I wrote this lot at silly o'clock this morning, but forgot to post it. I'm surprised there isn't a Six Nations thread already, actually!

SIX NATIONS 2008 PREVIEW

France

Favourites, not necessarily on the back of their World Cup performances, but by being the most accomplished Northern Hemisphere side of recent year. The thing is though, half the World Cup squad has gone, and they’ve sacked Laporte. A wholly new squad in reality, and that just adds more unpredictability to the world’s most unpredictable side.

Home matches against Ireland and England will give them a lot of hope, but the first match away at Murrayfield could be sticky for Les Bleus.

7/4 looks far too short in a tournament which could be open, but it’s hardly surprising they’re short.

Ireland

How many times have we shot ourselves in the foot in recent times? An inexcusable lack of discipline and concentration against France at Croke Park last year cost us the Grand Slam, and I hope it was just the hangover from that which caused us to fail so abysmally in the World Cup.

We’re still licking the wounds from that, and this campaign looks tough. Away matches at Twickenham and Paris will make life difficult, and so a convincing victory is needed against Italy.

Without that, we could be in real trouble from the outset, as scoring points is a problem, and we have an ageing squad, especially having worries about at least two of the talismen, in Gordon D’Arcy (form), and the Great Leader Brian O’Driscoll (fitness).

The silver lining? We’re no-hopers this year. Which suits us fine.

England

What a World Cup for the previous holders considering how badly they started! A pretty average 2007 Six Nations hardly engendered confidence, but they got beaten by the better side in the final, after an epic tourney.

I have nagging doubts about the selection for the first match v Wales, which seems to be very cautious.

Probably right to be second favourites, and never to be underestimated, but I just have a feeling that they might be overestimated for once.

Wales

My pick as the value at about 9/1, but really as more of a hunch than anything. I’m surprised by the 13 Ospreys players picked for the first match, and actually, it worries me a bit. If the Welsh are so lacking in depth around the country, then they might not last the distance. A tough assignment against England away might get them off on the wrong foot, but it’s just possible that such a tight squad could be well gelled.

I’m really struggling to find a bet, so they’re my pick, though they could easily pick up the Wooden Spoon as well.

Scotland

Improved in the last couple of years, but still lack the real strength to challenge strongly. That said, they take on a possibly disjointed French side first up, and might spring a surprise there, and have England at home too. If those matches go against them, then the 4/1 available on them taking the Wooden Spoon might be some value.

I really can’t see Scotland mounting a serious challenge for the title though.

Italy

But for a missed penalty would have been in the Quarter-Finals of the World Cup, and had their best ever Six Nations tournament last year. A huge pack could bring some even more attritional rugby than usual from them, which means if they lose, it will probably be by few points, so get on the handicap betting if you like a bit of 10/11 per match.

A potential disaster could await at Croke Park, but a home match to Scotland may be enough to ensure that they won’t have the Wooden Spoon again.

Verdict

Frankly, I’m not convinced by anyone, but Wales look the value bet, but it’s one for small stakes. I don’t fancy my mob’s chances at all, and France and England look too short a price, and vulnerable to back.

This one could be a roller-coaster!

Well your verdict on Ireland was entirely borne out by events ... a struggling team, just barely holding on to win.


What the blazes were England doing in the second half? They sure as hell weren't playing rugby ... not any kind that I've ever seen before, anyway. They looked like they'd forgotten why they were on the pitch, or what the strange oval-shaped thing was for.

For some reason, it seemed to me that they thought they'd all become League players and forgot about the XV man game.

I think there was some real complacency at Twickers this afternoon.

For some reason, it seemed to me that they thought they'd all become League players and forgot about the XV man game.


League players don't wildly toss the ball backwards in a panic because they've been tackled without support, nor do they make a habit of passing to a large area of empty space...

....it just seemed to me like they'd had a collective brain cramp.

True enough, but I think they actually thought they could spray it about, when the English game has been traditionally built on keeping possession and forward play.

It's a fair point though; England, quite literally, threw it away.

Scotland at Murrayfield and England losing out in the Grand Slam and Triple Crown in a "Mad" 40 mins. What an incentive for Scotland to do well this afternoon against France. "BRING IT ON!!!"
Like the look of Eoin Reddan yesterday, has the makings of a match winner.

I am quite happy with Ireland's result. A win is a win and Italy are no longer minnows (as Wales and Scotland found out last year).

I am quite happy with Ireland's result. A win is a win and Italy are no longer minnows (as Wales and Scotland found out last year).

True, the days of expecting to beat them 58 points to three are long gone; but Ireland would have hoped for a better performance than they showed yesterday.

Still, winning while playing badly is the hallmark of a good side.

Have sent "wooden spoon" in the post as after this afternoon's display by Scotland, that's all they will get. what an embarrassment. They played like they had just had a 5 course meal followed by 6 pints of lager.:mad:

To be honest, I don't think France looked particularly good, and the shambolic second try was what really did for Scotland in my eyes. Had that been cleared simply and effectively (as it should have been), it wouldn't have been such a mountain to climb. The Scottish coaches could do with explaining the knock on rule as well.

