The Six Nations
British persons
03-02-2006, 17:43
Who will win the Six nations???
The Black Forrest
03-02-2006, 17:44
Who will win the Six nations???
Ok for the dumb American; explanation please.....
Whereyouthinkyougoing
03-02-2006, 17:46
Ok for the dumb American; explanation please.....
And for the dumb European, too, while you're at it.
Kazcaper
03-02-2006, 17:46
Ok for the dumb American; explanation please.....Rugby tournament between Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy.
No idea who will win, but I'll be supporting Ireland as usual :)
Seathorn
03-02-2006, 17:47
As my collarbone was neatly broken two minutes into a match against a french team.
I will have to say the french.
British persons
03-02-2006, 17:47
Its a Rugby tourmanment between 6 countries that play each other annually in the spring starting tommorow (sat)
Pure Metal
03-02-2006, 17:47
Ok for the dumb American; explanation please.....
international rugby. damn good stuff too! what what pip pip!
gonna be home tomorrow after all so i can watch the first matches yay! (who's playing? england v someone?)
edit: being half Welsh but brought up in England i never know who to support... sometimes i wuss out and go for the irish just cos they're cool :p
Whereyouthinkyougoing
03-02-2006, 17:47
Rugby tournament between Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy.
No idea who will win, but I'll be supporting Ireland as usual :)
Italy? How did they get onto that list?
British persons
03-02-2006, 17:49
England play Wales in 1st match at Twickinham
Kazcaper
03-02-2006, 17:50
Italy? How did they get onto that list?I'm not sure how exactly, but they only joined the tournament in 2000 or so.
British persons
03-02-2006, 17:52
not much point in them joing they loose most matches...........
Tomasalia
03-02-2006, 18:06
not much point in them joing they loose most matches...........
They were added because over the 3 years or so before they'd beaten about all the nations in the 5 Nations as it then was. But the ruling people waited a season or two to think about it, and some important members of the side that beat the teams retired. But they are improving as they go on.
France to win it.
Scotland to do better than expected.
Ireland and England to do less well than expected (several of Ireland's best players are aging, and England play the most boring rugby you can find, but I think they'll force their way into second, and I think it'll be their undoing, either now, or in the 2007 World Cup when they haven't blooded enough young excited players)..
Wales to end up around 3rd
Pure Metal
03-02-2006, 18:09
England play Wales in 1st match at Twickinham
aw man, thats the match i always look forward to the most... and its first :(
ah well, start off with a bang hopefully :)
Anarchic Christians
03-02-2006, 18:24
*Starts singing 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot'*
I'll support England, natch.
italy joined the 6N to increase the popularity of rugby in the country adn becuase they had entered the top 10 in the world. In the first few years they got beaten easly but there drawing level with Scotland now and I think they'll be on par with Wales in 5 years. Basically it was brining another nation into the fold-next we should bring in the USA and Canda. The Tri-Nations should bring in Argentina and the Pacific Island, proably Japan as well.
And on whos going to win, theres only one answer-France. I hate to say it but there the only ones whp can rival the All Blacks at the moment, there pack is proably the 2nd or third best in the world (England and new Zealand being the other two best) there backline is eltric-Mitilak, Jauzion, Yachvili, heymans, Dominici, Fritz and Boyet are all incredable back players on par with any in the world while France seem to have a strange ability to produce world class backrows all the time-constantly.
England are proably the second best in the tournment and I'll be supporting them. They have the best pack in the world, and a good half-back combination. They have a huge amount of talent-Lund, Smith, JSD, Varnell, Lewsey, Voyce, Sheiden, Corry, Moody-but are sadly lead by a very conservative forwards coach who insists on picking a big, unskillful team, a team of old favorates. It is a testiment to AR stupidity that Lund, Varnbell, Abbot and Smith are all in England A.
Ireland should come 3rd. There regions are strong this year, Munster with there massive pack and lenster with there back. irland have the best backs in the 6N-if not the world- but are sadly lacking in the front 5.
Wales are crippled by injury, there eltric backline are all out and half of there Grand Slam Winning squad of last year are out with injury. They can still suprise people but there pack will be shoved around and there world class performers are all out except for Thomas, Williams and Peel.
Scotland are in a rebuilding satge, m,y tips for the wooden spoon. The choice of Jason White as Captain is inspired but I can't see them beating anyone-not even italy away.
italy are a developing nation, brought into the tournemtn in a fit of insperation by the IRB, they can only hoep to pick of a win at home against Scotland.
