Another weekend of the 6N down, only two more to go and the English are determined not to start counting chickens quite yet. Here's my take on the weekend games:
Italy 16 v 24 Wales
I thought Wales might try and use this game to break out from the rut they've been experiencing recently. They've now won two games after their run of losses but I still think this performance was well below par.
The Italians naturally fronted up well, their pack is as physical as any led from the back by a brilliant captain. However the back line is still missing a lot of quality. Italy have tried importing players from abroad who have a hint of Italian blood (I think the lasagna I've just eaten might qualify me to play for them!) but things still aren't clicking. The half backs are from being fit to play Test rugby and it doesn't get much better the further back you go. Only Bergamascu is of test standard and lets face it, he's never going to get close to a World XV!
As for Wales - well they have the backs, they just seem intent on not really using them. My memory isn't brilliant I'll grant you, but I barely remember Jamie Roberts getting his hands on the ball. Here, the Welsh possess what was once one of the most formidable weapons of attack - yet they never pull the trigger. Hook needs more consistent time at 10 and told to go out and play his usual game. Mike Phillips is also still struggling to make an impact this year. Lee Byrne showed improvements in this game but he's still short of the form that he's demonstrated in previous years.
As for the next games, Italy take on France. Their one advantage is that its in Rome but I don't really give them much hope! The Welsh host Ireland in Cardiff. The one thing that might work for them is the amount of penalties they might get. The Irish defence is strong though so Wales will have to work bloody hard for any openings.
England 17 v 9 France
Ooooooh that was a tight brutal match! As fun as it's been to watch England's backs play with flair and penache, it was equally fun to see England's forwards step up and play brilliantly to win a tough match.
This was a classic game of two halves, the French probably edging the first and were a kick away from going in with a 9-12 lead. England came out for the second half firing on all cylinders though and from the off made a chance and took it. Ben Foden hasn't been getting the plaudits of his Northampton team mate, but he's just as good and well on his way to being a great player. I think over the next few games we may see him running from deep a bit more a la Jason Robinson.
England did give some daft penalties away in the first half and France on the whole took advantage. However whilst they battered away at the English line they didnt really create any clear cut chances. There was of course one which Rougerie (who played well through most of the game) knocked on - much to the relief of every English man, woman and child watching. Other than that, the English defence looked solid, they'll be tested more severely against the Southern Hemisphere sides but at least they look like they can compete.
England's man of the match, Tom Palmer, played a blinder but then I felt every forward did. I did worry a little when Sheridan went off but Corbisiero came on and did a superb job. To think that Lawes, Croft and Moody are all to come back. Not sure where they're going to go though ?!?
So next up France are beating Italy in Rome and England host the Scots. Always a tough match for England but I'd expect them to win it on this form. It's either going to be another nail biter or a blow out - I wouldnt expect anything in between!
Scotland 18 v 21 Ireland
I thought Scotland improved in this game when compared against their lack lustre performance against Wales. But there's still the age old problem of their inability to score a try.
Ireland's game again was marred by giving away silly penalties. When the opposition has a kicker as good as Chris Paterson in the team then you need to be extra disciplined in your own half. It cost them the game against France and if they keep doing it they'll be punished by both Wales and England. I'll grudgingly agree that O'Gara played a good tactical game and put Ireland into the right area's of the pitch. Inside the 22 though I didnt see anything that would worry too many better teams. The first try was because two players went for the same man and left a hole big enough to get Cipriani's ego through. The second try, Scotland failed to tackle Heaslip properly from a scrum and get him down on the floor before Reddan walked through another Atlantic size hole. The third was a bad tackle on O'Gara who's so small he was able to wriggle away and score.
The ref had an indifferent game, the main flaw was the length of time he left between touch-pause-engage. It seemed like an eon of time which led to some frustrated front rowers and penalties.
Scotland pushed hard through the first half but rarely looked like breaking through. The Irish defended well, turned the ball over and O'Gara kicked them back into the opposition half.
Next up Ireland travel to Wales and Scotland to Twickenham. Ireland will have to be as strong in defence but they need to find some more cutting edge in attack - I don't think BoD has been so quiet during a six nations (maybe he's saving himself for England!). Scotland need to sort out their defence and find something that helps them score a try or two! I've said it before and I'll no doubt say it again - they're looking like England when Andy Robinson was in charge!
