6 Nations 2014!!
Discussion
I honestly don't know which way this will go.
Sixth
Italy had a poor Summer and Autumn, and they are still suffering for consistency at 10. I actively support Italy in any game except England (not being antagonistic against anyone, I just love the Italians), but I don't really see where the win is coming from. If they catch Scotland cold in Rome, maybe, but that's it.
Fifth
Scotland. Definate signs of progress being made, but they are still finding their feet and their preferred combinations. Plenty of youngsters who could tip it either way. I think they will improve over the next 3-4 years, but this year is a touch too soon. Will be looking to upset England at Murrayfield.
Fourth - First. I just don't know.
I would back a full strength Wales, but they have their injury problems.
England are blowing hot and cold, and especially with Farrel, play a slightly ugly brand of 2 phase rugby. It either works or it doesn't. If it works 5 times on the bounce, they will win the grand slam. But I don't think it will. Especially not in Paris.
Ireland - still finding their feet. Showed flashes of brilliance. Plenty of mercurial youngsters, but reliant on the oldsters for the backbone of the team still. Will they turn up? Probably.
France. No idea. Haven't been following them. Will trot out the ususal 'which France will turn up' cliche and wait on it.
Sixth
Italy had a poor Summer and Autumn, and they are still suffering for consistency at 10. I actively support Italy in any game except England (not being antagonistic against anyone, I just love the Italians), but I don't really see where the win is coming from. If they catch Scotland cold in Rome, maybe, but that's it.
Fifth
Scotland. Definate signs of progress being made, but they are still finding their feet and their preferred combinations. Plenty of youngsters who could tip it either way. I think they will improve over the next 3-4 years, but this year is a touch too soon. Will be looking to upset England at Murrayfield.
Fourth - First. I just don't know.
I would back a full strength Wales, but they have their injury problems.
England are blowing hot and cold, and especially with Farrel, play a slightly ugly brand of 2 phase rugby. It either works or it doesn't. If it works 5 times on the bounce, they will win the grand slam. But I don't think it will. Especially not in Paris.
Ireland - still finding their feet. Showed flashes of brilliance. Plenty of mercurial youngsters, but reliant on the oldsters for the backbone of the team still. Will they turn up? Probably.
France. No idea. Haven't been following them. Will trot out the ususal 'which France will turn up' cliche and wait on it.
I would try stubhub for tickets at this late stage.
As for the tournament, I think it's the most open for years. If we (Wales) get a result in Ireland I can see us doing it but our lack of depth is telling and we have some crucial injuries. My money goes on the last game (Ireland v France) being the decider.
Dead cert of the tournament - Mike Phillips to shove an aimless box kick up within the first 5 minutes against Italy
Got tickets to the French game, can't wait
As for the tournament, I think it's the most open for years. If we (Wales) get a result in Ireland I can see us doing it but our lack of depth is telling and we have some crucial injuries. My money goes on the last game (Ireland v France) being the decider.
Dead cert of the tournament - Mike Phillips to shove an aimless box kick up within the first 5 minutes against Italy
Got tickets to the French game, can't wait
As always, once Christmas is over February approaches and I start getting the 6 nations tingle. I love the fact every year is different and always throws up something unexpected.
Wales are still favourites for me, but perhaps not the cohesive force of previous years, which may give other teams a look-in this time. The Lions effect may be a big influence over results - France has a good chance of taking advantage of injuries and fatigue over Wales/England/Ireland, and to a minimal extent Scotland, but personally I can't see the French playing to the sum of their parts.
Above all, I'm really looking forward to seeing Lancaster tinkering with a powerful, young England squad, which has grown over the last 2-3 years. The scrum recently seems to have almost an embarrassment of riches, and starting to function like one of the feared units of old.
So I'll be looking closely at who steps up and into the center and fly half positions, and to an extent, who can put big performances in the wing and full back positions. There seems to be a fair few people knocking on the door, but as an entire back line, it hasn't sparked to life yet.
Wales are still favourites for me, but perhaps not the cohesive force of previous years, which may give other teams a look-in this time. The Lions effect may be a big influence over results - France has a good chance of taking advantage of injuries and fatigue over Wales/England/Ireland, and to a minimal extent Scotland, but personally I can't see the French playing to the sum of their parts.
Above all, I'm really looking forward to seeing Lancaster tinkering with a powerful, young England squad, which has grown over the last 2-3 years. The scrum recently seems to have almost an embarrassment of riches, and starting to function like one of the feared units of old.
