Six Nations weaknesses
- 31 Jan 07, 08:23 AM
London - Ireland may be favourites for the 2007 Six Nations and there is no doubt they have the most settled team.
For all their strengths they do have one glaring weakness which surely must cost them sooner or later, but the rest of the sides may have even greater problems of their own.
Here, I cast my eye over what will be keeping Messrs Ashton, Jenkins, Hadden, O'Sullivan, Laporte and Berbizier awake at night.
IRELAND:
The Irish go into the tournament as deserved favourites, and there is no doubt that in the likes of Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell they have world class players to call on.
However, they have one obvious weakness and that is the front row.
In the last round of Heineken Cup matches John Hayes and Marcus Horan were taken apart by the Leicester front row and their propping cupboard looks bare.
They also need to find some back-up at half-back, so Isaac Boss and Paddy Wallace look set for some game time, but it is the front row which will be worrying coach Eddie O'Sullivan the most.
ENGLAND:
Jonny Wilkinson's return to fitness has given new coach Brian Ashton a huge boost, because otherwise the fly-half ranks looked pretty threadbare.
England's weaknesses seem to be more mental and selectorial than any obvious dearth of talent, in most areas at least. Their players may not be world beaters but are they really as bad as results suggest?
One area where England have really been struggling is from nine through to 12, and although the Ellis-Wilkinson-Farrell-Tindall axis looks strong, on paper at least, the fact that Wilkinson and Farrell have been picked is undoubtedly a gamble.
The front five and back three will always be competitive given England's strength in depth, and Ashton has taken steps to sort out the back-row balance by selecting a true open-side in Magnus Lund.
ITALY:
Italy are great from one to eight, it is only once they get the ball to their backs that they start to struggle.
Their scrummage is rated as high as third in the world, behind New Zealand and Argentina, and Marco Bortolami is a consummate line-out operator.
Behind the scrum, Stade Francais centre Mirco Bergamasco is a class act but there is precious little threat from the rest of the backs. And with David Bortolussi injured they are also missing their most reliable kicker and main - some would say only - source of points.
The Italians need to develop a more rounded game plan than the limited one they have at the moment if they want to take the step up to the next level.
WALES:
If Italy are forced to play a limited game plan because of a lack of resources the same applies to Wales, although for different reasons.
They like to put pace and width on the ball and make use of their exciting backs because they do not have the power to attack in the tight and around the fringes.
Against New Zealand in the autumn their lack of physical presence was savagely exposed, and although the All Blacks are head and shoulders above the rest of the world at the moment, the way they muscled Wales aside was a stark reminder of the problems the Welsh face.
There is also an on-going debate about how best to fit all of Stephen Jones, James Hook and Gavin Henson into the same side.
SCOTLAND:
Scotland were reborn last year under Frank Hadden, playing with pace and no little skill, but their problems are similar to Wales' - they lack the power to compete with the very best.
The loss of granite-hard captain Jason White is a massive blow as his destructive tackling has become one of their biggest weapons and they have no-one else who can match his physicality.
Their on-going search for a top-class fly-half is also an issue, with former captain Gavin Hastings calling for Chris Paterson to be given the number 10 shirt.
At least the return to fitness of Chris Cusiter means they have one of their highly-rated scrum-halves available for selection.
FRANCE:
France's most obvious weakness is the lack of a top-notch fly-half, and even when Frederic Michalak is fit, he has yet to find the consistency needed at international level.
They also need to find a settled team - coach Bernard Laporte's continued tinkering no longer looks like fine-tuning and more like panic as he tries to find combinations that work.
In their last 14 Tests France have tried five fly-halves, six number eights and an astonishing eight full-backs.
Add in the absence of Fabien Pelous, the man Laporte has pencilled in to captain the French in the World Cup, and there is plenty for the World Cup hosts to think about.
Wales 27-18 England
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Interesting summary with England being given the more of benefit of the doubt than anyone else. England's entire backline is a succession of risks with no world class English scrum halves, a fly half who has only played 40-something minutes of club rugby recently and an inside centre with a great reputation in a different game altogether. The rest of the backline are indifferent or worse. Too much is also being read into Leicester's defeat of Munster. Remember Munster won the other leg of that encounter and primarily because their forwards could do enough to hold their own. That is all Ireland need to do upfront - just enough to nullify the English pack. If the England forwards are not rampant against Ireland then Ireland will get enough territory and possession to be a severe danger to England.
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This seems to be a slightly biased view. True that England are better than current results have shown. But surely their major weakness is a lack of ball skills. England's pack is full of talented runners but lacks the ability to offload in the tackle that all the other nations posess. I think we all agree that New Zealand are far and away the best and I fear that even Ireland would have suffered a mauling in the autumn had they played them.
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Strong from 9-12?
Ellis wouldn't get on Scotland's bench, Wilkinson's arms will fall off before half time and Andy Farrell's played about 3 games of rugby union.
Strong.
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I think all teams have areas of weakness, apart from New Zealand. However, where NZ are weak is when it comes to crunch matches. They seem to have a problem leaping that final hurdle. They have been tagged favourites for the past 2 World Cups but have not delivered. It's not only the Northern hemisphere teams that have weaknesses.
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I liked the comments, it's true that we're (England) taking a gamble, but I'm excited about the team, it's there to play 'no b*t rugby', Ashton has got the big guns and the big guys out there, no trying out the little youngsters who aren't ready.
But Ireland are the favourites, no doubt, i just hope that we get the ball to Robinson more than we used to, would have preferred him at full back though. I'm still watching the video of Josh Lewsey's tackle on Matt Rogers in 2003!
It's going to be a great weekend anyway, this weekend, the Six Nations rules!!!!
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I Think That Ellis Would Most Definitely Get On The Scotland Bench, On His Current Form Would Start, Dammit I Could Get On The Scotland Bench!!
I Am Getting Fed Up With People Saying Wilkinson Has Only Played 40 Minutes Blah Blah Blah, He Is A World Class Player And Absolutely Has To Play, How Can You Leave A Fit Wilkinson Out Of The Team?!
I Think We Are Strong From 9 Through To 12, They Are All Class Players And I Think Farrell Has Most Certainly Proved Himself At Club Level, Class Player...Maybe Some People Should Start Believing In This Countries Rugby Ability!! And With BA At The Helm We Will Be Going One Way...UP!
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WHAT IS ASHTON THINKING???! You can't have Wilkinson playing yet. Just bacause he is who he is, dosn't mean he can simply walk into the 1st IX. i mean, the prospects of Jonny injuring himself AGAIN is, to be frank, frighting. Give Geraghty and Flood the chance to step up to international level, give youth it's chance.
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Possibly a biased representation of England's position, but, I think the key to England's potential success (and a massive factor in their recent percieved failure) is the success or otherwise of their kicking game. If you look at the number of recent 6N games we have lost by less than 6 points in which Hodgson (or OB) has missed 5+ gettable penalties/drops its enlightening. We'd have finished 2nd or even 1st two years ago (allowing for momentum) and 3rd or 2nd last year, which wouldn't feel and look half as bad as two 4th places does... Positional kicking has also been atrocious - in the Autumn internationals and especially last year's 6Ns we had Cohen, Cueto and Voyce hack-kicking the ball into the arms of the opposition - please just leave it to JW and Farrell this time... We might actually get the field positions that allow us to turn on the forward power...
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England and especially Ashton have absolutely nothing to lose, the only way for English rugby at the moment is up. Whether this is the team to start the resurgence has yet to be seen, I really doubt it. I can understand picking a fit JW even if he has only played 40 minutes of rugby for his experience, but picking both Farrell and Tindall as the centre pairing shows a distinct lack of ambition and flair, something which was sorely missed in the Autumn internationals. England need a good win at HQ on Saturday which means that tries must be scored. I just can't see where tries are going to come from in this team. I hope I am proven wrong.
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England and especially Ashton have absolutely nothing to lose, the only way for English rugby at the moment is up. Whether this is the team to start the resurgence has yet to be seen, I really doubt it. I can understand picking a fit JW even if he has only played 40 minutes of rugby for his experience, but picking both Farrell and Tindall as the centre pairing shows a distinct lack of ambition and flair, something which was sorely missed in the Autumn internationals. England need a good win at HQ on Saturday which means that tries must be scored. I just can't see where tries are going to come from in this team. I hope I am proven wrong.
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England and especially Ashton have absolutely nothing to lose, the only way for English rugby at the moment is up. Whether this is the team to start the resurgence has yet to be seen, I really doubt it. I can understand picking a fit JW even if he has only played 40 minutes of rugby for his experience, but picking both Farrell and Tindall as the centre pairing shows a distinct lack of ambition and flair, something which was sorely missed in the Autumn internationals. England need a good win at HQ on Saturday which means that tries must be scored. I just can't see where tries are going to come from in this team. I hope I am proven wrong.
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I was waiting for the howls of "bias!" and "unfair!" to come from outside of England and I wasn't disappointed.
I don't think he was light on England at all, he did note that there isn't a complete fly half in England's elite squad right now and that they are taking a huge gamble on Wilkinson and Farrell. I like the selective reading there Sean & Lewisjh!
A very interesting article though none the less, it seems that France's problems put ours in England in perspective! And I thought we were the masters of chop and change!