There were too many basic errors, but I can see talent in the Scottish side.

Just.

If Paterson and Cusiter could have played a full 80 minutes, it may have been a much different story as well. The debutant Di Luca grew in stature through the game too, and deserves a second chance.


Latest Billy Hills betting:

France - 4/6F
Wales - 7/2
England - 11/2
Ireland - 6/1
Scotland - 40/1
Italy - 150/1

What on earth is Brian Ashton saying to the England team at half time? Once again they played well in the first 40 minutes and were totally pummelled in the second half. Fair play to Italy, if their line out had worked better they would have won.

What on earth is Brian Ashton saying to the England team at half time? Once again they played well in the first 40 minutes and were totally pummelled in the second half. Fair play to Italy, if their line out had worked better they would have won.

That or if they had a genuine international-class player or two in the backs ... their pack is a match for anyone, but they're weak behind it.

I don't think anyone knows what's wrong with England. At least we were treated to the sound of Brian Moore totally losing his rag with them :D

That or if they had a genuine international-class player or two in the backs ... their pack is a match for anyone, but they're weak behind it.

I don't think anyone knows what's wrong with England. At least we were treated to the sound of Brian Moore totally losing his rag with them :D

Which was utterly hilarious :hihi:. Ok, he's as opinionated as it gets, and usually just a touch biased, but today's masterclass in anger management was something to be beheld :hihi:

Just want to say 1 thing....

C'mon Boyos!

Can't tell you how proud of my welsh boys I am. To beat England at Twickers - the first time in 20yrs! What a day for welsh rugby!

The Scottish gave us some trouble and we still need to pick up on certain aspects if we are going to succed in the next 3 games!

I have my welsh shirt and cap ready and the daffodils all over the house!

England's performance should be seen in the context that Italy are now a very formidable team, having beaten Scotland and Wales last year. Ireland were so close, but could still retain the Triple Crown.

In which case the form was franked with a comprehensive Welsh victory today. The Boys In Green were workmanlike, and profited on some Scottish mistakes, but still didn't look in full flow.

Scotland didn't deserve that scoreline in my opinion, as they seemed closer than that, but it was definitely the right result, and I'll take the late try for the points difference, even though I'm sure it won't make any difference.

The game in Paris looks fascinating, especially if France don't turn up.

Wales were awesome in the second half IMO, Italy could and possibly should have gone in at half time ahead but weren't at the races after the break.

Didn't watch much of Ireland - Scotland, as I was in town.

Now, France v England or the pub? Decisions decisions...

I'm watching it, and then the last'uns :thumbsup:

I'm watching it, and then the last'uns :thumbsup:

That's my decision too!

Was thinking of going at half-time but, no chance!

Latest betting (best/worst odds I can find from the main High Street bookies:

France 2/1 (Paddy Power/Brokelads)/ 4/7F (Betfred)
Wales 11/4 (Betfred)/ Evens F (Paddy Power/Brokelads)
England 6/1 (Betfred)/ 9/2 (Paddy Power/Brokelads)
Ireland 10/1 (Betfred)/ 15/2 (William Hill)

CIPRIANI OUT - If playing for England means so much - interview with Danny Cipriani earlier this week - why does he break a curfew and find himself out of the match at Murrayfield?
Totally disagree with Wasps describing it as "harsh". Poor Ashton can't win - rules are laid down and then when the tail wags the dog, Ashton is deemed the baddie!
If one is let off, what happens later when others cross the line?
Bite the bullet sunshine and LEARN!

CIPRIANI OUT - If playing for England means so much - interview with Danny Cipriani earlier this week - why does he break a curfew and find himself out of the match at Murrayfield?
Totally disagree with Wasps describing it as "harsh". Poor Ashton can't win - rules are laid down and then when the tail wags the dog, Ashton is deemed the baddie!
If one is let off, what happens later when others cross the line?
Bite the bullet sunshine and LEARN!

I've just been listening to Radio 5 and they're saying Cipriani was in the club from 1200 to 1220 to give tickets to a friend, and the England team are NOT under a curfew. To me Brian Ashton has well and truly shot himself in the foot.

I've just been listening to Radio 5 and they're saying Cipriani was in the club from 1200 to 1220 to give tickets to a friend, and the England team are NOT under a curfew. To me Brian Ashton has well and truly shot himself in the foot.

I don't think so. Cipriani is the one to answer the questions. Wasps' coach McGeechan has described Cipriani's action as "naive" which suggests to me he was somewhere he shouldn't have been.
If you don't like Sky's description of 'curfew' we'll call it "inappropriate behaviour".
http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyunion/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rugby/08/03/06/RUGBYU_England_Cipriani.html

Geordan Murphy AND Girvan Dempsey injured so Kearney will start at full back at Croke tomorrow.

