Six Nations starts here...
- 24 Jan 07, 02:29 PM
Hurlingham Club, London - "It's time to let rugby do the talking. Let the games begin."
So said Jacques Laurans, chairman of the RBS Six Nations committee, at the official launch of the competition at the plush Hurlingham Club in snowy south west London on Wednesday.
They were all there, the great and the good of the European game, with captains and coaches from each side exposed to the media for a one-hit quotes-fest.
The general consensus among the press and the pundits is that Ireland are marginal favourites in one of the most open Six Nations for years. And forget old Calcutta Cup rivalries. The opener between is going to be a positive giggle.
Of course it's not, really. But while the serious business of grilling the coaches was going on elsewhere, I opted to seek out past stars for a more rounded perspective, and it was interesting to hear England World Cup winners Matt Dawson and Jason Leonard talking about how new coach Brian Ashton will get his men playing with a smile on their faces again.
Meanwhile, over in the Scotland camp, former captain David Sole reckoned the Scottish resurgence under Frank Hadden had been because the coach empowered his players to, yes, "play with a smile on their faces". So expect 30 grinning idiots facing each at 1600 GMT at Twickenham on 3 February.
There's certainly a growing school of thought that Ashton's first team will have a fresh look to it, with rugby league convert Andy Farrell many people's tip to start in the centres.
I did overhear England skipper Phil Vickery saying he'd only met Farrell at training this week, but was already won over. "He's alright. He bought me a cup of coffee. That's all it takes with me," said Vickery.
For Scotland, there's still plenty of uncertainty over the fly-half position, but the word is that scrum-half Chris Cusiter has made a quicker-than-expected recovery from injury and could well be back in the reckoning.
Former Ireland captain Keith Wood was confident the Irish would be crowned champions, but he admits they could struggle with the favouritism tag.
"It never sits well with the Irish, we're totally uncomfortable with it," he said. "We were downtrodden for a long time, socially, as nation. That's going thankfully, and while you still want to respect the opposition, you don鈥檛 want to kowtow to them."
Ex-Wales skipper Ieuan Evans, meanwhile, was keen for Gareth Jenkins' side to establish early in the tournament what sort of game they are going to play.
"Our strength is an ability to create. We've some very talented footballers in the backline if they are allowed to play their natural game. But they need a solid platform up front," he said.
As for France, Sale coach and former France captain Philippe Saint-Andre told me that the old saying that "nobody knows which French side is going to turn up", should be a thing of the past.
"There's so much competition for places and the dream for everyone is to play in the World Cup. There will be revolution in France if we go to sleep for 40 minutes. The expectation for the World Cup is a minimum of reaching the final, so for this you need to be consistent in the Six Nations."
And Italy? Well, everyone agrees they are an increasing danger and an asset to the tournament. "The competition needs them. And Rome's a fantastic place to go for a match," said Wood.
After three hours of general flesh-pressing, we were ushered in to listen to some official speeches, and hear about new delights such as the "Garibaldi Trophy", designed by France legend Jean-Pierre Rives, for the annual winners of the France v Italy match.
But Monsieur Laurans slightly jumped the gun. We've still got more than a week's worth of talking yet. Over to you.
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Rob lives! Hurrah! Good to see you back on the blog pal!
Nice press launch analylsis by the by, nice to have off the cuff remarks by the good and great of the game being reported instead of annoying "at the end of the day..." style sound bites.