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Possibly a biased representation of England's position, but, I think the key to England's potential success (and a massive factor in their recent percieved failure) is the success or otherwise of their kicking game. If you look at the number of recent 6N games we have lost by less than 6 points in which Hodgson (or OB) has missed 5+ gettable penalties/drops its enlightening. We'd have finished 2nd or even 1st two years ago (allowing for momentum) and 3rd or 2nd last year, which wouldn't feel and look half as bad as two 4th places does... Positional kicking has also been atrocious - in the Autumn internationals and especially last year's 6Ns we had Cohen, Cueto and Voyce hack-kicking the ball into the arms of the opposition - please just leave it to JW and Farrell this time... We might actually get the field positions that allow us to turn on the forward power...
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"I think all teams have areas of weakness, apart from New Zealand. However where NZ are weak..."
Umm - contradiction anyone?!
Don't think this is over-generous on England - James says 9-12 looks good ON PAPER, then goes on to point out the gamble involved. We all accept Wilkinson is a big risk, but for English fans it's one we're very happy to see taken, as it's possibly the only chance of digging out of the hole we're in at the moment.
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You can not say England are surely better than result show. International teams are gauged by there results and England are not producing. Ireland are clear front runners after their Autumn success. Their pack looked more than handy against the South Africans. Scotland will love the hype surrounding the new English team, they will just go about their build up quitely plotting the English downfall, if they win that match there is no telling what they will do. Italy, no chance. Who knows what Wales will do, and France are always a chance.
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Ireland must be clear favourites to win, especially when they are playing both England and France at home, As for England they are at the opposite end of the development ladder to ireland, Farrell and Wilkinson should help increase the skill levels and Tindall is getting back to his rampaging best. If France can find a 10, they might sneak both the 6 nations and the world cup!
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Wales have one glaring weakness, the lineout, and a combination of unathletic jumpers and weak throwing will severely limit Wales' ability to secure quick clean ball, which is of paramount importance if Hook is going to be able to show his skills. England's set piece will be fine, but a combination of fitness and poor ball skills will be targeted by opposition. Ireland are the best all round side, but with glaring weaknesses at tight head and at no.9, coupled with the fact that ROG is still susceptible when on the back foot and I feel, althought the message boards might erupt in disbelief, Paul O'Connell goes missing in the big games. France are France and despite a deep, talented squad, are bound to put in at least one poor performance out of 5. Really is shaping up to be a closely fought, engrossing tournament.
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Ellis would not get on the Scotland Bench? Cuister in the only man from north of the border who would make it onto the England bench.
Ireland are favourites rightly so, but Scotland without Jason White !!!
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To select Farrell at 12 is a bold move by Ashton but in order to do so he had to pick Tindall and Wilkinson either side. Having that experience alonside him will allow him to settle into his game and learn international rugby. He was brought to union for the 07 world cup remember not for 2011 so he has to start playing international rugby in order for his move not to become a farce and/or complete waste of money. Having said all this i believe England could well be exposed by the Irish centres who are questionably the best pairing in the world. The scots could struggle though.
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Perhaps Ellis wouldn't get on Scotland's bench, but I'd far rather have my teamsheet read wilkinson, robinson, farrell than the rubbish scotland will inevitably serve up.
In my eyes E's major weakness is a lack of cohesiveness. They are the only 6N team who don't play like a team. They don't even play in units. Ireland are the best and they play in fantastic units. Stringer-O'Gara, Darcy-BOD, their back row.
If England can get a bit of cohesiveness they should be very good indeed because man for individual man they compare with Ireland and France. Lets face it, even if they don't get any cohesiveness about them they will still beat Scotland.
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Well James its England for the Grand Slam then!Great front 5, only a small tinkering with the back row needed and strength in the 1/2 backs and 3/4s. Its hard to believe England have had such a poor no awful run of form. Do England under-achieve or is expectation too high fuelled by media mayhem? They have had the results which performance/ability merited. The weaknesses in the England team are clearer than you suggest.
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Granted some of the arguments above split opinions. I for one feel it was a fair appraisal of the six nations, perhaps the only oversight was the England 9 - 12's. True Wilikonson was a world beater in 2003, and that Farrell was a world betaer in rugby league but they are yet to prove this in union 2007.
That said it will be interesting to see the players to do the talking come Saturday, when I feel we will know a lot more about the coming seven months of international rugby and the various countries propspects.
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Its does seem to be a bit biased alright. Dont underestimate the Munster/Irish front row. Horan and Hayes will be hurt by that game and by what is being said. I agree not the best front row in the world, but you will see a different front row in this six nations and they will relish the English coming to Croke Park.
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Its going to be a very close 6 nations as all the teams are attempting to sort out a side that will compete well in the world cup.With the exception of Italy who are getting better, I think its fair to say that there are no runaway favorites and they are all capable of beating each other on the day.
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Well James England for the Grand Slam then! Strength in depth in the front 5 and only small small tinkering required in the back row. Strong 1/2 backs and 3/4s. According to your previos blog the selection is good. Therefor no selectorial weaknesses. That leaves the mental one which only accounts for about 80% of sporting ability! Englands poor, no awful, run of results have been solely because the teams they have played have been - wait for it ...........................BETTER than them. Yes shock news I know.
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THe only way we will know if there has been a gamble in the England squad selection is after the game on Saturday.
There does seem to be an element of risk taking from BA but it might come off.
Being a Scot I obviously hope it doesn't but then I am not particularly enthused by the Scotland squad selection. Hoping it is a competitive match & Scotland win by a small margin (penalty in last 10 mins).
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remember a few years ago when only one or 2 of all the celtic nations players would get in england's team - now ask yourself who from this weekend's england team wold be an automatice choice for wales or ireland - 3 or 4 at the most?
that is why this is the most open 6 nations in memory - bring it on!
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England's problems stem from the fact that they seem all about power and strength and have forgotten that rugby is a game played with a ball. Skills in handling and timing the pass seem lacking at this level. Disappointed that Grewcock is in, costs us 9 points a match easily giving away pointless penalties. I agree with the point that Ireland only need to hold their own up front as their ball retention and pace of recycling is far better than Englands at the moment. Same applies to Scotland and Wales although Scottish sides look fragile in defence. Wales could easily cause upsets if they can keep their defensive organisation and make the first up tackles as they have real flair in attack.
England need to get the balance right between pace and power. We will not win the 6 nations by grinding our way up the pitch.
Roll on Saturday.......
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I can't believe you are saying Wales do not have anything upfront? Wales have a strong pack, and if charvis is started against ireland, it will be bolstered even further! Players like Duncan Jones, Alan Wyn Jones and Ian Evans while having obvious running abilities, also have very good defensive capabilities. I love seeing Wales' pack slagged off, because I think you are going to be shocked in the Six Nations. Although I could be wrong...
England will be improved this year, Ireland will win it if France decide to be rubbish.
Don't write Wales off on a hammering by New Zealand...sometimes New Zealand play poorer and you come closer (e.g. England this year, Wales afew years back etc), sometimes New Zealand play faultless (with abit of disguised cheating) and you get hammered.
This tournie is a 2 horse race, Ireland and France. Wales and England lagging slightly behind huffing and puffing and Scotland, slightly behind again, nervously looking over their shoulders to stop Italy overtaking them...
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While its true that the article did have a slight England tilt, it wasn't that big: as the blogger said - England from 9-13 look strong only on paper. Ellis has never stepped up his club form, Wilko is a cursed man, Farrell is still quite new to union and Tindall although effective is a rather a limited player. The main issue though is that there is no pressure on England, unlike their rivals - we've suffered our worst run of defeats in 30 years even if we were only to get a triple crown, it would be seen as a massive achievement. This may sound arrogant but since England never finished out of the top three and only very rarely out of the top two in the nineties/2000s, it is not entirely unreasonable. France are in trouble because they look unable to put up a reasonable challenge this summer (on current form); Scotland have one or two key injuries and have a distinct paucity of talent in the back line; Wales have proved unable to convert their grandslam into a more meaningful transition to being one of the worlds top teams; Italy don't have the backs to compete and Ireland for all their world class players have yet to produce world class performances. The autumn wins were impressive but against a very weak SA team and an experimental Aussie team. My feeling is Ireland will probably win it but their front row will make the games much closer than they should be. England will do better than expected - I do feel its right to play Wilko: there is no other option at fly half and if he's fit, its important to give him game time.
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It makes me laugh how people jump at the chance to knock the English team! All of these people moaning about JW playing - can any of you come up with a better solution? Even if he is only 80% fit, his wealth of experience is much more useful than a fully fit Toby Flood at the moment.
Brian Ashton is not daft enough to use a Wilkinson that is not fit enough to at least last 70% of the game - he has been watching in training and he knows where he stands.
The only way of getting the full potential out of Farrell is to stick him with an experienced player - then we can think about bringing in decent Fly-H cover.
Can we all just get behind the team... think of this as the start of a new year, and work towards a decent world cup defence. Personally I'm feeling good about this team and the mix of old and new heads... definately potential there at last - let's just find the confidence!
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People look at Wilkinson as a gamble but lets be honest, England are at an all time low and and Ashton isn't exactly stuck for choice when it comes to selecting a no 10. Lets put it another way - how confident would you be with Toby Flood starting in his place!!! Should be one of the most open six nations in a while and lets hope for some free flowing rugby with BOD and Darcy once again producing the goods for Grand Slam winners Ireland!!
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Ireland will miss their best player badly....Shane Horgan has been the star of club and country this season....he is both creator and finisher, attacker and defender, and O'Driscoll & Darcy will be merely human without him.
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I am sorry lads, as you can see i am welshman, and I dont give us much hope of anything above 3rd this year.
