. Brad Barritt (Saracens, 11 caps)
12. Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby, 0 caps)
11. Mike Brown (Harlequins, 11 caps)
10. Owen Farrell (Saracens, 12 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 28 caps)

1. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 5 caps)
2. Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 4 cap)
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 35 caps)
4. Joe Launchbury (London Wasps, 4 caps)
5. Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers, 12 caps)
6. Tom Wood (Northampton Saints, 13 caps)
7. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, capt, 12 caps)
8. Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby, 9 caps)

Replacements
16. Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints, 42 caps)
17. David Wilson (Bath Rugby, 22 caps)
18. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 4 caps)
19. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 15 caps)
20. James Haskell (London Wasps, 45 caps)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 37 caps)
22. Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers, 53 caps)
23. David Strettle (Saracens, 12 caps)

[Holdfast]

Scotland Team 02/02/13

15 Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors) 10 caps, 1 try, 5 points

14 Sean Maitland (Glasgow Warriors) uncapped
13 Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors) 71 caps, 8 tries, 40 points
12 Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby) 7 caps
11 Tim Visser (Edinburgh Rugby) 5 caps, 4 tries, 20 points

10 Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors) 15 caps, 2 conversions, 2 penalties, 2 drop-goals, 16 points
9 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby) vice-captain 13 caps, 2 tries, 11 conversions and 22 penalties, 98 points

1 Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors) vice-captain, 5 caps
2 Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors) 39 caps, 1 try, 5 points
3 Euan Murray (Worcester Warriors) 49 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
4 Richie Gray (Sale Sharks) 27 caps, 1 try, 5 points
5 Jim Hamilton (Gloucester Rugby) 41 caps, 1 try, 5 points
6 Alasdair Strokosch (Perpignan) 30 caps, 1 try, 5 points
7 Kelly Brown (Saracens) captain, 52 caps, 4 tries, 20 points
8 Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier) 16 caps, 3 tries, 15 points

Substitutes:
16 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) 63 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
17 Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors) 15 caps
18 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh Rugby) 17 caps, 1 try, 5 points
19 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors) 47 caps, 1 try, 5 points
20 David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby) 9 caps
21 Henry Pyrgos (Glasgow Warriors) 3 caps, 1 try, 5 points
22 Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors) 2 caps, 1 conversion, 2 points
23 Max Evans (Castres) 32 caps, 3 tries, 15 points

[Holdfast]

Welsh and Irish Teams 02/02/13

Wales
15 Leigh Halfpenny
14 Alex Cuthbert
13 Jonathan Davies
12Jamie Roberts
11 George North
10 Dan Biggar
9 Mike Phillips
1 Gethin Jenkins
2 Matthew Rees
3 Adam Jones
4 Andrew Coombs
5 Ian Evans
6 Aaron Shingler
7 Sam Warburton
8 Toby Faletau

Replacements
16 Ken Owens
17 Paul James
18 Craig Mitchell
19 Olly Kohn
20 Justin Tipuric
21 Lloyd Williams
22 James Hook
23 Scott Williams


Ireland
15 Rob Kearney
14 Craig Gilroy
13 Brian O'Driscoll
12 Gordon D'Arcy
11 Simon Zebo
10 Jonathan Sexton
9 Conor Murray
1 Cian Healy
2 Rory Best
3 Mike Ross
4 Donnacha Ryan
5 Mike McCarthy
6 Sean O'Brien
7 Peter O'Mahony
8 Jamie Heaslip

Replacements
16 Sean Cronin
17 Dave Kilcoyne
18 Declan Fitzpatrick
19 Donncha O'Callaghan
20 Chris Henry
21 Eoin Reddan
22 Ronan O'Gara
23 Keith Earls

[paulh]

Just back from the match and Henno & Son are still grinning like Cheshire cats! :
Ireland came out of the blocks like greyhounds in the first half but by half-time I was feeling just bit peeved ! I mean spending the money I did for tickets to what was in danger of becomming a rout.

But the 2nd half was fab and worth every penny heart in mouth more than a few times- but Wales just couldn't do it- punting was awful, running down the middle trying to smash thru' when they had multiple man overlaps. Quite telling that Wales could make advantage out of Ireland being down to 14 for about 1/4 of the match- and on ocasions when they were in attacking positions virtually on the Irish line

BO'Ds try was superb: moving back from an offside position just as the ball comes out of the ruck and into his hands then straight back in the space he came out of- you can't do drills to defend sagainst that kind of skill and game awareness- Best rugby player to come out of Ireland -EVER- in my honest, humble and very biased opinion. Now sitting down to enjoy Scoland V England and thats tuning out to be a cracker
P

[paulh]

Absoloutely Dicky=- the England Scotlad game is case in point; both sides playin their hearts out
France/Italy tomorrow should be evey bit as good- Italy have shown many times now that they have what it takes to cause an upset.