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Hey Rob
great atricle.. is it your first, keep it up, really interesting informative and well written. Do you think BRian Ashton will have an immediate impact, or do you think it wil be gradual
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Ireland will not daunted by the favoutite tags and as long as they don't give into complacency have the chance to deliver their first six nations grand slam.I think of the other teams Wales need to put down a marker before the world cup that they are a team to be feared. Let's see some fast paced entertaining rugby
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love th coumn and i think ur rite about th england resurgence being like what scotland did last year i honestly think if england can just get a different attitude they really have got a team tht will do well
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This could be one of the closest 6 Nations in Recent Years. Ireland have their dominance in the autumn tests which would of been a major confidence booster, which is why they have been tipped the favourites to win the competition, Wales the Grand Slam winners from a couple of years back, suffered a massive injury loss last year during the 6 Nations, they are nearly back to full strength, but I dont think they will bounce back this year. The French the Team everyone has been calling the main challengers to New Zealand before the Autumn Internationals, now a team on the decline in my book although they are very dangerous on their home soil, which makes them a scary team to face, they will certainly be there when it comes to the final couple of games. England last years flop artists, now after an abismal Autumn and really last couple of years, they will be looking to start gaining momentum, the key being winning and making Twickenham a Fortress like it once was. A new coach and new lineup with bright young talent mixed with experience, will help merge the squad together and hopefully into a gelled unit. Scotland well they had one of their best Six Nations last year, with lots of bright tallent showing for them, they have been slightly plagued with injury so far this season, but that wont stop the Scots putting on a brave performance. And Finally Italy always the underdogs, but always improving since they joined the 6 Nations a couple of years back now they have improved every year, although they are always usually on the foot of the table, this year they could move off that foot with a stronger team playing and a lot more of their players playing a higher level of Rugby.
So all in all a close Six Nations.
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Wales will not be producing the rugby of two seasons ago with the game plan they exhibited during the autumn. Unfortunately, I can't see them contesting the championship. I hope to be proved wrong.
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Thank God competitive international rugby is back. So for all the players who have managed to survive the Autumn games, Heineken cup and the many league games congratulations, now you are about to taste the cordite atmosphere of local rivalry international style. I pray as an England fanatic that we play without fear and instead of the much hackneyed term 'smile on the face' I would prefer the 'eyes wide open approach' of sportsmen playing on the edge of their ability.
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yawn. like many an exile, keith wood doesn't know what life in ireland is like these days. this irish team LOVES being favourites, they deserve to be there, and we love them for it.
bring on Europe!
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I think as per the above comments that it is a very open tournament. England have some very good players - i think the Rob Andrew situ is very unhelpful - its like the Director of Football idea - you can only have one leader. Also I think M Corry will feel better as a vice captain. Think England lack a few choices in the backs. M Johnson was so immense 4 England as a Captain and just generally around the field - can't see anyone in the England side that commands that respect!
Wales are always capable of beating anyone on their day. Cardiff is the best place to see a rugby match anywhere in the world - there is no better atmosphere.
This is the best Irish side I've ever seen - pity about Horgan being injured. Think P O'Connell should be captain and that the toughest match will be against Wales. The recent HC results for Munster and Leinster will be good 4 Ireland.
The French say they are experimenting for the WC - i think they have a few too many old players. But never write them off.
Scotland the brave will be just that - there is not enough strength in depth in the squad.
Italy are great to watch - think they will finish mid table.
And lets get Argentina to join - they have proved themeselves again and again. Madrid would be a great city for a 6 nations weekend!!!
Let the show begin!
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Only one team that have been playing any decent rugby...you'll never beat the Irish!
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Yes letting argentina join the 6-nations would increase competition again, but surely it would make the competition far too big? 7 nations? an extra weekend?
besides, i thought the 6 nations was meant to be a northern hemisphere thing? also, would be a little odd to have a 7 nation competition in the north and still only a 3 nation competition down south, let argentina join the tri-nations instead!
they can't beat england again that way...
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Quite right in stating this is going to be one of the most anticipated 6 nations in years. Can England under a new coach bounce back? can the French rediscover the passion that made them a force, my money is on the Irish to challenge the formidable kiwis at this years world cup for they were the form team throughout your Autumn. Don't expect the kiwi's to fluff this years final though they have a huge squad of very talented players with only Dan Carter a sure starter [baring injury of course] a lot can happen in the next 8 months but the 6 nations results will give a fair indication of pecking order in world rugby, let the battle commence......