In addition to this, i am one of a minority that loves both codes, go up north once a month to see a game of league, and went to Oz in 03 and off to france this year, not to mention trips to see the cardiff blues. So i can pretty much appreciate rugby as a whole.
Faz is a legend, and will one day, be a great inside centre, he is not that man yet. Johnny is made of china! A great fly half, in my opinion as good as jenks (bearing in mind that guy is a welsh demi god)but all you will see is quick ball from the ellis looping over to Faz, or switching direction, johnny wont get half as involved and will spend most of the game as dummy.
I will be happy to see the guy make it to the millenium and wish him all the best, he has my full admiration as a great player, but if you think this guy can survive games against your 'auld enemy', the irish, not to mention Serge 'put the boot in' Betsen. You must be mad.
Best of luck to all countries involved, its going to be a hard one for all of us! Lets hope all our squads get the France to keep the RWC in the northern hemisphere.
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Ah, you optimistic English folk, what other option do you have? This Irishman is a big fan of both Wilko and Farrel but.....where to start? Where will the zip come from in this line? Farrel may be a great passer and kicker but who does he have to off-load to? Wilko to his left who is poibbly slower than him, if that is possible, Tindal to his right who will predictably barge in straight lines down as many blind alleys as he can find. Then we have Lewsy and Robinson, both of which are shadows of old and have been shifted around so many positions that they have forgotten what a winger does. Not to mention Balshaw who seems to spend his matches trying not to get to his kit dirty. Harsh? Perhaps. I haven't even mentioned the pack that have been out-muscled in pretty much every game of the last two or three years.
The Irish, oh the Irish. I agree we have a shaky front row, well, shaky props, but apart from that we arguably have the best in each position man for man in the tournament. Everyone talks about O'Discoll (God) but have none of you watched Leinster playing the last couple of seasons? D'Arcy is the man to fear, he has destroyed every back line he has faced of late. Sorry fellas, it's Ireland's year. And, just to clarify, we have no problem being favourites, in fact we are revelling in it.
Good luck to all, roll on Sunday!
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With BA in charge of the A-Team, you can gaurantee one thing: They're going to be hellava tough! Good job they're not playing away too much: "I aint gettin on no plane!"
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admit it england, you were saving wilkinson, the delicate piece of precise engineering that he is for the world cup year. he won you lot one world cup, odds are stacked against him winning you anything else when its amateur night all around him on the park
munster abu
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To be honest although France are a surprise package, they have the most to worry about. They are playing a team of virtual unknowns and they have the most to lose as they are current champions and hosting a world cup this year. Toulouse lost TWICE to the scarlets and Stade were lucky to win in Paris and should have lost in Swansea. The Welsh clubs are most definitely the "in form" clubs so far this season and providing the wingers are fit for sunday I think they will be the strongest contenders. Although Ireland are favourites they had easy wins in the autumn. If wales can play down O'gara's kicking game and destroy them at the scrum then we have a good chance.
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Lets get one thing straight-Ireland are overrated. They didn't win the 6 nations last year and were lucky to beat England. They beat an average Aussie team who were lucky to get a draw against a Welsh side that hadn't played together as a complete unit for 18 months. They beat a second string South Africa side and didn't play either New Zealnd or Argentina-the 2 best sides on tour. How can we possibly say they are that good?
As for England, I expect them to surprise people, old guard restored and a monkey off their back with the demise of Robinson.
With regard to Wales being light upfront-the Ospreys and Scarlets certainly haven't been beaten up front in Europe this season!
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England are worse than their recent results suggest.
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Rugbyfan:
Is There Any Particular Reason You Are Using Capitals at the start of every word?
I feel that England will win their first 3 games and all the hype will be 'England are back...', etc, etc and then things will come crashing down in the final 2 games and they will go back to the rugby we know from recent months!
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The run down of weaknesses only said 9-12 LOOKS strong, which it certainly does. If you include 13 then you are presented with 4 of the most physically imposing and aggressive players in those positions around.
Wilkinson is the only player in the world capable of challenging the undeniably exceptional Daniel Carter.
Farrell is the unknown entity, however, the indisputable truth is that he is a great rugby player. His kicking game is excellent, his tackling ferocious and his experience of professional rugby (albeit league) unmatched in the championship.
And Ellis just needs to convert his exemplary club form onto the international stage. He plays well enough week in week out but has to step up.
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I presume rugbyfan is short for rugbyfantascist. Wikinson is not match fit, he was a great player, I last saw him play against Llanelli last season and he was very good, although Newcastle did lose, as they did against Leicester recently.
Facts are. He has not played at International level since 2003, He has had more injuries than Moby Dick, he's got to nurse a newcomer to Union at inside centre. He's capable of all that.
Ashton has the largest pool of players in the world (IRB Stats)
Yet he calls up Robinson, he leaves out Simpson Daniel, there are even more questions regarding his selection.
Four facts
1. Ashton was not the first choice Coach, he was the affordable option.
2. Wilko is not Match Fit, but he is Media Fit.
3. Farrell is untried and untested at International Union level, in fact with the injuries he has carried, his club record is only 9 matches and few of those for 80 minutes.
4. Ellis did not even make the Autumn Internationals.
Good Luck Brian Ashton, England really needs it.
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The point people are making rugbyfan is that Wilkinson is not fit. In a physical game such as rugby you need game time to be considered fit. Just because he is considered healthy enough to run out at the start of the game doesn't make him fit. He has proved that he hasn't been fit time after time, since attempting to come back from injuries since 2003. Don't get me wrong he is/was a great player but don't expect him to start each 6 nations game.
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Interesting to see that the only Irish weakness is listed as the front-row. What about Stringer and O'Gara. They are defensively the weakest half-back pairing in the 6 Nations, just look at the way Ellis ran through O'Gara when Leicester played Munster. Also, no-one seems to mention O'Gara's mental breakdown when Ireland lost to Wales in 2005. If my memory serves O'Sullivan had to take him off as he started screaming at the ref. (A year when Ireland also went into the tournament as favourites and no-one gave Wales a chance)
Oh, but they kick the ball ok...
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Yeah, think this is a little biased, but that doesn't really surprise me. These blogs don't really aim to be impartial, they want ppl to debate what they're saying so it's just a tactic.
I think we all know what country is going to win the grand slam.
The only thing niggling at the back of my mind is that I could see England coming to Croke Park and spoiling the show. Not because england are good, just because it's kinda typical of ireland. But I think it's just all in my head. Of course that won't happen ;o)
Predictions:
Ireland P5 W5
Scotland P5 W3
France P5 W3
England P5 W2
Italy P5 W1
Wales P5 W0
Scotland to win Calcutta cup
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"the Ellis-Wilkinson-Farrell-Tindall axis looks strong, on paper at least"
Hmm .. Ellis is like an annoying puppy at best. Not a good passer, not strong, fast, or any good at spotting gaps. Expect him to have an excellent game against Italy.
Wilkinson hasn't played for 10 years. Expect him to get a cut on his face and an infection to rule him out for the season.
Farrell has only just played more rugby union than Wilkinson in the last few years IN HIS ENTIRE LIFE. And he missed a whole year through injury - LAST YEAR.
Tindall is England's Mike Hall. Is he going to pass it, is he? No. Bang! Except not in the Jonathan Davies Bang through the gap type of Bang. Just Bang. Into the opponent's tackle.
The only paper on which this 'axis' (snigger) looks strong is on King Size Rizla paper, when you're smoking Moroccan woodbines.
Yet another blind English rugby reporter who judges players' quality by (a) the English league, or (b) whether they're picked for England or not ...
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I'm a huge Ireland fan but I have had worries about their front row for at least 2 years now. John Hayes is definately past his best and most of the other teams will scrummage them off the park. The only advantage they have is the back line, but lets not forget they will be missing Shane Horgan, a man who has excelled in the last 2 years. If the back line doesn't fire I can see them having difficulties against Wales, France and England. O'connell will have to keep 1-8 fired up to ensure the backs get the service.
I'm not a huge fan of the English team but I can admit to being excited to see Farrell. With regards to Wilkinson he had to start after playing Flood of the park at the weekend.
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I think as an Irishman the one comment I would make about Wilkinson is, isn't it smashing that he has managed to get back at last? A wonderful player, I am delighted he has the chance to prove himself again. It would not be the same beating England without it including a full strength Wilkinson.
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I'm a huge Ireland fan but I have had worries about their front row for at least 2 years now. John Hayes is definately past his best and most of the other teams will scrummage them off the park. The only advantage they have is the back line, but lets not forget they will be missing Shane Horgan, a man who has excelled in the last 2 years. If the back line doesn't fire I can see them having difficulties against Wales, France and England. O'connell will have to keep 1-8 fired up to ensure the backs get the service.
I'm not a huge fan of the English team but I can admit to being excited to see Farrell. With regards to Wilkinson he had to start after playing Flood of the park at the weekend.
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I presume rugbyfan is short for rugbyfantascist. Wikinson is not match fit, he was a great player, I last saw him play against Llanelli last season and he was very good, although Newcastle did lose, as they did against Leicester recently.
Facts are. He has not played at International level since 2003, He has had more injuries than Moby Dick, he's got to nurse a newcomer to Union at inside centre. He's capable of all that.
Ashton has the largest pool of players in the world (IRB Stats)
Yet he calls up Robinson, he leaves out Simpson Daniel, there are even more questions regarding his selection.
Four facts
1. Ashton was not the first choice Coach, he was the affordable option.
2. Wilko is not Match Fit, but he is Media Fit.
3. Farrell is untried and untested at International Union level, in fact with the injuries he has carried, his club record is only 9 matches and few of those for 80 minutes.