Monday 28 February 2011
Monday 21 February 2011
Two down, three to go
Another three games done and a lot of predictions from various pundits thrown into the bin! So, in chronological order.....
England 59 v 13 Italy
Well after playing down the hype all weekend and saying that "Italy would be a tough match, just look at what happened last week", England go and blow them away with a performance reminiscent of years gone by!
But lets face it - this wasn't the same Italy side that faced off against Ireland. Maybe that match and what must have been the gut wrenching end result was all too much for the Italians because they never really got going.
That said, England can only play what's in front of them. More or less everything worked for England, including not one but two swallow dives! No doubt Sunday morning saw a swathe of young budding rugby players in A+E with broken ribs. Ashton deservedly picked up the man of the match award - he'll apparently be a marked man in matches to come, but you've got to be quick to mark and then catch him! The forwards did their job well, there weren't many scrums but the lineout was solid - it'll be more sternly tested against France and Ireland but on evidence so far things are going well.
I'm loathed to get my hopes up too much, maybe, just maybe.........
As for Italy - well, they've got a good chance against Scotland and Wales, they'll need to replicate what they did against Ireland to stand a chance
Scotland 6 v 24 Wales
After their performance in Paris and Wales' performance against England I really thought Scotland stood a good chance here. How wrong was I (and a number of other commentators it should be said!)? Scotland weren't the same team that faced France the week before. I didn't think Wales were all that better than they were against England - they just created and took a couple more chances.
Scotland still lack flair - it was a problem when Robinson managed England as well. Why they didn't replace Dan Parks earlier in the game is a mystery, he was doing nothing and the Scots have a young fly half, desperately in need of experience just sitting on the bench - whats the worst that could have happened !?!
As for Wales - well they took their chances but asking Hook to play a more conservative game is like asking Ashton not to make a big deal out out of a breakaway try! Hook is probably their best player at the moment and has potential to be better. But they seem to be not using him or Jamie Roberts properly. Get Roberts running at people on the crash ball - he's going to open up gaps and Wales have the runners to take advantage of those gaps!
Wales have the chance to put a stamp on this 6N if they put in a performance against Italy. Italy should look to forget their last game and focus on putting in the same performance they did against Ireland, if they do and Wales don't up the game then this could be a shock result.
Scotland have Ireland at home - the Irish are suffering in the forwards and their backs aren't what they used to be. Saying that it's going to take a massively improved performance to beat them - if Scotland play like they did versus Wales then they'll have no hope
Ireland 22 v 25 France
I think everyone expected France to win this fairly comfortably but Ireland ran them hard throughout the game. Bar a few mistakes and maybe some questionable decisions by the ref, Ireland could have taken this.
So - Ireland, well it was similar to watching England play over the last few years. There were a few basic handling errors, the odd forward pass and some silly penalties given away. I've had the odd Irish friend say that the ref made a few bad decisions, but the point is if you're giving away that many penalties in the first place, it's more than likely that you'll get pinged for other more "on the edge" decisions.
The forwards fronted up well and I think having Heaslip back was a massive boost. Add in Ferris and things will really start hotting up in this department. David Wallace, once a great great player is looking like he's past it and it may be time to get a younger man in to build up experience before the World Cup. The second row too is a worry - O'Connell seems to be out of sorts and the pair of them aren't seen running with ball in hand enough at the opposition. Granted this never used to be the job of a second row, but more and more we're seeing that need in the International game - think Lawes in England or Chabal playing there for France.
As for France - well, there are holes. With Toby Flood in this form and Ashton or Hape on his shoulder those holes will be seen. The forwards remain strong but I think if you speed up the game, reduce the time that the ball is in a ruck and move the forwards about the pitch then you'll reduce their impetus. Their backs are as electric as England's are, however their defence is questionable - as exhibited by Australia in the Autumn
On this performance I think Ireland will beat Scotland though I think it'll be a bit of a battle, especially up front. I think Ireland still have the class to beat Scotland in the backs though and that should just give them the edge.