British persons
03-02-2006, 19:37
i would not like to see the USA join in. They can keep to their baseball and other such sports that Americans only play at proffesional level.
Come the day and come the hour
Come the power and the glory
We have come to answer
Our Country's call
From the four proud provinces of Ireland
Ireland, Ireland,
Together standing tall
Shoulder to shoulder
We'll answer Ireland's call
etc. etc.
Come the day and come the hour
Come the power and the glory
We have come to answer
Our Country's call
From the four proud provinces of Ireland
Ireland, Ireland,
Together standing tall
Shoulder to shoulder
We'll answer Ireland's call
etc. etc.
You gotta fancy Ireland for the thing if we can get the luck of Munster and Lenster to rub off.I'd say we have a good chance of a triple crown win.Maybe a six nations.France is always a major concern for us and have you seen Toulouse of Perpengin. this year.Yikes..
England play Wales in 1st match at Twickinham
....the first match is in Landsdowne Road.
Tomasalia
03-02-2006, 20:28
italy joined the 6N to increase the popularity of rugby in the country adn becuase they had entered the top 10 in the world. In the first few years they got beaten easly but there drawing level with Scotland now and I think they'll be on par with Wales in 5 years.
I doubt it, Wales are much stronger than in previous years, Ireland are declining for me, Wales are on the up.
England are proably the second best in the tournment and I'll be supporting them. They have the best pack in the world,
Don't think so. The pack Robinson has picked is far too slow, even in the backrow, it's much too easy for opponents to slow the ball down.
and a good half-back combination.
A good outside-half, but no good scrum halfs. Ellis and Dawson have about the slowest pass in World Rugby.
Ireland should come 3rd. There regions are strong this year, Munster with there massive pack and lenster with there back. irland have the best backs in the 6N-if not the world- but are sadly lacking in the front 5.
Regions aren't everything, the Irish regions have most of the Int'l team split between them, so they should do well. The Welsh regions did rubbish last year, and Wales won the Grand Slam. I'd take the French and definitely the NZ backs over the Irish. Possibly some others as well.
Wales are crippled by injury, there eltric backline are all out and half of there Grand Slam Winning squad of last year are out with injury. They can still suprise people but there pack will be shoved around and there world class performers are all out except for Thomas, Williams and Peel.
Half? 6 players isn't half of a 22 man squad is it? Henson and Shanklin are out, but apart from that the backline's still mostly intact.
(btw, which Williams do you mean, there are a few of them;) )
Wales' pack got pushed around a bit last time, what they try and do to compensate is for forwards to off-load and keep the ball out of contact as much as possible, and counter attack as much as possible.
A few interesting stats:
England are consistently scoring fewer and fewer tries each tournament, and have been since 2001. Last year, the team with the highest number of rucks and mauls, and highest average time in possession was England and they finished 4th. Given Robinsons addiction to keeping it tight, he may not get the success that is expected, even if the pack dominates..
I can't wait till next year for a match at croke park.*Feels pangs of irish pride*
I can't wait till next year for a match at croke park.*Feels pangs of irish pride*
Even from a northern unionist perspective it's good to see. Rugby being played in a GAA ground. A good example.
I doubt it, Wales are much stronger than in previous years, Ireland are declining for me, Wales are on the up.
I disagree, you have no strength in Depth, I feel last year you wehre lucky.
Don't think so. The pack Robinson has picked is far too slow, even in the backrow, it's much too easy for opponents to slow the ball down.
The front row are very mobile, Stevens, Sheriden and Tompson are all very quick and good runners. Grewcock and Borthwick are also quite mobile, as is Moody. Worsleys a big lump but Cozza can shift when he wants too.
A good outside-half, but no good scrum halfs. Ellis and Dawson have about the slowest pass in World Rugby.
Dawson is too old. Ellis actually has quite a quick pass, but for some reason once he gets onto international level it goes. No idea why. Players that come back to the Tigers after playign with England always come back worse than before.
Half? 6 players isn't half of a 22 man squad is it? Henson and Shanklin are out, but apart from that the backline's still mostly intact.
(btw, which Williams do you mean, there are a few of them;) )
Shane.
A few interesting stats:
England are consistently scoring fewer and fewer tries each tournament, and have been since 2001. Last year, the team with the highest number of rucks and mauls, and highest average time in possession was England and they finished 4th. Given Robinsons addiction to keeping it tight, he may not get the success that is expected, even if the pack dominates..
Which is why i would prefer Robson out and Abbot JSD and Varnell in the back line.