4. Ellis did not even make the Autumn Internationals.
Good Luck Brian Ashton, England really needs it.
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As a Welshman one of the most frustrating aspects (and by this I mean weakness) of the Welsh game over the last few seasons has been the lineout. We lose at least a couple on our own throw every game. Which in this day and age of lifting and the like just shouldn't happen to an International team.
On the weakness noted in the article I think our pack is robust enough to stand up to the other 6 Nations teams and also have the ability to create space for quicker men outside.
If (big if, granted) we win on Sunday, we'll win the Championship. If not, we could end up as low as 4th.
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Rugbyfan,
I am pretty sure you wouldn't get on the Scottish Bench mate. For a team that lost to Scotland last year and by all accounts could do so again this year, it would do for you to be a bit more careful with your typically English views on Scotland.
If england win more than 2 games this year you could call it a successful 6 Nations in my humble opinion.
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Like others I feel this is a biased view. The sentiment leans toward England being one of the teams with the fewest problems when to my mind the reverse is true. Many have welcomed the incusion of Wilkinson but it speaks of desperation.Simple truth is Ashston had no decent alternative to a seriously out of touch Wilkinson.
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Interesting comments about the backs but I feel that we (England) must bring on our younger plays early in the second half and let them try to open up the Scots defence, if we are to compete in the world cup we are going to need far more than just a first team and this is our last chance to blood these plays in top class internationals. If we don鈥檛 give them game time now how could we complain if they fail us in the world cup!
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Frankly, having Jonny Wilkinson in any XV would be a massive boost to those around him on the pitch and a big worry for those he is facing. Everyone is saying rugby has moved on, but JW is pure talent personified, it doesn't matter that we are now four years down the line. He has the class, tenacity and determination to get back to where he was, and i am positive he will surprise a lot of people come Saturday. P.S I'm welsh and don't enjoy biggin up the English but this is fact
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After reading all of the comments regarding the pending 6 nations, it seems to me that there is not one team could be classed as favourite to win. Every team has it's strengths and weaknesses, it all depends what they are going to do about it on the day. Ireland has good forwards and backs and so has most of the other teams but if the forwards are nullified by the opposition the backs won't be able to use the ball. I think Wales will muscle up against Ireland and win, and then springboard them to win the 6 nations. Ireland will destroy any team at home, England and Scotland with have a ding dong battle, France I can't predict because of vast changes to the side and Italy might pull off a shock win - hopefully not Wales
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As a Saracens supporter I have seen Andy Farrell develop in leaps and bounds from his introduction as a wing forward. In the last couple of games where he has played at 12 his use of space and timing have been first rate, but the most impressive element about him is his distribution of the ball and his handling skills. He's also a big lad and can tackle as well as anyone out there. It's perhaps no coincidence that Saracens have scored more tries than anyone bar Leicester. Having watched Englands insipid play over the last season I am quite exited by this team.
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Ireland are definitely favourites because of their consistency and a balanced side, but the French can beat anyone, and if the Scots win at Twickenham...... As for Wales, we'll have to see what kind of side injuries leaves them with, and Italy will give almost everyone a testing half-hour or so. I think England are taking a gamble by playing Wilkinson and Farrell, but our main problem in recent seasons has been our inability to keep attacking moves going by drawing in defenders and off-loading in the tackle. If there is anyone who is a master at both, it is Farrell. Yes, yes, I know that was in League, but there is no reason that he shouldn't be just as effective at No.12 in Union. It may be a gamble, but it is one I am really looking forward to seeing on Saturday.
Ash
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As for the Total Bias written by James Standley above i have to say it's the same old England as ever, never able to admit that they are not the best at something it's almost tedious. England were a great team when they won the world cup one of the best teams i have ever seen play rugby (that hurts to say as a welsh man) but now your team is less that half the team it was then you have lost the best captain England has ever had, Jonny W is a shadow of himself lets not forget he came back for the Lions and did nothing there. The rest of the nations have moved on to a faster game one you never seem to play. look out for James Hook he will be a class player for years to come.
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Well I doubt England will be up to much, I hope Scotland give them a good game. It would be good for the Scottish game.
I believe that if Ireland beat Wales and play well, they will be unbeatable. Considering they are playing at home in front of 83,000 fans at the home of Irish sport.
Bring on God Save the Queen I say. We will never have a better chance than this to win the championship.
We will keep our eyes open for Les Blue, they could be surprise
the Queen I say.
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Well I doubt England will be up to much, I hope Scotland give them a good game. It would be good for the Scottish game.
I believe that if Ireland beat Wales and play well, they will be unbeatable. Considering they are playing at home in front of 83,000 fans at the home of Irish sport.
Bring on God Save the Queen I say. We will never have a better chance than this to win the championship.
We will keep our eyes open for Les Blue, they could be surprise
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I frankly don't think enough is being made of Wales chances with both Ireland and England at home, where they won last time, and a France team away that is struggling as you say to know who to pick and probably a good deal more than the other teams. You mention that their pack is a bit inadequate but they seem to learn a bit after a mauling ( I remember how they took Scotland apart last year after England wore them down) and I can see them sneaking the six nations this year
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Pleased to hear England want to play Jonny Wilkinson guess they at present are going through what Wales went through for sometime a dry period. I am a wwlsh supporter,miss living in Cardiff.International days were brillant. All of the UK International Rugby Football Clubs need to bring young blood into the side start them young the more players the better, they will want to play for there country. Rugby is a brillant game don't let the UK be in the background lets get all our teams in the forfront of the game leading the world. Looking forforward to Saturday. Had a taste at the Millenium Stadium in Oct.My sons treat to me for my birthday.
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How interesting. Is it only me but what have England actually done since the world cup? all this talk about who are the right players for the back line. There is no new players in there and it seems that the selectors are grasping at straws. Wilkinson a has been and Farrell who has seen an opportunity to continue in International rugby by switchinhg codes easy. England only really have a chance of beating Italy and then it's doubtful. 4 years dwelling on the last world cup and not looking to the next.
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Actually I think Ireland have 2 problem areas. The obvious one is the Front Row, but in the modern game they can get away with it as there are probably far fewer scrums in a game than pre-professional. The potentially fertile area(for Irish opponents) though is the 10/12 channel. Ronan O'Gara cannot/does not/will not tackle. Any side with a modicum of possession can reap great rewards by attacking this area. Watch Leicester's opening try against Munster. O'Gara just waved Dan Hipkiss through.
I agree with the observation that England lack basic ball skills. This is an ailment that has been part of the Premiership for years. I actually believe England managed to win the World Cup in 2003 despite it. They simply had the best pack in the world, won so much ball that it didn't show as much (I'm English by the way).
Wales' problem is 'live by the sword, die by the sword'. Playing sweet open rugby against sides like the All-Blacks is fatal. They will do well in the 6 nations, if they can exploit Irish weaknesses in the first game. They will then have momentum.
Scotland will be Scotland. A nuisance with their traditional, on the edge of legality, disruptive play. With the exception of Lamont they have no real finishers. Its disappointing that they stuck with Cusiter at 9 and didn't try Lawson from the start. He's been really impressive recently at Gloucester.
If Italy can take advantage of their outstanding pack, someone will suffer but they need some pace from somewhere and a reliable goal kicker to exploit the pressure their forwards will exert.
France just need to stop tinkering around and play thair natural game with their best players.
Overall I think its the most open 6 nations for a few years.
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Every 1 saying not to play wilko is beacause they want him in their team! He gives 100% into the game. has the experience and attitude that you want in a internaional squad! Ashton has done right picking him. a 70% fit wilko is still ahead of many fly-halfs at 100%. Im a falcon fan so a little biased but hey England need a hero for us to win 6 nations and he could be the man for the job!
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I hope Ireland will not be paying too much attention to the label of favourites, they suffered from that in the past.
The recent lossess in the Heineken cup are a real wake-up call for their forwards and backs.
England should be confident, considering the recent performances at club level and the option of playing JW. Attitude and belief are what will get them results, the skills are there.
I feel all teams will have one eye on the world cup, which will result in a much closer competition than suggested
Whichever way the results go, the competition is looking very exciting.
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Sean wrote
"Too much is also being read into Leicester's defeat of Munster. Remember Munster won the other leg of that encounter and primarily because their forwards could do enough to hold their own."
The only reason Munster won at Welford Road was because of an incompetent referee who compounded giving Munster a penalty with marching Tigers back 10 yards (O'Gara would not have had the distance but for this) because Martin Corry argued that a Munster hand had knocked on.
Correct me if I am wrong but I thought a captain is allowed to question a referee's decision.
After the game Ronan O'Gara admitted in a post-match interview that it was a Munster knock-on and should have been a scrum to tigers.
The revenge at Thomond Park was SWEET!
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As an Irish supporter, my expectations have been slightly dampened by the last round of Heineken cup matches. Leicester beat Munster quite handy but am I wrong in saying only 3 of that pack are starting for England on sat? Yes I agree that the Irish front row is not the strongest but I think our line out, mauling and play around the fringes in enough to counter balance this. England could be the surprise package as most probably they will come to croke park unbeaten..
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He probably could actually and as a french man his views on Scotland are not solely english. Its hard to see any form of Scottish victory in this campaign at all, they will be struggling against Italy.