As for France playing England at Twickenham. This could be, as they say, a humdinger of a match! It's a tough one to call - if they were more frequent in rugby I'd say it's going to be a draw! As it is, as they're at home I'm going to give it to England. They're playing well in attack and are better in defence then France are currently
England 59 v 13 Italy
Well after playing down the hype all weekend and saying that "Italy would be a tough match, just look at what happened last week", England go and blow them away with a performance reminiscent of years gone by!
But lets face it - this wasn't the same Italy side that faced off against Ireland. Maybe that match and what must have been the gut wrenching end result was all too much for the Italians because they never really got going.
That said, England can only play what's in front of them. More or less everything worked for England, including not one but two swallow dives! No doubt Sunday morning saw a swathe of young budding rugby players in A+E with broken ribs. Ashton deservedly picked up the man of the match award - he'll apparently be a marked man in matches to come, but you've got to be quick to mark and then catch him! The forwards did their job well, there weren't many scrums but the lineout was solid - it'll be more sternly tested against France and Ireland but on evidence so far things are going well.
I'm loathed to get my hopes up too much, maybe, just maybe.........
As for Italy - well, they've got a good chance against Scotland and Wales, they'll need to replicate what they did against Ireland to stand a chance
Scotland 6 v 24 Wales
After their performance in Paris and Wales' performance against England I really thought Scotland stood a good chance here. How wrong was I (and a number of other commentators it should be said!)? Scotland weren't the same team that faced France the week before. I didn't think Wales were all that better than they were against England - they just created and took a couple more chances.
Scotland still lack flair - it was a problem when Robinson managed England as well. Why they didn't replace Dan Parks earlier in the game is a mystery, he was doing nothing and the Scots have a young fly half, desperately in need of experience just sitting on the bench - whats the worst that could have happened !?!
As for Wales - well they took their chances but asking Hook to play a more conservative game is like asking Ashton not to make a big deal out out of a breakaway try! Hook is probably their best player at the moment and has potential to be better. But they seem to be not using him or Jamie Roberts properly. Get Roberts running at people on the crash ball - he's going to open up gaps and Wales have the runners to take advantage of those gaps!
Wales have the chance to put a stamp on this 6N if they put in a performance against Italy. Italy should look to forget their last game and focus on putting in the same performance they did against Ireland, if they do and Wales don't up the game then this could be a shock result.
Scotland have Ireland at home - the Irish are suffering in the forwards and their backs aren't what they used to be. Saying that it's going to take a massively improved performance to beat them - if Scotland play like they did versus Wales then they'll have no hope
Ireland 22 v 25 France
I think everyone expected France to win this fairly comfortably but Ireland ran them hard throughout the game. Bar a few mistakes and maybe some questionable decisions by the ref, Ireland could have taken this.
So - Ireland, well it was similar to watching England play over the last few years. There were a few basic handling errors, the odd forward pass and some silly penalties given away. I've had the odd Irish friend say that the ref made a few bad decisions, but the point is if you're giving away that many penalties in the first place, it's more than likely that you'll get pinged for other more "on the edge" decisions.
The forwards fronted up well and I think having Heaslip back was a massive boost. Add in Ferris and things will really start hotting up in this department. David Wallace, once a great great player is looking like he's past it and it may be time to get a younger man in to build up experience before the World Cup. The second row too is a worry - O'Connell seems to be out of sorts and the pair of them aren't seen running with ball in hand enough at the opposition. Granted this never used to be the job of a second row, but more and more we're seeing that need in the International game - think Lawes in England or Chabal playing there for France.
As for France - well, there are holes. With Toby Flood in this form and Ashton or Hape on his shoulder those holes will be seen. The forwards remain strong but I think if you speed up the game, reduce the time that the ball is in a ruck and move the forwards about the pitch then you'll reduce their impetus. Their backs are as electric as England's are, however their defence is questionable - as exhibited by Australia in the Autumn
On this performance I think Ireland will beat Scotland though I think it'll be a bit of a battle, especially up front. I think Ireland still have the class to beat Scotland in the backs though and that should just give them the edge.
As for France playing England at Twickenham. This could be, as they say, a humdinger of a match! It's a tough one to call - if they were more frequent in rugby I'd say it's going to be a draw! As it is, as they're at home I'm going to give it to England. They're playing well in attack and are better in defence then France are currently
Thursday 10 February 2011
One weekend down, four to go!