Should be fun at the boys rugby training tomorrow- I've had 3 years of smugness -now its my turn!

[Deleted]

Well two cracking games to start off the 6 nations! Wales v Ireland was a simply fantastic game, Ireland really played there socks off. And just finished the England v Scotland game really entertaining! England certainly benefited from the quick ball.

[Holdfast]

Results so far:

02/02/13
Wales 22 - 30 Ireland
England 38 - 18 Scotland

03/02/13
Italy 23 - 18 France

09/02/13
Scotland 34 - 10 Italy
France 6 - 16 Wales

10/02/13
Ireland 6 - 12 England

23/02/13
Italy 9 - 26 Wales
England 23 - 13 France

24/02/13
Scotland 12 - 8 Ireland

09/03/2013
Scotland 18 - 28 Wales
Ireland 13 - 13 France

10/03/2013
England 18 - 11 Italy

16/03/2013
Italy 22 - 15 Ireland
Wales 30 - 3 England
France 23 - 16 Scotland

Wales win the Championship and deserved so. England second but with a young inexperienced side that will, hopefully, get a lot better. Wooden spoon to France but only just. Well played to Italy and Scotland for doing more than most people expected them to do. Role on next year

[nemesis]

So just what the hell happened to Wales for the first 50 minutes? Whereas Ireland were on top of their game during that time, Wales just did not show up. Only the players can take the blame for that and they really do need to play for 80 minutes in future games. Allowing an opponent to build up over a 20 point lead and then start to play is never ever going to win them the game no matter how inspiring the second half come back was. Truly guys you need to concentrate from the first second of the game. The lack lustre performance in the first half cannot be allowed to happen again if we are to stand any chance of winning the 6 Nations Championship.

England-Scotland was an excellent game showing the major improvement England have made since last season. Scotland looked good at times but they really do need to stop allowing teams so much possession.

Regards from the Swamp

Eth

[paulh]

Would have to agree with you Dicky- THE game next weekend is going to be Ireland England, with the winner not only taking thetripple crown but also IMO the championship. However, I still stand by my contention that this will not be a grand-slam year for anyone.
Roll on next weekend - Monday the 11th is going to be a serious hangover day whatever the outcome!

[Deleted]

I just sincerely hope that Ireland v England doesn't turn in to a war of attrition,and that they both try playing expansive flowing rugby!!! I'm gonna get some drinking practice in,for next weekend!!!!

[Holdfast]

Italia, Italia, Italia

[paulh]

WOW- WHAT A WEEKEND OF RUGBY WE'VE HAD!
The italians perforamce was superb!!!!!
That result is the worst possible for Wales though- next weekend the French will be aching to get payback.
Bring it on!

Back to my drinking practice - Might post some gibberish later....
P

[spud]

I dint even know it was on..... ill say Ireland even tough we prob wont get close.

[Holdfast]

Teams for Wales v France (09/02/13)

WALES
Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues)
Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues)
Jonathan Davies (Scarlets)
Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues)
George North (Scarlets)
Dan Biggar (Ospreys)
Mike Phillips (Bayonne)
Gethin Jenkins (Toulon)
Richard Hibbard (Ospreys)
Adam Jones (Ospreys)
Andrew Coombs (Newport Gwent Dragons)
Ian Evans (Ospreys)
Ryan Jones (Ospreys) Captain
Justin Tipuric (Ospreys)
Toby Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons)
Replacements
Ken Owens (Scarlets)
Paul James (Bath)
Craig Mitchell (Exeter)
Lou Reed (Cardiff Blues)
Aaron Shingler (Scarlets)
Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues)
James Hook (Perpignan)
Scott Williams (Scarlets)


FRANCE
15 Yoann Huget (Toulouse)
14 Wesley Fofana (Clermont)
13 Mathieu Bastareaud (Toulou)
12 Maxime Mermoz (Toulon)
11 Benjamin Fall (Racing Metro)
10 Frederic Michalak (Toulon)
9 Maxime Machenaud (Racing Metro)
1 Yannick Forestier (Castres)
2 Dimitri Szarzewski (Racing Metro)
3 Nicolas Mas (Perpignan)
4 Yoann Maestri (Toulouse)
5 Jocelino Suta (Toulon)
6 Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier)
7 Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse) Captain
8 Louis Picamoles (Toulouse)
Replacements:
16 Benjamin Kayser (Clermont)
17 Vincent Debaty (Clermont)
18 Luc Ducalcon (Racing Metro)
19 Romain Taofifenua (Perpignan)
20 Damien Chouly (Clermont)
21 Morgan Parra (Clermont)
22 François Trinh-Duc (Montpellier)
23 Florian Fritz (Toulouse)