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I'm a huge Ireland fan but I have had worries about their front row for at least 2 years now. John Hayes is definately past his best and most of the other teams will scrummage them off the park. The only advantage they have is the back line, but lets not forget they will be missing Shane Horgan, a man who has excelled in the last 2 years. If the back line doesn't fire I can see them having difficulties against Wales, France and England. O'connell will have to keep 1-8 fired up to ensure the backs get the service.
I'm not a huge fan of the English team but I can admit to being excited to see Farrell. With regards to Wilkinson he had to start after playing Flood of the park at the weekend.
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England's biggest problem over the last two years has been goal kicking. As Pete points out, with good goal kicking, England would have probably come second or even first in the last three 6Ns.
Bringing JW back should solve this problem.
Other problems have been a lack of true openside flanker and inside centre, and inconsistent performances at scrum half.
If these problems are solved, England have a chance of winning the 6N. Ashton has certainly taken steps to solve these problems.
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He probably could make the bench actually and as a french man his views on Scotland are not solely english ones. Its hard to see any form of Scottish victory in this campaign at all, they will be struggling against Italy.
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The scottish side di have a fair chance of winning but no.1 seems to belive in them except frank hadden. I will admit the english wer good in ther time but i am not sad to say ther time is up and they are only going downhill!The irish side are strong as they always are but is time to give the scottish sum support and time to belive they can do it becase they will succeed, with support behind them! jason white is the machiene of the team is like hart but just because the hart is gone dosnt mean the others cannot function without him! Belive in Scotland thy can do it but they need us as support!!!!
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I think Ashton's selection shows that he is focusing on the World Cup rather than the Six Nations. Wilko needs game time and, frankly, to see if he can take the knocks at international level and Farrell is class but Ashton needs to know if he can do it in the 15 man code.
As a Scotsman I have to agree that Ellis is behind Cusiter, Blair and Lawson - who, in fairness, are all behind Wales' Peel, but that's their weak point just now. Forwards-wise they should have no excuse though.
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I think any of three teams can realistically win the six nations, France, Ireland and England. I think on their day any of those three teams can beat any of the other six nations sides. Despite England's recent form, they have arguably the best pack in the bunch and a decent backline that will cause defenses trouble when they are on the back foot. What they have lacked recently is leadership, both in managment and to a lesser extent on the pitch.
As for the Irish, I think there is a team there that should compete in every match - provided not many scrums are awarded. We have the weakest scrum in the competition by some distance. Horan and Hayes are good rugby players, but I used to play on the wing at U13 level and I'd say I could out-scrum Marcus Horan on a given day (He may well be able to out run me though, so what do I know?). Other than scrummaging, this batch is the strongest we have had in my lifetime and are beginning to show signs of believing in themselves on the big stage.
France are, well, France. Always the team to beat and usually pull out results when people write them off. Not sure who is picked in the back line but having seen Toulouse and Stade Francais last weekend, there is no shortage of genius there.
Wales will also be competitive and I think could pull off a few surprises - like 2005. Scotland too will be ackward. They are a bit short on individual talent at the moment, but collectively are a new team under Hadden.
I think Italy will be the whipping boys again but may take a scalp in Rome if their pack can keep it tight ...
Looking forward to it.
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Bob Bassett,
I think the laws have changed so that players have to wait until a stop in play to talk to the ref. So the 10 yards were probably given for Corry approaching the ref.
I could be wrong though!
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I like these comments from Sean. Did Leister cheat in the final a few years ago? you could say that the only reason Leister won the Heineken Cup on that day is by cheating.
You also have the fact that a third for that Leister team is Irish. Must say a lot about the English game as a whole.
The English team have past their sell by date, and there does not seem to be a change of recipe in the English RFU appointing a has been ex Irish coach.
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So the lead article is a bit one sided but I am not sure the the other home nations should be too happy with their own positions. Ireland have a very good first team (front row excepted) but thats it. Scotland are short on talent and take wins against the likes of the Pacific Islanders as evidence of an ability to win the 6N. France are feeling the pressure of poor selection and being hosts of RWC 07; they have no settled 8 9 10 12 13 or 15. Wales have a poor pack and some talent in the back line but lack true world class players. All in all the 6N is going to be close but not necessarily high quality. If I were an All Black, I would settle back in my chair, open another beer and relax.
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Ashton has done what he can to improve England's chances. In terms of selection, there's little else he could have done. 7, 9, 10 and 12 were all issues - I think he's made the right choices there.
It startles me that Hayes has managed to keep his place for so long. I don't know enough about up-coming Irish players to comment on a replacement but he's always been weak at the scrummage.
Laporte's panicking. Perhaps picking a genuine 10 will help him, rather than picking Jauzion and Traille.
Scotland are missing key players, namely Jason white. Wales need to front up around the fringes. They've got the players up front - they just need to have faith.
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Good article and comments. Thanks. Sadly I don't have much to contribute that hasn't been said already except it is heartening to see the sensible majority seem to be of the same opinion and only a few people can't see past their patriotic, and in some cases extreme, biases. Thanks again.
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I like these comments from Sean. Did Leicester cheat in the final a few years ago to win the Heineken Cup?
You also have the fact that a third for that Leicester team is Irish. Must say a lot about the English game as a whole.
The English team have past their sell by date, and there does not seem to be a change of recipe in the English RFU appointing a has been ex Irish coach.
To be honest, O鈥橤ara does have his bad days, however I believe that he, along with a vast majority of Irish players are in their prime and should see I good victory on Sunday.
Im looking forward to France in the home of Gaelic games. The atmosphere will be electric.
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Just my Humble opinion .
England to me are the dark horses this year , They have picked a balanced side which contains a very bulky midfield.. Dont see much attacking rugby and I see the wingers getting forstbite but in saying that with Wilkinson controling the ship they will be hard to beat .
Ireland have a great chance if they can get past Wales this weekend .. but It is a big IF ?
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Not much comment about Wales, guess other peoples expectations are low. Let's just keep it that way!
If we can put one over on Ireland on Sunday, the triple crown is ours, Ireland' team are coming to the end of their time, not sure when that rot will set in though. The grand slam will depend on which French team turn out on the day.
We have the most consistent, most exciting propect and potentially most dangerous outside halves all battling for a place in a team which can probably only contain 2 of them. Could be a titanic battle!
This is the closest Six Nations for years, lets hope a red, blue or green win it for the sake of rugby otherwise it is back to the days of boring, boring rugby!!
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HAHAHAHA
Every year the same tripe - England are one of the favorites.... then they finish 3rd or 4th...
Yet again themedia forgets their performances over the last 12 internationals. Yes Wilkinson WAS a great player. No more. Should Scotland bring back Hastings? Wales recall JPR???
Lewis Moody & Balshaw possibly injured...
Forget the 6 nations. England have been poor since 2003 and now they are bringing in Jonny and Robinson - looking to retired internationals is not the way to prepare for the world cup. There is a dirge of talent in the backs. Fact!
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playing willkinson is not a gamble , it's just not fair , to him or england
he's going to get "hit" hard but fair , after 40mins of club ruby, lord where is common seans ,i hope he makes it , god help him
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playing willkinson is not a gamble , it's just not fair , to him or england
he's going to get "hit" hard but fair , after 40mins of club ruby, lord where is common seans ,i hope he makes it , god help him
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playing willkinson is not a gamble , it's just not fair , to him or england
he's going to get "hit" hard but fair , after 40mins of club ruby, lord where is common seans ,i hope he makes it , god help him
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England are not far off being a good team, the recent poor performances under AR shows a lack of confidence in my view. With the players available to England they should be playing better than they have done. They just need to gain confidence from winning games and they will be a good team again. Admittedly not the world beaters of 2003 but miles better than where they are at the moment. In terms of selection BA has made a very big gamble in wilko, although he had to be picked because he gives a much more solid and consistent kicking game than anyone else. I doubt he will last 80 mins with flood coming on for the last 20 mins. Ellis has everything thing to prove and needs to start producing performances worthy of international selection. I don鈥檛 think he will play well until further into the tournament as long he is given game time. Personally I think Farrell shouldn't even be in the 22, maybe in the saxons. But how is picking an unproven, league player who is about 40 justifiable? Or looking to the future for that matter? League is such a different game to union, yes basics skills - tackling passing etc are the same but what about everything else like tactics and positional play. I personally would have gone with an allen/tins or tait/tins combination. Good to see a proper back row for a change, would have liked to see DWS. In terms of the championship I think Ireland will win, but not a grand slam with France second with Wales or England in 戮. With Scotland and Italy making up the numbers.
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SJ you seem to be missing a game somewhere in your table. An unlisted draw perhaps? Cant argue with the order though except to say the bottom three are pretty interchangable.
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I realise that I'm not the first to comment on rugbyfan's delusional rantings about getting himself on Scotlands bench, but more importantly that Ellis would. As an Englishman, I'd be delighted if any of the top three Scottish scrum halves decided to turn their back on their home nation and declare themselves available for England. We seem to lack any genuine international quality at 9, and have reverted to a previously tried and rejected option. I can only assume he is a Leicester fan and would like to see their resident pub team player pulling on the number 10 jersey for England!!
Think the safe money has to be on England wrapping up a hatrick of 4th place finishes this year, and a few old faces disappearing after an embarrassing World Cup.