So the first weekend of the Six Nations kicked off the competition with a bang! Here's my thoughts on the games and also the upcoming games for this week
Wales 19 v 26 England
Well, as an Englishman it's tough not to be happy with this result! There is definite room for improvement but again, I'm going to be biased and say that's purely down to it being the first game!
As all the pundits have been saying, Toby Flood had a great game at 10 and the new boy, Tom Wood, also played well. Flood kicked very well and is proving that he does have the talent to play at this level. There was still the nice comforting feeling when Wilkinson came on and kicked a penalty - but thats just a habit. In that form Flood would have kicked it over as well and got on with the game! The lock pairing were solid but it's lacking dynamism in that department without Lawes. The back three attacked and defended well. There was only one or two scary defensive moments, one of which resulted in Wales' try. Other than that, Wales never really looked like they wantedd to attack!
Maybe Gatland and Edwards are bossing the decisions too much and Howley can't get a word in, but Wales looked slack in attack. I had to remind myself that Jamie Roberts and Shane Williams were on the field because Wales never tried to use them. The Wales back row performed well but thats about all you can say from a positive point of view! Mike Phillips needs replacing with someone faster in miind, hands and feet - the slow attack started with him and never got going.
Wales have selected Hook at number 10 this week, though Gatland caveated that by saying he had to be disciplined. Why? Hook is one of the most naturally gifted attacking fly halves in the world - why tell him to hold back when what Wales need is him playing his natural game and feeding the two good centres.
As for England, they'll play a confident and physcial Italian side. The Azzuri will be in positive mood despite their narrow loss to Ireland. The game is at HQ though so expect England to win - maybe by not as much as we thought at the start of the year though!
France 34 v 21 Scotland
Scotland the brave! They gave the French a good match but in the end the individual quality of the French players shined through.
Scotland did play well, they're a big physcial side and they tried to boss the game but once the French backs got the ball they just tore through the Scots line. Medard in particular was looking very tasty, he's going to cause some massive problems in the weeks ahead for defenses. The return of Trinh-Duc for the French is also enough for them to forget their autumn troubles, he looks pretty tasty at 10 and probably the best option in that position that France have had since Freddie Michalak was in his pomp.
The French also did well at the scrum where they won a penalty try - though I think Mr Barnes could have given it earlier then he eventually did. All of the forwards had a pretty good game for France capped off with a try from Harinordoquy. He seems to have been around for ever but is a class player and gets better every year.
As for Scotland, well it seems as though they're playing a little like England did when Andy Robinson was in charge there. The forwards look good but there's still a lack of something behind the pack.
As for the next games, well France in Ireland is going to be huge. The Irish will really need to pick their game up to even compete with the French if they play in the same rich vein of form.
Scotland face off at home against the Welsh. Like Ireland, Wales will need to pick up their game to get anything out of that. Based on last weekends performance Scotland should dominate up front and I'd give them the win.
Italy 11 v 13 Ireland
Well. What can we say? Nearly a massive upset here. Italy were good in defence but really, Ireland were poor. Lots of silly errors all over the pitch - as pass too high from O'Driscoll to an open McFadden seemed to cap off the Irish performance. Saying that, without the talisman that is BOD - things probably would have been a lot different.
In some senses, rightfully so all the attacks go through O'Driscoll at some point - but there's no one else that is helping him out to create that spark. I've seen Sexton do it for Leinster so hope that he can reproduce the form for Ireland. O'Gara managed to big himself up a bit for coming on and "seeing the game out". Fact is that when he came on Ireland were winning and moved to a losing position before he finally spared the blushes with a customary drop goal.
Ireland need to find someone else to play in the centre with O'Driscoll. I really think that Northampton's James Downey should be given a shot in the 12 shirt. He's been brilliant for his club - maybe because he's in England he doesn't get the recognition he should?
As for Italy, brave, unlucky Italy, well they'll keep going. They'll give everyone else a good game and may even beat Wales if they don't improve. I cant see them getting a result against England but it'll be a mightly physical match.