I don't think so. Cipriani is the one to answer the questions. Wasps' coach McGeechan has described Cipriani's action as "naive" which suggests to me he was somewhere he shouldn't have been.
If you don't like Sky's description of 'curfew' we'll call it "inappropriate behaviour".
http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyunion/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rugby/08/03/06/RUGBYU_England_Cipriani.html

Personally I can't see any reason why Cipriani should have been dropped. There is no evidence to say that his behaviour was inappropriate.

Notice that Balshaw has been drafted straight back in when his previous performances have been an embarrassment. No Lewsey, no Tait, no other full-time premiership full-back.

My guess is that Balshaw is his pet bunny who he never wanted to drop and that's why Cipriani was dealt with so harshly. No points for guessing who's going to be frozen in the headlights again at Murrayfield this weekend.




*he'll probably have a blinder now I've said that

Personally I can't see any reason why Cipriani should have been dropped. There is no evidence to say that his behaviour was inappropriate.

"The dropping of Cipriani has received a mixed reaction with some people saying England coach Brian Ashton may have been too harsh on the young Wasps player. But Cipriani has accepted he is in the wrong.

Cipriani said: "Rules are rules and I realise that popping into a nightclub, even though it was barely for 15 minutes, was not something I should have been doing." - Daily Telegraph

Rules are indeed rules. You tell him Brian!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/03/07/srmoor107.xml

Brian is great comedy value, but it's interesting that someone who advocates operating outside the law on the pitch can be so adamant about a self imposed code of behaviour off it. There's wrong and there's wrong; what Cipriani did warranted no more than a rap on the knuckles.

Well done to the Welsh. They deserved the win and the Triple Crown. On a positive note for myself, My bet on Wales for the title at 9/1 is looking stronger!

I'm trying to listen to the Scotland V England match and Matt Dawson is doing my head in. He is nearly as bad as Steve Claridge

And hearty congratulations to Scotland. A deeply ugly performance, but with tremendous grit and determination. Granted, England were poor, but let's not take that away from Scotland's perseverence and fight.

not wanted, I know he's only just a bit biased, but Brian Moore is a comedy genius! The highlight for me today was when he and Eddie O'Sullivan were arguing about the 'non-award' of a penalty, we had,

Moore: "It's a penalty."
O'Sullivan: "I'm not sure."
Moore: "Oh. Ok. It's 'not' a penalty. Is that because it's Jonny again?"
O'Sullivan: "No not at a......."
Moore: "It's a penalty!"

Nowhere near the standards of the other week, but it still made me giggle.

Johnny got his record, We kept our pride and the Dragons go marching on. Lets hope the Frogs don't give them indigestion as I think this is Wales' year.

And hearty congratulations to Scotland. A deeply ugly performance, but with tremendous grit and determination. Granted, England were poor, but let's not take that away from Scotland's perseverence and fight.


England were poor, were they?

Let's be frank here. Scotland were utterly abysmal. They only won because England, the Lord only knows how, found a way to be even worse.

I think the Scotland v England match was about the worst International I've ever seen. I heard Ian Robertson use the term 'schoolboy errors' as first one team and then the other just punted balls down the middle of the field, straight into the arms of the backs. It was aimless and there were about six together with then Wilkinson failing to find touch but at least trying! It was very trying! No wonder the commentators - both radio and TV - were becoming exasperated at the tactics.
Unbelievable the boneheads giving crucial penalties away by indiscipline. None more so than Jackman at Croke which left Ireland needing a try which wasn't forthcoming.

England were poor, were they?

Let's be frank here. Scotland were utterly abysmal. They only won because England, the Lord only knows how, found a way to be even worse.

Less abysmal than Scotland, and that win could just lift a few Scottish hearts in the camp.

I'm already thinking of looking at backing Scotland on the handicap lists next season as they've declined so much, there may be the same value as I've plundered with Italy in the same vein over the last few years.

I do, however, think that credit be given to the winning side who simply refused to be beaten.

I think the Scotland v England matches was about the worst International I've ever seen. I heard Ian Robertson use the term 'schoolboy errors' as first one team and then the other just punted balls down the middle of the field, straight into the arms of the backs. It was aimless and there were about six together with then Wilkinson failing to find touch but at least trying! It was very trying! No wonder the commentators - both radio and TV - were becoming exasperated at the tactics.
Unbelievable the boneheads giving crucial penalties away by indiscipline. None more so than Jackman at Croke which left Ireland needing a try which wasn't forthcoming.

I think your first sentence is particularly accurate, however I still wouldn't begrudge the Scots a few firewaters tonight.

As for the ridiculous charge by Jackman to that ruck, I shall remain silent. The air around me turned from green to blue, which given my sporting affiliations, is not a colour I'd like to see in my house.

Johnny got his record, We kept our pride and the Dragons go marching on. Lets hope the Frogs don't give them indigestion as I think this is Wales' year.

Well, I did say so in my earlier preview, but I only had £10 at 9/1. They looked real value at that price, but I feel a choker against France for my money.

It's the way my bets have been going recently.