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I think the article is a pretty fair assessment of the state of the Six Nations. Yes Chris Patterson should be playing fly-half, no it isn't a gamble starting Andy Farrell or Johnny Wilkinson - class will prevail, yes Ireland are weak up front but they just need to hold their own, yes France have problems but they are also capable of playing sublime rugby from out of nowhere, yes Wales lack power but with the likes of Popham and Ryan Jones they are beginning to correct that, and finally yes Italy might lack finish in the last quarter of a game but once they've claimed their first big scalp the confidence will grow and they'll go from strength to strength. I wish everyone would stop raving about the Kiwis. True they are awesome in the majority of posistions but their front row is nothing special - especially when properly refereed as in 2 years ago when they only just beat the English at Twickenham. Woodcock is over-rated - on the Lions tour he needed Jerry Collins to keep stripping Julian White's binding to save his bacon and as for Hayman - in the Maori game Sheridan showed he was nothing special, Mealamu is distinctly average in the tight. The Six Nations is an amazing festival of rugby that should be celebrated and I look forward to what looks like one of the most open tournaments for years!!
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How predictable that this excellent
site has to be a magnet for the usual collection of Anglophobes who
just leap at the opportunity of pouring scorn on England rather than stick to the topic of rugby and offer
any useful comments or observations.
But, Pete Sherrott - spot on, mate!
Errant kicking has lost us no small
amount of games. Wales' 2005 Grand Slam was kicked off by a winning kick against us while Charlie H pinged them everywhere but over! I wonder how far certain other teams might go without such talents as Messrs O'Gara, Patterson, et al, to keep the score board ticking over.
Can't wait for Saturday. What a
beautiful game!!!!
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Here are my views on each team, im scottish by the way and i want be biased!
Ireland-Would definetely rate them as the favourites, yes they have been made huge improvements since the world cup, but, people are rating them on the autumn internationals, which they were awesome against pacific islanders, SA,and Australia. But remember SA and pacific islanders were poor, but you cant take that away from the Irish
Scotland- Probally finish mid table again, but Jason White will be a massive blow. Parks at 10? well he hasn't been great recently has he?
England-They will want desperately to do something because of how bad they've been recently, the squad looks really exciting i like the look of it, should be an awesome game on saturday!
Italy-Were very impressive last year, should pose a big threat 2 any Six Nations team, but i doubt they have the talent to beat anyone, but watch out.
France-To be honest...no idea. Does anyone have any idea what they might come up with?
Wales-Veeeery good back line and back row. I mean look at it, Hook, Henson (legend), M and S Jones, M and S Williams, Shanklin Ryan Jones etc. very good side.
Prediction,
1 Ireland
2 Wales
3 France
4 England
5 Scotland
6 Italy
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40 minutes of club rugby - in the past 12 weeks? There's a stat from the Times for you. Scotland's first move - Fly-half receives it, fakes outside, offloads to his inside, to Lamont coming off the blindside wing on full steam - BANG. Wilko mowed down, theres his "trusty" number 12 Farrell scratching his head wondering why the players haven't retreated 10 yards ("They do it in League, honest") and Tindall hobbling along on his zimmer frame trying to cover the speedy Scot. As for the rest of the pack, they're still trying to remember the words to the National Anthem. God Save Us. (Or was it "Save our Queen...Oh look, we're huddled under our own posts again..").
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Donald Thomson-are you rugby writer (and bemoaner of all things southern hemisphere) Stephen Jones in disguise? The All Blacks front row overated? On what planet? Sheridan has never had the better of Hayman in any game. As for Woodcock being over-rated just ask any international prop that has scrummaged against him. The game you refer to played two years ago was refereed by a ref totally out of his league and a home town harry. Yet the All Blacks still beat England while playing with 14 men for 30 mins. There were many instances in that game where England got away with the same offence without losing a player. The six nations level of rugby is about 4 years behind the tri nations teams. Us rugby video analysts are amazed at the some of the comments people come up with.
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Clever first choice by Ashton as it is against Scotland. Who is going to really trouble Wilkinson and Farrell in defence or attack?
Astonished Scotland haven't picked big Dewey to shore up the midfield as Di Rollo & Parks can't tackle and a proper Speedster in the back 3 (Walker or Webster).
Expect England 1-15 to run through Scotland 10-12 channel...all game!
Ireland to win then France with no grand slam this year!
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Jacob - To be honest, what a load of rubbish. Are you honestly trying to say that one of Rugby's most intelligent, rampant and iconic greats of this decade, Andy Farrell, is too stupid to decipher the difference between League and Union?
I detect some Scottish arrogance there, allow me to correct the scene you so poorly set, for greater justice.
Scotland's first move - Fly-half receives it, fakes outside, offloads to his inside, to Lamont coming off the blindside wing on full steam - BANG.
Lamont mown down by a Farrell special.
Gets up and realizes why Northampton are fighting for their lives in the Guinness Premiership right now.
Now THAT is a more realistic scenario there Jacob, time to wake up and smell the coffee pal! See you on Saturday.
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Richard Stockwell,
Nice reasonable post that.
Producing good scrum half's is a double edged sword. I'm convinced that the only reason we get so many up here is because our tight five lives on the back foot.
Darwin in it's truest form me thinks. The quick and the dead. If you are bobbins at 9 in Scotland, you don't last long.
Your boy Ellis gets an armchair for both Leister, and England... I can't see him playing badly with that sort of platform.
I also think that's how we bread our back row... If we keep putting Casper the Friendly Ghost at 10, it's no wonder they get the highest tackle count in the six nations.
Here's my side step to all the in-fighting:
Good luck Johnny Wilkinson - From a jock, it's simply not fair has happened to that man over the past 4 years. Consummate professional, and a great ambassador to the game. If he can't make it back, it will be a huge loss to Union as a whole, not just Engerland.
To my Scottish brethren... No matter what way you look at it lads... We've got Di Rollo at 13. I felt like suing someone after that.
Here's to pinning one on the Auld Enemy at HQ (I find that nick name as cringe worthy as calling Edinburgh the Gunners), and Wilko making it through 80 minutes (If only so I can declare us unofficial "world champions" for it... a la 1967)
Laters,
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"Lets face it, even if they don't get any cohesiveness about them they will still beat Scotland" - recent history would suggest otherwise Alex. Good luck on saturday
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I, as an Irishman, am glad that JW is back for England. Forget the media-hype (a-la-Beckhams' toe). Great players make the game so much better to watch (not a-la-Beckham), and I for one - wish Johnny well. His dedication, class and perseverance only serves to enhance the 2nd best team sport in the World.
Hurley beats the lot as a spectacle (ever seen it? its like Rugby with big sticks!)
It is a well-known fact in the rugby World that O'Gara developed his game to World-class level on the basis of JW's professionalism and dedication to thousands of hours of training and perfecting his craft - a lot of it off his own bat. ROG was blown away watching him train and subsequently got off his Cork 'a' and made the quantum leap.
He achieved this by constantly honing his skills to the highest level after training with and watching JW during the Lions Tour. ROG has subsequently moved on up to replace JW as the best no.10 in the N.H. I hope Johnny comes back to his best. He's good for the game. He is a class act as a player and as a man (how rare is that you ask?).
Any true Rugby supporter would acknowledge this. He is a bit like Woody, in lot of respects - only prettier!!
The weakness in the Irish team? Seeing as how our supposed weakest link - the forwards, won the best club competition in the World last year. Mmmmmm, not quite sure about that one lads. A hurt Munster pack is not one to trifle with (I know this to be true as a Leinster supporter) - they know how to win at the highest level. I have a feeling Leicester did us a big favour there, as did Gloucester v Leinster. Bang on time to remove any trace of complacency for the 6-N. We will see. But thanks for that anyway! Ye should have waited..
Ireland will win the Slam, if they conquer what has been that one real weakness in their team - up to recent years. Self-belief.
The Autumn Internationals saw them blow away the Aussies and the Saffis in some style. They believe now and that is a key factor here along with more real depth and quality in the squad. Yes, they could seriously do with replacements for Hayes and Horan.
I have a feeling Munster or Ulster will supply them in the near future. But for now, I would like to see them make 2 last totally grand stands, the 6-Nations and the WC. Boss also, is a great option for Stringers鈥 position. EOS will play him against Argentina in the WC (that鈥檚 a wee bet by the way) He has more about his game than Stringer 鈥 but Stringers鈥 accuracy of passing at speed is superlative
I don鈥檛 think Paddy Wallace could replace O' Gara (i.e. Start a game), but he is a good backup if needs be. He can kick but he can't control a game the way ROG does.
Sundays鈥 prediction: Ireland to beat Wales by a 20/30 points spread.
This is not an idle prediction (never mind boast), as we have beaten Wales - in Wales, more times than I can remember over the last 20 years. This is true, except for the Welsh Slam (2005) year, when Ireland severely lacked the self-belief to finish the job. They 鈥渂ottled it鈥 on the day and Wales were fantastic in that 6-Nations, no question about it.
Belief was the factor that Wales had industrial amounts of that year, as well as being a fantastic side to watch. They also brought back into fashion, in the N.H - the beauty and flair of open, attacking Rugby. Ireland followed suit and haven't looked back since.
The Welsh should have total respect for the courage to do that after the mind numbing 2003 WC. They do in Ireland.
Never underestimate the power of in-built self-belief. Skill, physicality, depth of squad, the ability to vary the game plan on-the-fly, on-field intelligence in decision-making and luck - help a wee bit too of course. Ireland have all that in spades now.
The match against France last year, when Ireland were down-and-out at 43-3 and came back into it, coming close to beating them. If there had been another 5 minutes in the match 鈥 they would have done. (France 43-31 Ireland) It was total madness ! It must have great for a neutral observer to watch. Not me! It was only afterwards - what had actually happened, really set in.