And for Ireland, well they need to face up to France at the Aviva. Jamie Heaslip is back for the Irish which will be a massive boost. If they cut out the silly mistakes then they have a chance - but if I were a betting man, and this kills me to say it, my money would be on Les Blues
Wales 19 v 26 England
Well, as an Englishman it's tough not to be happy with this result! There is definite room for improvement but again, I'm going to be biased and say that's purely down to it being the first game!
As all the pundits have been saying, Toby Flood had a great game at 10 and the new boy, Tom Wood, also played well. Flood kicked very well and is proving that he does have the talent to play at this level. There was still the nice comforting feeling when Wilkinson came on and kicked a penalty - but thats just a habit. In that form Flood would have kicked it over as well and got on with the game! The lock pairing were solid but it's lacking dynamism in that department without Lawes. The back three attacked and defended well. There was only one or two scary defensive moments, one of which resulted in Wales' try. Other than that, Wales never really looked like they wantedd to attack!
Maybe Gatland and Edwards are bossing the decisions too much and Howley can't get a word in, but Wales looked slack in attack. I had to remind myself that Jamie Roberts and Shane Williams were on the field because Wales never tried to use them. The Wales back row performed well but thats about all you can say from a positive point of view! Mike Phillips needs replacing with someone faster in miind, hands and feet - the slow attack started with him and never got going.
Wales have selected Hook at number 10 this week, though Gatland caveated that by saying he had to be disciplined. Why? Hook is one of the most naturally gifted attacking fly halves in the world - why tell him to hold back when what Wales need is him playing his natural game and feeding the two good centres.
As for England, they'll play a confident and physcial Italian side. The Azzuri will be in positive mood despite their narrow loss to Ireland. The game is at HQ though so expect England to win - maybe by not as much as we thought at the start of the year though!
France 34 v 21 Scotland
Scotland the brave! They gave the French a good match but in the end the individual quality of the French players shined through.
Scotland did play well, they're a big physcial side and they tried to boss the game but once the French backs got the ball they just tore through the Scots line. Medard in particular was looking very tasty, he's going to cause some massive problems in the weeks ahead for defenses. The return of Trinh-Duc for the French is also enough for them to forget their autumn troubles, he looks pretty tasty at 10 and probably the best option in that position that France have had since Freddie Michalak was in his pomp.
The French also did well at the scrum where they won a penalty try - though I think Mr Barnes could have given it earlier then he eventually did. All of the forwards had a pretty good game for France capped off with a try from Harinordoquy. He seems to have been around for ever but is a class player and gets better every year.
As for Scotland, well it seems as though they're playing a little like England did when Andy Robinson was in charge there. The forwards look good but there's still a lack of something behind the pack.
As for the next games, well France in Ireland is going to be huge. The Irish will really need to pick their game up to even compete with the French if they play in the same rich vein of form.
Scotland face off at home against the Welsh. Like Ireland, Wales will need to pick up their game to get anything out of that. Based on last weekends performance Scotland should dominate up front and I'd give them the win.
Italy 11 v 13 Ireland
Well. What can we say? Nearly a massive upset here. Italy were good in defence but really, Ireland were poor. Lots of silly errors all over the pitch - as pass too high from O'Driscoll to an open McFadden seemed to cap off the Irish performance. Saying that, without the talisman that is BOD - things probably would have been a lot different.
In some senses, rightfully so all the attacks go through O'Driscoll at some point - but there's no one else that is helping him out to create that spark. I've seen Sexton do it for Leinster so hope that he can reproduce the form for Ireland. O'Gara managed to big himself up a bit for coming on and "seeing the game out". Fact is that when he came on Ireland were winning and moved to a losing position before he finally spared the blushes with a customary drop goal.
Ireland need to find someone else to play in the centre with O'Driscoll. I really think that Northampton's James Downey should be given a shot in the 12 shirt. He's been brilliant for his club - maybe because he's in England he doesn't get the recognition he should?
As for Italy, brave, unlucky Italy, well they'll keep going. They'll give everyone else a good game and may even beat Wales if they don't improve. I cant see them getting a result against England but it'll be a mightly physical match.
And for Ireland, well they need to face up to France at the Aviva. Jamie Heaslip is back for the Irish which will be a massive boost. If they cut out the silly mistakes then they have a chance - but if I were a betting man, and this kills me to say it, my money would be on Les Blues
Wednesday 2 February 2011
It's the most, wonderful time, of the year!