Ellis
Hodgeson
Varnell
Abbot
JSD/Smith
Cueto
Lewsey
Now that is a quality abck line, but robinson loves Noon and Tindall. :(
Tomasalia
03-02-2006, 21:14
:D I disagree, you have no strength in Depth, I feel last year you wehre lucky.
This year'll be the test. Arguably England had their depth tested last year, and probably failed in finishing fourth.
The front row are very mobile, Stevens, Sheriden and Tompson are all very quick and good runners. Grewcock and Borthwick are also quite mobile, as is Moody. Worsleys a big lump but Cozza can shift when he wants too.
They're all quite mobile, but there's no genuine openside, hence why England are usually always 2nd to the breakdown, ending in slow ball. And Moody guarantees the opposition a lot of penalties. If Moody gets injured/suspended, then the back row'll be Corry, Worsley, and Dallagllio, who (and lets be fair) would have trouble beating a tortoise in a sprint. ;)
Dawson is too old. Ellis actually has quite a quick pass, but for some reason once he gets onto international level it goes. No idea why. Players that come back to the Tigers after playign with England always come back worse than before.
It's a conspiracy, so shh
Shane.
Ah, we do lack surnames, I remember Wales once had 7 Jones' in the starting team, the commentator had endless trouble:D
Which is why i would prefer Robson out and Abbot JSD and Varnell in the back line.
Ellis
Hodgeson
Varnell
Abbot
JSD/Smith
Cueto
Lewsey
Now that is a quality abck line, but robinson loves Noon and Tindall. :(
That would be an exciting back line. As it is, I think the England wingers could probably sit sidelines for all the ball they're going to get.
Have to say I'm looking forward to the next few years of 6N more than ever, with hopefully more sides competing.
Wales looking like dragging themselves back into a quality side, Ireland still pretty strong, Scotland (and perhaps Italy though not as much) improving. England looking to find their feet (though they have to get rid of Robinson quickly, otherwise come 2007 the side'll be full of old past it players playing boring rugby), and France always strong and always unpredictable (In the words of the French captain "Sometimes we play like the birds in the sky, and sometimes we're just sh!t" or something like that). Much more exciting than one or two nations dominating.
Even from a northern unionist perspective it's good to see. Rugby being played in a GAA ground. A good example.
True. Its time to get rid of those divisions.Its a great stadium which only gets used a handful of times a year.
Aggretia
03-02-2006, 22:27
Who will win the Six nations???
America of course!
America of course!
Don't do that! Cola just came out my nose.
Heron-Marked Warriors
03-02-2006, 22:32
What's with all the question marks on the poll?
And England FTW!
Pure Metal
03-02-2006, 22:36
America of course!
n00k Twickenham!!1!!!11!
Reverse cascades
04-02-2006, 01:37
Who will win the Six nations???
I voted France, but it might as well be England. Half and half, really...I feel they'll turn out to be pretty much equal.
I voted France, but it might as well be England. Half and half, really...I feel they'll turn out to be pretty much equal.
The diffrence is-France have backs. England have Tindall
Harlesburg
04-02-2006, 11:09
Italy? How did they get onto that list?
Nuu Zeelanders. ^_^
Nuu Zeelanders. ^_^
Dsidn't get that one.
Harlesburg
04-02-2006, 11:35
Dsidn't get that one.
Rima Whakarua
Kevin or Jerome or Andrew Persecoe
John Kirwin
Some other New Zealander
Have all influenced Italy's top team greatly and for the better.
Heavenly Sex
04-02-2006, 11:36
I'd say England is a sure bet.
Iesus Christi
04-02-2006, 11:41
The French. The English dont look up to it at all, and the rest look poor at best.....(also, the french will win the world cup when it rolls around too)
Harlesburg
04-02-2006, 11:47
I voted for France.
i voted France, but i do hope that one of the underdogs (not England/France) wins.
Tomasalia
04-02-2006, 19:17
Rima Whakarua
Kevin or Jerome or Andrew Persecoe
John Kirwin
Some other New Zealander
Have all influenced Italy's top team greatly and for the better.
Persico and Wakarua who are on the bench. Since when did the coach of the side have to be from the country?
If anything it's argentine converts helping Italy.
France'll win.
Italy did very well and Ireland were very lucky.
England played boring rugby until the game was dead, and benefited from some iffy refereeing (most obviously Dawson's knock-on being missed, and Martin Williams getting sin-binned for doing something that both packs did through-out the game).