I know that could be said of hundreds of matches by any amount of Countries in the past. But that 40 minutes is when Ireland grew up as a World force in the game at long last. Not the Autumn Internationals or beating England 3 times on the trot. Those days are gone T.G.
The first 40 minutes posed a serious question mark as to which direction this team was going to go in, to put it mildly. Were they going to lie down and accept mediocrity or do what they did? That question has been comprehensively answered since that day.
We showed all this against the AB鈥檚 - running them close twice last year and on their own patch. This is when the AB鈥檚 were thrashing everyone else around the Globe.
New Zealand 34-23 Ireland
New Zealand 27-17 Ireland
I saw those two games and the AB's were excreting themselves up to the last few minutes. Though they would never admit to it. It's not in their psyche to do so. A few of their knowledgeable commentators and fans did though. They said that they had never seen their team so out-on-their-feet, at the end of each match. This is the unbeatable AB鈥檚 we are talking about here !
But the AB鈥檚 can be beaten. The Saffis did it last year. The only way to do it, is to match up to them in every aspect of the game and believe you can beat them, otherwise you have no chance from the off. It sounds too simplistic when matched against their might, guile and well, pure talent - but it's true. I know most people will scoff at this. Maybe it鈥檚 because you don鈥檛 believe it鈥檚 possible. I for one, do now.
So do the Saffis and the Aussies.
They always have. They mess with the AB's mental Haka !! The AB鈥檚 believe they will win the WC - beyond doubt, as they did in the last 2 WC鈥檚 - as do most of the rest of the Rugby World. But when it really comes down to it, they falter. Why is that? Ask the Saffis and the Aussies that one.
England won it, with the masterful Martin Johnson in command.
They were never going to lose with him leading the team. He won the World Cup for England. Don鈥檛 get me wrong here, JW, Back, Hill and the others were great players, but Jonno was the one really who really did it for them, in my humble opinion.
He would not allow them to lose! England could do with a leader like him now.
The rest would follow him to war and believed, deep down 鈥 with his leadership, they would win it. It wasn鈥檛 pretty, but they did it. The rest 鈥 as they say, is history.
I hope Paul O鈥機onnell matches up to him, cometh the hour.
Can't wait for the 6-N to start Lads, Boyos and Lassies. I wish ye all well on your travels and hope ye have a grand aul time on the way. I will watch every minute of every game and enjoy each one with relish. Basically, I love it! It beats watching the over-paid and over-hyped actors in the Wendy-ball game, eh lassies?
I wish the best of luck to the rest of ye. Enjoy it. See ye for a pint of Guinness in old Dubh Linn - whichever Country you support.
Sorry for the rant, but it's just that this game brings out in me!
Bring it on, 大象传媒!
Leinster supporter in the Netherlands.
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Well I see that the romantics are in the room again ! now im not getting into the question of JW and england frankly thay have good players on paper who have yet to gel as a team and consistently perform. Ireland well all i can say is that they are clear favourites with very consistent performances in the autumn although the front row argument is always going to be discussed. Scotland well okay the scots have not had the best time of it lately but i think that everyone writing them off especially against england is a big mistake they have my backing to exploit englands team in many areas especially if the game turns out to be open, which with JW playing and looking for Drop goals all day long rather than creating is not going to happen. Hmm France well wvery year we seem to have a different french team turn out on the park however one certanty is that all the french players are quality if they gel as a team look out with pace and power all over the place they will turn into the favourites. Italy arguably have the best pack in europe and will beef if up i think that they could give every side a run for money but weakness in their backline will let them down. And finally wales the underdogs one thing i ahve to say is it's okay to slate us as clear underdogs and infact we seem to thrive on this in the 6 nations some might say that 1005 was a fluke but i'm sorry and this may be controversial but we do play the most atttack orientated game in the NH and a wales game is never boring even if we are getting thrased by a word class NZ side. but it set us another bench mark and the side to grace the hallowed turf on sunday will be an all together different side that faced newzealand, so i think my tip and the odds are 16-1 for a grand slam is wales but ireland well if thay beat us on sunday they will go all the way with wales in 2nd.
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Johnny has not managed more than 4/5 games without injury in 4 years so what happens when he get injured again before the world cup.
Picture the scene England with Flood/Geraghty during the world cup campaign without even 6 nations experience.
Yup mouthwatering from a We'll be seeing you in the quarter finals Welsh perspective.
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a lot is being said about Ashtons pick in the three quarters but not a lot about the pack -its a amassive improvment, no julian white who cant play rugby, but i think if i were to pick both worsley and corry i would have included Palmer and/or jones. its no good farrel being able to offload if no-ones running the lines
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a lot is being said about Ashtons pick in the three quarters but not a lot about the pack -its a amassive improvment, no julian white who cant play rugby, but i think if i were to pick both worsley and corry i would have included Palmer and/or jones. its no good farrel being able to offload if no-ones running the lines
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Thanks John Cooke and Spike for great, entertaining contributions! Thoroughly enjoyed reading them.
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To: James tuckers comments,
I can explain why Ireland are NOT over rated. Yes I agree that we did not play NZ in the Autumn like you pointed out. However, we did play them 4 months previously in their own back yard and were winning with 10 minutes to go and only lost by 10 points. This is the immortal kiwi side ranke 1 in the world by all experts. So were not too far off the mark in terms of being in the top3 or 4. Lets let see what people have to say after Sunday!
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Scotland have only one player capable of making the England bench? Blimey, not worth them turning up on Saturday. I hadn't realised England were so good,then again, just look at their recent results, should win by at least 50 points as they are superior in every position.
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I commend the Welsh confidence which seems to be running high, however, the only true obstacle I can see to an Irish Championship, is the French. Not just because of the world class players they possess (which is beyond doubt), but the added factor that I can easily imagine another laboriously slow start from them on Saturday. Plenty of errors, a brutal confrontation up front, ending with France scraping through with their record in tact, if not their pride, leaving the Irish non the wiser as to what to expect from them in week 2. And with Betsen back in the side, Ibanez on top form and Chabal back to his destructive self, a week on Sunday should be the game to watch.
Sorry Wales, but can't see you anywhere other than fighting it out for 3rd with the English.
That's an English perspective anyway!
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Ellis cant pass a ball, jw will be half the man he use to be without game time and good ball.
I dont believe for a second that the Irish set-up is 4 years behind the SH. May be one or two, Wales where strugaling, we shall see if they have got it back this sat. Lets hope not for our sake.
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as an irishman iwould love to see the home side win. all those tlaking about the summer test saying how ireland almost beat newzealand. just remember almost is not the same as actually doing it. thats why new zealand are no 1. i fear for us becuase we sometimes lack the grit and killer instinct of the kiwis. thats why they are such a good team. each player will have to want it more then the next otherwise it will be another disappointing year for us. good luck to all involved its going to be a cracker!!!
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When Andy Farrell came to union it was for 1 purpose to help England regain the world cup. In order for Brian Ashton to see if he is up to it he has to play and there is no better place to do that than international rugby against Scotland at Twickenham. However he needs experience either side of him and without Hodgson being fit then Wilko was the only option. I take nothing away from the likes of Flood and Geraghty but they are not experienced players and that is why Ashton was forced to pick Wilkinson. As a centre partnership goes i think Tindall and Farrell has the qualities neeeded but how they gel and work together is another thing. The scots might not test it too much but i feel the Irish with arguably the best and most penetrative centre pairing in the world will be more of a test.
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I think it's going take England a few games to start playing some decent rugby let alone getting good results. I would be very surprised if things change dramatically overnight. Remember we were really awful in the Autumn. I think Ireland look the strongest team by a far distance at the moment especially with all Wales' injuries and suspensions and the French mucking around so much with their selection. If Ireland beat Wales this weekend I expect them to go on and win the grand slam. I can't see France or England winning in the Ireland unless the Irish play poorly.
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Prestwick, of course I'll concede and "wake up and smell the coffee", but it seems you have beaten me to it by staying up to ungodly hours and posting a comment at almost 2 a.m.
I'm no Scot, but my faith in England has been undermined recently (I'll freely admit) by strings of poor results, embarassing coaching decisions and frankly more embarassing player moments. I'll admit Farrell could play a great game, no doubt he's got years of experience and wisdom etc etc, but given the "gelling" of the England team at the moment, I'd say that he will be more of a hindrance than a help. Not to pick on him personally. I'm fully behind England as they get their campaign under-way on Saturday, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who greets the prospect of this encounter with a sense of foreboding, even if it is against the Scots.
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Its always going to be a bit of a risk choosing a 9,10,12,13 and in my view a winger/full back. I think the glouscester line up at the minute is as good as any other england line-up you could put together but injury and lack of experience rules that out. Farrel is simply not good enough to be in the team, if anyone has seem him in the world 15 vs s.africa game he was shocking, if he puts in a performance like that he and england will feel the cost. Jonny as much as I love him, is a bad option for obvious reasons and tindall wasnt starting ahead of allen or adams at glos at the start of the season and still should not. To me this game is already lost and we will only learn that its yet another england line up that won't work.
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Just a thought Ireland are favorites going into this years championship, quite rightly so. But the major thing to stop them from winning the grand slam is thier scedule they play three games away from home and the only team to ever do that in the history of the championship is wales two years ago. So have Ireland got the quality to go away from home three times and still win the grand slam we will have to wait and see, but the schedule is defintly the biggest weeknes (especially with a dodgey front row). Then you have to ask another question are they ever going to win THE GRAND SLAM again as the schedule for which sides you play home and away is the same every two years, so they will always have England and France at home in two years and Wales, Italy and Scotland away. Next year they have France and England away can you see them getting results there, doubtful.