Firstly - apologies all, I've been a bit AWOL of late but thought now would be the most opportune time get back!
So, it's that time of the year. The end of January for me marks the proper start of the giddy nerves of excitement, hope and anticipation of a new Six Nations tournament. I think this year is set to be the most open and difficult year to call for a long time. There's a case for every team to win it (maybe with the exception of our friends from Italy - aggettivo!) Anyway - here's my views on what might happen this year:
Ireland
I'm going to start with Irish to keep the countless people I know over there happy - though I don't think they'll be top of the list come March! Still a great side with some almost legendary players in it. And thats the problem. O'Driscoll is still great and seems to still have the legs but there are question marks over a lot of the other players from the class of 2009.
Saying that - there are some classy young players coming through. Sexton should start in place of O'Gara, probably with O'Gara coming on in the second half to steer the ship home should the Irish be ahead. The injuries to Heaslip and Ferris are big big losses but it will give Sean O'Brien an opportunity following some impressive display in the Heineken Cup.
Can they win? Well they've got France and England at home which gives them a good chance. Will they win? I don't think so - but next year they could be very good bets!
France
To say they got beat by Australia in the autumn is a bit of an understatement! Saying that, it was probably a one off, a bad day at the office - we've all had them! The side they've picked for the opener at the weekend is composed of a lot of players that finished last year, meaning they've got some continuity after a few years of squad rotation following the last world cup to find the right players.
Damien Traille at full back indicates a preference for big booming kicks from deep with which their exciting new young backs Mermoz and Huget can chase and harry. Jauzion has been left out but I don't expect him to be too far from the action, he a class player and will get a chance to prove himself again at some point.
The scary thing is to look at the French bench to see the amount of talent and experience they can look to - Thion, Chabal Yachvili, Skrela and Poitrenaud are all there.
France are away to both Ireland and England this year which I think could dent their hopes of reclaiming the title, though I think you'd have to be brave to bet against them!
Italy
You have to love Italian rugby and playing the Italians. They're full of passion and determination and will give most teams a run for their money. Right up until the last 10-20 minutes when they always seem to fall apart!
The club sides have had some encouraging performances both in the Magners League and the Heineken Cup and I hope this experience will help them win at least one match this year. But I can't see it happening. As I said, this is a very open tournament - meaning everyone looks good. Unless one of the sides capitulates then I don't see anything else other than Italy walking off with the wooden spoon.
They do have some great players with some big experience, Bergamasco and Castrogiavanni to name but two. With more experience in the Magners League they'll all get better. But not in time for this year!
Scotland
Scotland seem to look better and better all the time. They're big and powerful up front, and have some backs that can cause some problems - even if they're not world class.
The back row is immense, and coupled with Hines in the second row make for a powerful unit going foward. Add to that Murray in the front row and every team is in for a tough time up front.
Behind the scrum though its a slightly different story. I'm not a fan of Dan Parks. Every so often he does have a good game - but there's little consistency from game to game. Without Chris Patterson they're not sure to get three points from every penalty in the opposition half like they once were. This was massivley important as it compensated for their lack of try scoring ability!
Andy Robinson has them playing good disciplined rugby, but they're missing a bit of flair behind the scrum. They need an O'Driscoll or a Jason Robinson that will spark off something unpredictable. Is De Luca or Evans that man? Probably not.
They're away to France and England and I don't think they'll beat Ireland even though they are at home. Depending on Wales injury problems up front, that could be an opportunity and they should beat Italy.
Wales
Their tournament is going to depend very much on how they cope with some major players being on the injury list. With both Jones and Jenkins missing I think the scrum is there for the taking and Sheridan and Cole will be licking their lips with anticipation. Thats not to say that Paul James and Craig Mitchell aren't good players - they undoubtedly are as anyone who plays for Wales has to be. However, their is a significant lack of experience there - in such a crucial part of the team. A lot will already be on Rees as captain, this just intensifies it that little bit more.
I don't think Gatland has helped his team by sledging Hartley for the first match. He's given Johnson so much ammunition which he can use to get the best out of Hartley. Galtand and his coaching team should focus on getting the best out of their team - not helping out other teams.