England played boring rugby until the game was dead, and benefited from some iffy refereeing (most obviously Dawson's knock-on being missed, and Martin Williams getting sin-binned for doing something that both packs did through-out the game).
You missed the passing out of tackles then? I thought England played good rugby-both sides played good rugby. Both sides benfitted from a poor ref. Wales should have had 2 or 3 more sinbinnings and a sending oiff.
San haiti
04-02-2006, 19:35
47-13!!!
And the previous year's grand slam winners get a good drubbing from England. What say the England doubters now then?
And some people said they were the underdogs.
Admittedly the Dawson try was a knock on but I seem to remember there being quite a few decisions that went against us last year and its not like 1 try would have made a large difference.
Tomasalia
04-02-2006, 19:50
You missed the passing out of tackles then? I thought England played good rugby-both sides played good rugby. Both sides benfitted from a poor ref. Wales should have had 2 or 3 more sinbinnings and a sending oiff.
I saw the passing out of tackles, but before the last 5 mins that was confined to run straight, pop up and into the next tackle. It was better than England's traditional style, but not exactly what I'd call adventurous.
More sinbinnings and a sending off?? What for, Martin Williams got penalised to what all forwards do every game (including both packs in this one). Adam Jones got penalised for driving the same way Sheridan was. What would the cards have been for?
England were too strong for Wales' injury depleted side in the literal sense. Put the injured players (esp the centres back in) and I think Wales are the better side. England deserved their victory all the same.
But we're a young team, come 2007 I think we might be the dark horse of the tournament.:)
I saw the passing out of tackles, but before the last 5 mins that was confined to run straight, pop up and into the next tackle. It was better than England's traditional style, but not exactly what I'd call adventurous.
More sinbinnings and a sending off?? What for, Martin Williams got penalised to what all forwards do every game (including both packs in this one). Adam Jones got penalised for driving the same way Sheridan was. What would the cards have been for?
England were too strong for Wales' injury depleted side in the literal sense. Put the injured players (esp the centres back in) and I think Wales are the better side. England deserved their victory all the same.
But we're a young team, come 2007 I think we might be the dark horse of the tournament.:)
Constan tly spoiling the ball when Elgnad where in there 22, Spear tackles...
Psychotic Mongooses
05-02-2006, 15:42
Heart goes for home.
Head goes for France.
France it is.
England will grind out a fee dodgy results but will suffer at the hands of an on form French side.
Wales will pick it up towards the end of the competition.
Italy will snatch a win against the Scots, come close to the Welsh.
Scots will take the wooden spoon.
Irish will lose heavily to the French and fight a scrappy match against the English.
Tomasalia
05-02-2006, 17:13
Constan tly spoiling the ball when Elgnad where in there 22, Spear tackles...
I saw plenty of slowing the ball down from both sides.
Spear tackles? The new buzz word of rugby since Tanagate. If you're referring to Shane Williams, then that wasn't a spear tackle. The rules state you have to bring a player down safely, and Cueto landed on his feet. You can't call a player landing on his feet a spear tackle.
Gooooold
05-02-2006, 17:57
Scotland just beat France 20 - 16 :D
ProMonkians
05-02-2006, 18:06
Scotland just beat France 20 - 16 :D
It was good, but unfortunately it makes an English victory more likely :(
And thats a bad thing?
GO SCOTLAND!
Tomasalia
06-02-2006, 23:27
And thats a bad thing?
GO SCOTLAND!
A bad thing for all concerned I feel.
The rest of the nations have to live with England winning "graciously" as ever:rolleyes:
And England get to take Robinson into the next World Cup and beyond because of his "success" and with him believing even more strongly in his tactics. (I feel sorry for Ollie Smith and Abbot, from the looks of it they're not going to make many International appearances for the next few years).
Oh hell, Wales have yet more injuries, I think we're missing about 11 players now. Look to next year is all we can hope for now I feel:(
A bad thing for all concerned I feel.
The rest of the nations have to live with England winning "graciously" as ever:rolleyes:
And England get to take Robinson into the next World Cup and beyond because of his "success" and with him believing even more strongly in his tactics. (I feel sorry for Ollie Smith and Abbot, from the looks of it they're not going to make many International appearances for the next few years).
Oh hell, Wales have yet more injuries, I think we're missing about 11 players now. Look to next year is all we can hope for now I feel:(
I don't see why england are viewed as arrogant-we seem to get a raw deal, we say somthing and it gets branded as arragance, the oppersitian say the same thing and they get branded heros.