[Holdfast]

Teams for Scotland v Italy (09/02/13)

SCOTLAND

15 Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors)
14 Sean Maitland (Glasgow Warriors)
13 Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors)
12 Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby)
11 Tim Visser (Edinburgh Rugby)
10 Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors)
9 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby)

1 Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors)
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby)
3 Euan Murray (Worcester Warriors)
4 Richie Gray (Sale Sharks)
5 Jim Hamilton (Gloucester)
6 Robert Harley (Glasgow Warriors)
7 Kelly Brown (Saracens) captain
8 Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier)

Replacements
16 Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors) or Pat MacArthur (Glasgow Warriors)
17 Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors)
18 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh Rugby)
19 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors)
20 David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby)
21 Henry Pyrgos (Glasgow Warriors)
22 Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors)
23 Max Evans (Castres)

Italy
15. Andrea Masi (London Wasps)
14. Giovanbattista Venditti (Zebre Rugby)
13. Tommaso Benvenuti (Benetton Treviso)
12. Gonzalo Canale (La Rochelle)
11. Luke Mclean (Benetton Treviso)
10. Luciano Orquera (Zebre Rugby)
9. Tobias Botes (Benetton Treviso)

1. Andrea Lo Cicero (Racing-Metro Paris)
2. Leonardo Ghiraldini (Benetton Treviso)
3. Martin Castrogiovanni (Leicester Tigers)
4. Quintin Geldenhuys (Zebre Rugby)
5. Francesco Minto (Benetton Treviso)
6. Alessandro Zanni (Benetton Treviso)
7. Simone Favaro (Benetton Treviso)
8. Sergio Parisse (Stade Francais)

Replacements:
16. Davide Giazzon (Zebre Rugby)
17. Alberto De Marchi (Benetton Treviso)
18. Lorenzo Cittadini (Benetton Treviso)
19. Antonio Pavanello (Benetton Treviso)
20. Paul Edward Derbyshire (Benetton Treviso)
21. Edoardo Gori (Benetton Treviso)
22. Kristopher Burton (Benetton Treviso)
23. Gonzalo Garcia (Zebre Rugby)

[Holdfast]

Teams for Ireland v England (10/02/13)

IRELAND
15 Rob Kearney (Leinster)
14 Craig Gilroy (Ulster)
13 Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster)
12 Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster)
11 Simon Zebo (Munster)
10 Jonathan Sexton (Leinster)
9 Conor Murray (Munster)
1 Cian Healy (Leinster)
2 Rory Best (Ulster)
3 Mike Ross (Leinster)
4 Mike McCarthy (Connacht)
5 Donnacha Ryan (Munster)
6 Peter O'Mahony (Munster)
7 Sean O'Brien (Leinster)
8 Jamie Heaslip (Leinster) captain

Replacements:
16 Sean Cronin (Leinster)
17 David Kilcoyne (Munster)
18 Declan Fitzpatrick (Ulster)
19 Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster)
20 Chris Henry (Ulster)
21 Eoin Reddan (Leinster)
22 Ronan O'Gara (Munster)
23 Keith Earls (Munster)


England
15. Alex Goode (Saracens)
14. Chris Ashton (Saracens)
13. Brad Barritt (Saracens)
12. Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby)
11. Mike Brown (Harlequins)
10. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
1. Joe Marler (Harlequins)
2. Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
4. Joe Launchbury (London Wasps)
5. Geoff Parling (Leicester Tigers)
6. James Haskell (London Wasps)
7. Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)
8. Tom Wood (Northampton Saints)
Replacements:
16. Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
17. David Wilson (Bath Rugby)
18. Mako Vunipola (Saracens)
19. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
20. Thomas Waldrom (Leicester Tigers)
21. Danny Care (Harlequins)
22. Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers)
23. Manusamoa Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers)

[Holdfast]

Good win for Scotland. Lets hope Wales bring their second half game to the whole of this match against France. Also hopefully France will bring the same game as they did against Italy

[paulh]

my heart is in my mouth again- 2 weekends of this on the trot not good for my blood pressure!!!

[paulh]

what do ya fellas reckon on France for the wooden spoon?

[Holdfast]

Lets see what they do for the rest of their games. Ireland v England tomorrow, should be one cracking game. Come on England

www.rbs6nations.com/

[paulh]

Des - I'll bring the soap...

[paulh]

oh flammin norah...

[paulh]

me bleedin ulcer is commin' back

[Deleted]

Hard fought game,but I think England got what they deserved! :)Will we suffer a backlash from the French,in two weeks time??