So I'll be looking closely at who steps up and into the center and fly half positions, and to an extent, who can put big performances in the wing and full back positions. There seems to be a fair few people knocking on the door, but as an entire back line, it hasn't sparked to life yet.
For me,
England have a nearly full strength pack (minus Corbs) but no settled back line, can see a dogged win in Paris and the start of a good campaign. Would like to see Ford given decent time in games and maybe start 1 or 2.
France, a cliche but who knows and England first up for them is not good.
Wales, great first XV but Davies is a big miss in the centres as he adds some skill to gatlands bosh plan. Very susceptable to injuries with a lack of depth and a liabilty at scrum half.
Ireland, no SOB is a really big miss, no decent tight head undermines their scrum and see if they move on from BOD.
Scotland, competitive pack but no spark in the backline
Italy, competitive pack but make Scotlands backline look like the All Blacks
England to win a slam!!!
England have a nearly full strength pack (minus Corbs) but no settled back line, can see a dogged win in Paris and the start of a good campaign. Would like to see Ford given decent time in games and maybe start 1 or 2.
France, a cliche but who knows and England first up for them is not good.
Wales, great first XV but Davies is a big miss in the centres as he adds some skill to gatlands bosh plan. Very susceptable to injuries with a lack of depth and a liabilty at scrum half.
Ireland, no SOB is a really big miss, no decent tight head undermines their scrum and see if they move on from BOD.
Scotland, competitive pack but no spark in the backline
Italy, competitive pack but make Scotlands backline look like the All Blacks
England to win a slam!!!
Like a few others no clue about Le Frogs....could win it or finish fourth! Wales on paper have the players to beat anyone but I like the look of how England's pack is developing...dynamic second row and a genuine gain line busting ball carrier in Vunipola. England's midfield is a shambles....I really hope Billy T pushes on but he's not helped by playing alongside the modern day Rob Andrew. Farrell really needs to find some creativity from somewhere.
I've no idea how any of the top four will do, though I expect Ireland to struggle this year.
England need to sort out their backs and try and find some flair from somewhere and I can't quite see that happening. Wales are struggling with injuries, France are as they always are.
So who knows how it will end up, but I do know that makes for a more exciting championship. I know i'l enjoy watching it.
England need to sort out their backs and try and find some flair from somewhere and I can't quite see that happening. Wales are struggling with injuries, France are as they always are.
So who knows how it will end up, but I do know that makes for a more exciting championship. I know i'l enjoy watching it.
I have to say that it is very open at the top. This could be a cracking 6N.
Ireland not looking too good at the moment but they can pull it out of the bag.
Missing Welsh players exposes a lack of strength in depth.
France: I'm with those who don't want to make a prediction and end up with egg of their face.
England will promise a lot, get bogged down and play some dire games which they will probably win by three or four points.
Italy? No hope I think.
Scotland? There's a bit of hype but I'm not convinced.
Am I excited at the prospect? You bet.
Ireland not looking too good at the moment but they can pull it out of the bag.
Missing Welsh players exposes a lack of strength in depth.
France: I'm with those who don't want to make a prediction and end up with egg of their face.
England will promise a lot, get bogged down and play some dire games which they will probably win by three or four points.
Italy? No hope I think.
Scotland? There's a bit of hype but I'm not convinced.
Am I excited at the prospect? You bet.
Excited, looking forward to this one a lot. France, England, Wales and half of Ireland, in no particular order. Then the other half of Ireland, Italy, Scotland. Two groups of teams, with Ireland bridging the gap between a premiership and a championship.
I know what I mean!
I fear us England fans will be very frustrated though. Like the Cricket team, what is it with being overly defensive?
I know what I mean!
I fear us England fans will be very frustrated though. Like the Cricket team, what is it with being overly defensive?
) I've got a team lined up already via my club's fantasy league, but have to admit that, again, its mostly a lucky dip selection 
I think
France
England
Ireland
Wales
Scotland
Italy.
However, the top 4 are interchangeable depending on what they had for breakfast, if there's traffic on the way to the stadium, if they solved the morning crossword.
Each of those teams have the ability to be the best in the world if they play to their maximum potential.
I could even see Scotland sneaking a win against Wales or Ireland.
France
England
Ireland
Wales
Scotland
Italy.
However, the top 4 are interchangeable depending on what they had for breakfast, if there's traffic on the way to the stadium, if they solved the morning crossword.
Each of those teams have the ability to be the best in the world if they play to their maximum potential.
I could even see Scotland sneaking a win against Wales or Ireland.
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