It's a shame that Leigh Halfpenny will also be missing. He's going to be a great player, already is, but at the moment it seems he's getting a lot of injuries - a case of too much playing for a young player? Maybe. The other Welsh backs though are as strong as ever. I am however disappointed that Hook is at fullback and not inside centre where I think he can make a bigger mark on the game and utilise Jamie Roberts' bullocking runs. I don't think however, unlike France, that Wales will be relying on a kick and chase game so expect some fireworks to fly. And if all goes badly - they can always rearrange and bring Lee Byrne back in. He's short of form but will come good again
Can the dragons roar in triumph come March? Simply, No. England, France and Scotland are going to be too much for them up front and Ireland will give them a good run for their money.
England
And finally, the English. I obviously suffer from outragious bias opinions at this point! If they focus on each game from the first minute through to the last then they have a great chance of going home with the trophy. But they do have a tendancy to "drop off" at points which will normally always end in trouble.
Like Wales and Ireland there are injury concerns - Moody being the key one and I'm also disappointed to see Lawes and Croft out. Though there are some good players coming in. It's great that Tom Wood has been given a chance, he's been playing some great rugby at Northampton this year. The scrum is looking very strong - the front row is going to take some stopping, as will Deacon and Palmer.
Behind the scrum it's looking good as well. Ben Youngs is looking better and better with each game - it's a good bet that he will be considered the best scrum half in the world at some point soon if he carries on this stretch. I'm pleased that Toby Flood has been kept on at 10 for the first game - there would have been a temptation to pick JW after his recent performances with Toulon in Europe, but like Ireland with ROG, it's good to be able to bring that much experience off the bench to see games out.
Pairing Flutey with Hape would have been interesting but Tindall will bring added bulk, defensive abilities, experience and leadership to the backs. Hape has been alright but he needs a few stellar performances to cement his position before the World Cup.
And then there is the back three. Foden and Ashton are, like Youngs, well on their way to being world class. Couple that with the guile and experience that Cueto brings and all looks good.
They need a bit of luck (but then who doesn't!) but along with France I think England have a great shout of winning this year. France at home isn't a gimmie by any stretch and away to Ireland will still be a massive test but they have a great chance, probably the best they've had since 2003.
So, it's that time of the year. The end of January for me marks the proper start of the giddy nerves of excitement, hope and anticipation of a new Six Nations tournament. I think this year is set to be the most open and difficult year to call for a long time. There's a case for every team to win it (maybe with the exception of our friends from Italy - aggettivo!) Anyway - here's my views on what might happen this year:
Ireland
I'm going to start with Irish to keep the countless people I know over there happy - though I don't think they'll be top of the list come March! Still a great side with some almost legendary players in it. And thats the problem. O'Driscoll is still great and seems to still have the legs but there are question marks over a lot of the other players from the class of 2009.
Saying that - there are some classy young players coming through. Sexton should start in place of O'Gara, probably with O'Gara coming on in the second half to steer the ship home should the Irish be ahead. The injuries to Heaslip and Ferris are big big losses but it will give Sean O'Brien an opportunity following some impressive display in the Heineken Cup.
Can they win? Well they've got France and England at home which gives them a good chance. Will they win? I don't think so - but next year they could be very good bets!
France
To say they got beat by Australia in the autumn is a bit of an understatement! Saying that, it was probably a one off, a bad day at the office - we've all had them! The side they've picked for the opener at the weekend is composed of a lot of players that finished last year, meaning they've got some continuity after a few years of squad rotation following the last world cup to find the right players.
Damien Traille at full back indicates a preference for big booming kicks from deep with which their exciting new young backs Mermoz and Huget can chase and harry. Jauzion has been left out but I don't expect him to be too far from the action, he a class player and will get a chance to prove himself again at some point.
The scary thing is to look at the French bench to see the amount of talent and experience they can look to - Thion, Chabal Yachvili, Skrela and Poitrenaud are all there.
France are away to both Ireland and England this year which I think could dent their hopes of reclaiming the title, though I think you'd have to be brave to bet against them!
Italy
You have to love Italian rugby and playing the Italians. They're full of passion and determination and will give most teams a run for their money. Right up until the last 10-20 minutes when they always seem to fall apart!