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To Ken Morrison, if Argentina join it'll be the 7 nations surely...
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Would love to see Argentina enter an expanded comp. Majority of their top players are in Europe so the only logical place to play. To play in an expanded southern hemishpere comp would be a huge problem for players contracted to european teams. This would also help expand rugby in general.
Regards the six nations want Ireland to win so much favourates not so happy with. Really struggle with this!
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thanks goodness the six nations is back
ireland have never played well as favourites, maybe it was good that munster lost last weekend. Expecting a lot from england if all the media hype is to be believed
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Yes it will be a Welsh year for sure!
Argentina join the competition, fantastic news that would be but i dont think the wife would be too pleased with my weekend in south america!!!
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Ireland to clean up...Wales can do well providing they learn from truly amatuer autumn series.
Argentina? C'mon, another team? another game? aren't the players knackered enough? And why is it our problem that their game isn't getting funding?
6 nations tournament is getting too big..it's like an annual mini world cup. We have to think of the implications this would have on our players and tournament, not just a "oooh..I'd quite like to go to Madrid in May.."
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What happened to the idea of Argentina playing an Americas Tri-Nations with Canda and the Septics. For me this would build on the game over there and who knows, give it 12 or so years would make a for a far more competitive WC.
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i agree - the six nations should stay as they are. This period wrecks my wallet and my liver as it is!! Argentina would make a marvellous asset to the tri-nations and after a few years in the tournament i could see them being contenders for the RWC. An Americas cup is a great idea except for the money side of it. Now that melville is in charge of the US rugby set up - i can see them moving on. Rugby is an amazing uniting sport and we need more countries playing at a good level. god i cant wait for a week saturday........
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Keith Woods belongs to a different era and doesn't understand modern Ireland. Yes 10 year have made a huge difference in the national psyche. I agree with a previous comment that this team aren't bothered by the favourites tag.
Keith's crowd would have wet there knickers at the thought of being favourites.
Ireland have a good chance of winning this thing and the most important game will be against the Welsh. Up front we have a hard edge and some great backs behind. This will be a very open 6 Nations so expect some very tight games.
Should be good.
No. It will be great, bring them on!
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I love watching the argies play, i think they are an exceptional team, and lets not forget, they have turned the welsh over in the recent past. But it is completely impossible to allow them into the 6 nations, for simple logistical as well as financial reasons. The tri nations are too arrogant to let them in as well, which is a disgrace! So the only option is Argentina, US, Canada and the Pacific Islands to compete. It will help develop them all. And while we are on the topic of helping countries progress, why not have a 2nd tier 6 nations equivalent for the likes of Georgia, Romania, Russia etc. They have good little teams but no developement - Georgia were one of my favourite teams to watch in the last World Cup, who can forget the shirt size of Dimitri Yachvilli's brother, "un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq xl!!! "
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Ah, the Irish. I am pretty nervous about this one, yes we are playing some great rugby but we still suffer from coming out slowly. If we do this against Wales and then France, our two biggests challengers, who have played predicably well against the Irish for the past few years, we'll be struggling. Ireland have to impose from the moment they step on the pitch. And we're still week in the front row, by international standards. Big John Hayes had an immense performace against the Aussies, maybe the best I've ever seen him, but he still lumbers around for much of the matches he plays.
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Italy in the top two this year... bets are on!!
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Italy in the top two this year... bets are on!!
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Nice discussion fellas!
Have to agree with most of you - I'm now getting pretty excited. It'll be fascinating to see how all the issues resolve themselves, and there's usually something that happens out of left field that none of us expected.
As an Englishman, one of the most absorbing aspects will be to see whether England really can haul themselves back into some sort of form.
If so, it would totally vindicate the removal of Robinson. If not, maybe we have to accept the current crop of players just aren't very good.