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Just a thought Ireland are favorites going into this years championship, quite rightly so. But the major thing to stop them from winning the grand slam is thier scedule they play three games away from home and the only team to ever do that in the history of the championship is wales two years ago. So have Ireland got the quality to go away from home three times and still win the grand slam we will have to wait and see, but the schedule is defintly the biggest weeknes (especially with a dodgey front row). Then you have to ask another question are they ever going to win THE GRAND SLAM again as the schedule for which sides you play home and away is the same every two years, so they will always have England and France at home in two years and Wales, Italy and Scotland away. Next year they have France and England away can you see them getting results there, doubtful.
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How's it going, all you true rugby lads, boyos, lassies & colleens out there in Rugby land? T鈥檞as the night before the 6-N and all good children were in bed, pretending to be asleep 鈥 with one eye open. Bit like myself. Looking forward to it?God, I can't wait. It's like Christmas Eve all over again, only with oval-shaped balls and no tinsel! Irelands鈥 Dodgy front row? I really think some people are showing a wee bit of ignorance here. Personally, methinks they are soccer supporters who have just made the switch from the Wendy-ball game to mess with our buzz. People who have just woken up to the best team sport in the World. That's ok too.Bless them. Let me put it this way: 路 Paul (who鈥檚 Jonno?) O鈥 Connell.Best in his position in the World, by far. Now Captain of HC Winners 2006. 路 Donnacha (forget the shorts ref, I want to kill someone, NOW!) O鈥機allaghan - see POC. Those two together, form the best lineout duo in the World 鈥 ask the AB鈥檚.Ask anyone. 路 Simon Easterby (Llanellis鈥 finest and their Captain) 鈥 A true leader of the form team, which could win the HC 2007 (6 from 6 in a Hell of group). Gothe Welsh! (but never on a Sunday). 路 John (the Bull) Hayes 鈥 he breads bulls and practices scrum-aging with them on his days off 鈥 he鈥檚 from Munster. May God forgive me, but I love Munster, and I鈥檓 a die-hard Leinster fan. 路 Marcus (lighting) Horan 鈥 for a prop he is deceiving 鈥 loves getting stuck-in. Loves the ball in his hands. Give him the ball! 路 David (the Pace) Wallace 鈥 open-sider whose time has come 鈥 watch this fella go 鈥 oops sorry he鈥檚 gone ! (Munster, Munster) 路 Neil (Screwball) Best. The Aussies were excreting themselves at the mere site of the man. (Tugiri 鈥 the poor man-mountain is STILL shaking in his boots to this very day). Best shook him to the inner-depths of his soul. TheSaafis - (World class hard men) saw this and tried to avoid him - to noavail. Bless.Don鈥檛 blame them and he鈥檚 on the bench, for Gods sake! What is Neil B. going to do to those little curly-haired Welsh fellas whenhe comes on? Shudder to even think. Woody鈥檚 大象传媒 quote of the day against theAussies 鈥淏est is just, well, he鈥檚 just mad really!鈥) Magic stuff!路 Jerry (The Arrow) Flannery 鈥 solid at the set piece. Throws the ball like Phil Taylor throws darts, hits bull鈥檚-eyes in the lineout every time. Bit of an animal aswell, which is nice. Just watch him grow into a World-beater this year. 路 Dennis (World class) Leamy 鈥 A player who will help take Ireland to thenext level this year. In the 6-N and the WC. Irreplaceable. A class act. As important to the team as BOD is. In my humble opinion. Your Honors, I rest my case. By the way have ye seen our Back-row? Apparently they are pretty handy withthe ball as well. I heard they are developing along nicely, behind the scenes. (Leinster, Leinster!) Or, is it just wee rumour that鈥檚 goingaround? What do you reckon ? Mmmm, nice.We鈥檒l be grand. Everyone has to learn sometime. Please correct me if I'm wrong (I'm not) but are our forwards not mostly made of the same front-row that won the best Rugby club Championship in the World last year? Sure, I鈥檓 probably wrong.Bless them Eddie, for they know not what they say. Can't wait for Ireland's (Munster鈥檚, Llanelli & Ulster鈥檚) front-row to pushthose who don鈥檛 know yet back 50 metres! Bless ye all. We still love you.It reminds the rest of us all, as to why we choose to watch a real Man鈥檚 game and not Wendy-Ball. Soccer v Rugby 鈥 the ethos of sport.Soccer still tries to achieve the same ethos at lower levels 鈥 the same Mums and Dads doing the same the Saturday morning runs as their Rugby equivalents.I did. I used to love it and Gaelic football. Gaelic football still has andstill protects its ethos. Every village in Ireland has a team and it is asocial gathering, moulded from history and hard times. This is why we willbe watching Rugby this year from probably one the best Stadiums in Europe.This was built by the efforts of these Mums and Dads,at grassroots level and was helped financially by an enlightened Government 鈥 at the time. They are now allowing us into their Gaelic Holy-of-Holies. Respect it. It is a joy to behold on All-Ireland day. The colour and spectacle of families, friends from both contestants - showing the real reason for sport. Do you remember that in soccer? The problem with soccer is at the top level, and the shame is that the kids are watching it more than playing it. The example they get from it is truly appalling. Kids are diving now on Saturday mornings, because they watchtheir heroes do it. It is blatant cheating.What hope is there for a game that encourages kids to behave like that ? The stuff true rugby legends are made of, are the dedicated supporters atall levels of Rugby across the N.H - who follow their kids teams on mucky,windy days and travel with like-minded people to enhance and entrance theStadia and the Cities that make up the 6-Nations. They actually leave theplaces they visit better than they found them.They meet new friends and leave behind, not aggression, just happy memoriesshared.Q Munster! They are the ones who have shown the way in this respect - homeand away. They are not just team 鈥 they are a religion ! There can be 50,000 Munster supporters in a stadium and when the opposition is taking apenalty-kick 鈥 you could hear a pin drop. It is beautiful experience tobehold. Enough said. Romantic idealism? Yes. Guilty as charged. But it has been true for me as long as I have been involved with rugby. I am afraid I cannot say the same about any other sport, except Gaelic games (Hurling and Football). These sports have always been this way. Long before rugby. It is true that soccer has so many dedicated, decent followers. I used to beone, until the real big money over. Then they (the top players) - started going to acting classes.I am afraid it repulses me now to watch it at the highest level.. Sorryabout that, soccer people. But it is sadly true. Look around you. Wake up and smell the wintergreen.It鈥 s not too late. Or is it? Change it. Stop buying the jerseys. Tell them at the top you are not happy with what鈥檚 going on. It鈥檚 that simple. Hurt their pockets and they will listen , because that is what it is all about for the soccer 鈥渂usinessmen 鈥. No money and its not funny, for them. Ah well.. if only.. I love Rugby. I love meeting and learning from most of the people I meet on the way. The Welsh, English, Scottish, Italian, French, Aussies, South Africans. It is more than a sport. It is more a way of life. More a way to behave 鈥 home and abroad. I truly hope, that with the advent of heavy sponsorship (as demanded recently by the French in the HC, soon to be followed by the RFU) - that it does not drop to the levels of the cynical mire that is now Soccer. I don鈥檛 think I could suffer that. I don鈥檛 want tobe around if and when it happens. That鈥檚 how much I care about the most intelligent and beautiful team-sport spectacle to behold on Earth. Bless. By the way, did you hear the one about the Irish front-row? Bring it On Auntie-Beeb! Leinster-mad by birth & design, Munster lover by choice, Irish to the bone.European in nature (Netherlands).
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Jesus, it's great not to be English! Across Football, Cricket, Rugby, I've never rad such optimistic pap recently regarding England's chances in... well anything.
English teams success in recent times has exactly mirrored the time frame, trajectory abd success of both the Gulf War, and even one Jade Goody.
The 'fans' optimism is based on absolutely nothing since 2003 - and so it shall all, soon, gloriously fall apart in public, with the rest of the world delighting in your misery.
Wilkinson my arse.
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Hmm Think again Eddie Beyonce
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Mea Culpa re Wilkinson... wait till ye play some real opposition though...
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well, from watching todays england vs Scotland match, the england backs performed very well. They put in good hard tackles and didnt pussy foot around. I think we can see that the elis and wilko combination works very well also. The england forwards were very quick to the rucks and generaly performed with no faults. I would say england weakness is their lack in ability to keep the ball alive by offloading and such. I think newzealand were only able to show their strength because they played teams who were at a weak time, so it was easy to show their strength. Im sure England will be able to contain their fast pased play a bit better now. Ireland also looked very god in the tests, im not sure their defence would be able to cope with any fast pase rugby though.
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Scotland made England look very good. They never competed for most of the line outs, never competed when it wasn't their scrum and never really ran, mainly kicking away possession.
Wilkinson & Ellis had fantastic games, Farrell nothing in particular and Robinson poached 2 tries.
Scotland gifted England 14 points courtesy of the TMO & Lamont, otherwise it would have been a 6 point game. Congratulations on the win but don't get carried away!
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Eddie B - what a bazaar thing to send to blog. Are you just trying to highlight your anti English prejudice or your st*pidity? I agree the tabloid press go way over the top and a few people express these ill advised opinions on these sites but your assertion that England "only" have a WC in 2003 to base optimism on is ludicrous. Following that line of thought, with no WC to their names what have Irish, Welsh and Scots fans got to base optimism on?
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