The club sides have had some encouraging performances both in the Magners League and the Heineken Cup and I hope this experience will help them win at least one match this year. But I can't see it happening. As I said, this is a very open tournament - meaning everyone looks good. Unless one of the sides capitulates then I don't see anything else other than Italy walking off with the wooden spoon.
They do have some great players with some big experience, Bergamasco and Castrogiavanni to name but two. With more experience in the Magners League they'll all get better. But not in time for this year!
Scotland
Scotland seem to look better and better all the time. They're big and powerful up front, and have some backs that can cause some problems - even if they're not world class.
The back row is immense, and coupled with Hines in the second row make for a powerful unit going foward. Add to that Murray in the front row and every team is in for a tough time up front.
Behind the scrum though its a slightly different story. I'm not a fan of Dan Parks. Every so often he does have a good game - but there's little consistency from game to game. Without Chris Patterson they're not sure to get three points from every penalty in the opposition half like they once were. This was massivley important as it compensated for their lack of try scoring ability!
Andy Robinson has them playing good disciplined rugby, but they're missing a bit of flair behind the scrum. They need an O'Driscoll or a Jason Robinson that will spark off something unpredictable. Is De Luca or Evans that man? Probably not.
They're away to France and England and I don't think they'll beat Ireland even though they are at home. Depending on Wales injury problems up front, that could be an opportunity and they should beat Italy.
Wales
Their tournament is going to depend very much on how they cope with some major players being on the injury list. With both Jones and Jenkins missing I think the scrum is there for the taking and Sheridan and Cole will be licking their lips with anticipation. Thats not to say that Paul James and Craig Mitchell aren't good players - they undoubtedly are as anyone who plays for Wales has to be. However, their is a significant lack of experience there - in such a crucial part of the team. A lot will already be on Rees as captain, this just intensifies it that little bit more.
I don't think Gatland has helped his team by sledging Hartley for the first match. He's given Johnson so much ammunition which he can use to get the best out of Hartley. Galtand and his coaching team should focus on getting the best out of their team - not helping out other teams.
It's a shame that Leigh Halfpenny will also be missing. He's going to be a great player, already is, but at the moment it seems he's getting a lot of injuries - a case of too much playing for a young player? Maybe. The other Welsh backs though are as strong as ever. I am however disappointed that Hook is at fullback and not inside centre where I think he can make a bigger mark on the game and utilise Jamie Roberts' bullocking runs. I don't think however, unlike France, that Wales will be relying on a kick and chase game so expect some fireworks to fly. And if all goes badly - they can always rearrange and bring Lee Byrne back in. He's short of form but will come good again
Can the dragons roar in triumph come March? Simply, No. England, France and Scotland are going to be too much for them up front and Ireland will give them a good run for their money.
England
And finally, the English. I obviously suffer from outragious bias opinions at this point! If they focus on each game from the first minute through to the last then they have a great chance of going home with the trophy. But they do have a tendancy to "drop off" at points which will normally always end in trouble.
Like Wales and Ireland there are injury concerns - Moody being the key one and I'm also disappointed to see Lawes and Croft out. Though there are some good players coming in. It's great that Tom Wood has been given a chance, he's been playing some great rugby at Northampton this year. The scrum is looking very strong - the front row is going to take some stopping, as will Deacon and Palmer.
Behind the scrum it's looking good as well. Ben Youngs is looking better and better with each game - it's a good bet that he will be considered the best scrum half in the world at some point soon if he carries on this stretch. I'm pleased that Toby Flood has been kept on at 10 for the first game - there would have been a temptation to pick JW after his recent performances with Toulon in Europe, but like Ireland with ROG, it's good to be able to bring that much experience off the bench to see games out.
Pairing Flutey with Hape would have been interesting but Tindall will bring added bulk, defensive abilities, experience and leadership to the backs. Hape has been alright but he needs a few stellar performances to cement his position before the World Cup.
And then there is the back three. Foden and Ashton are, like Youngs, well on their way to being world class. Couple that with the guile and experience that Cueto brings and all looks good.
They need a bit of luck (but then who doesn't!) but along with France I think England have a great shout of winning this year. France at home isn't a gimmie by any stretch and away to Ireland will still be a massive test but they have a great chance, probably the best they've had since 2003.
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