Like a few of you, I just can't see the logistics working for Argentina to be involved. And while Italy have been a huge asset, I think we should leave it there for now.
But as one of those who booed England and stayed to applaud the ecstatic Argentines at Twickenham in the autumn, I would love to see the Pumas in an expanded Tri-Nations.
Keep up the good chat!
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Hmm, tasty..Ireland are the best team (although their Front row aren't very good but assuming at least 2 S.hemisphere refs for their matches they should win it) and in O'Connell they have the closest thing in the World to being a new Jonno..He should have been the Lions leader!
England and France are in the last Chance saloon if they don't win 3 games then they will be seen as Failures. Italy have a chance but the draw doesn't favour them....Could get Nil points but be their best Rugby performance.
Wales who knows??..IF they got a lineout they would be up there with Ireland - not sure about Mr. orange at Full back.
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I do love all this anticipation leading up to the 6 nations. Will Wales finally start playing total rugby for 80 minutes? Can the Irish live up to their favourites tag? Are the French over the hill? Can England regain some kind of form? How much have Scotland improved under Hadden? And can Italy finally get their 1st away win? I'm lloking forward to every game this year, what a belter of a weekend to start with with the Calcutta Cup followed by Wales v Ireland, potentially two fo the highlights of the tournament and will definitely be a good indication of what each team can do. If Wales win, who knows they could go on and win it. Ireland win and they should win the competition. England need to win otherwise they'll be in chaos. Scotland could pull off a huge surprise if they win at Twickers and the other teams will be seriously worried about playing them. If Italy can pull something out of the bag against the French then who knows!
As I said I can't wait!!!!
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slightly off the main topic but i loved th eopening heading and paragraph as i play for Hammersmith & Fulham Rugby club which is on Hurlingham Park, which is next to the Hurlingham Club. Shame we weren't training yesterday! But if anyone wants to come down it's a cracking club to play for and the rugby is fairly respectable too.....!
Back on topic - would love to see Italy really push on and win a game or two this year! Thought they were much improved last year with a few of the stand out players of the tournament (Parisse, Bergamasco - both of them, and Bortilami). Hopefully they can find a bit more of a cutting edge in the outside backs.
Also as much as I like the Argie team and think it would be a bonus to have them in the 6N, they should really be in the trinations and have at least 1 super14 team! a seven nation tournament isn't too far off from the full blown world cup and another high impact game to squeeze into the calender, harsh on the players.
cheers and starting to get the office 'discussions' going!! ha
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Dave wrote "Keith woods" who is he?
And secondly lets not get too excited about the form of the Irish -
All 4 teams beaten in Europe last weekend - All 4 Packs bullied - Shane Horgan(hugely influential)out with injury - very little quality cover for the likes of Paul O'Connell, Ronan O'Gara, Brian O'Driscoll - we loose any of those through injury and we will struggle.
However,
We are still going to win the Slam!!!!
C'mon Ireland
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Franco Taff, it麓s not just te Welsh and English that have been turned over by the Pumas in recent years, they have beaten everyone in the 6N! As for the smaller nations in Europe, there麓s already a competition for the next 6 teams, Romania, Russia, Portugal, Georgia, Czech Republic and Spain, who just got promoted, with more divisions below.
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I think it's brilliant that there are no really obvious favourites this year. Ireland are slightly ahead of the pack, but theres hardly any difference. Nobody knows how the frnch will do, they're impossible to predict and the other 4 teams are all of the same ability!
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Have also used the proper 6 nations site in previous years and they seem to have a deal with all of the stars mentioned in this piece by Rob, which is probably why they were all there at the press launch.
I used to find it interesting reading their insights into the games on the six nations site, and believe that they normally run podcasts through the tournament to.
Also noticed that they are running what looks like a cool competition to win a huge party for your club, and have got mates to go in for it to. Slim chance I know got to try.
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