Discussion
Just over a month to go until the 2016 6N. I'd expect a lot of attention to focus on how Eddie Jones does as head coach, and I'm interested to see his 6N squad.
I think it will be a good and in the end close contest, I don't see any team getting a grand slam. England's only have 2 home fixtures but I'd take Ireland and Wales at home.
England
Not sure what to expect, with 4 years until the next WC Jones doesn't necessarily need to make a complete overhaul, I'm thinking more along the lines of not picking those who are likely too old to feature in 2019. Personally I'd like to see as many young, talented players get as many caps as possible come the next WC. It's a shame a few players have gone down with long term injuries in the premiership, namely Henry Slade, and Kieran Brookes.
Farrell seems to be the form fly half in the league, while George Ford has struggled behind a Bath pack that have generally been on back foot. I'd like to see Cipriani involved, I expect with Jones' history with Saracens and their current form quite a few Saracens players will be in the England set up but please no Brad Barritt......
Rumours seem to have Hartley back in and captain, I doubt we'll see Robshaw back at 7 in an England shirt and hopefully not Tom Wood either unless his club form justifies it, England imbalance in the backrow was a big deficiency under Lancaster IMO.
I think England will win 3/4 games and probably finish 2nd. Again.
Ireland
Almost as disappointing in the World Cup as England, and domestically Leinster and Munster haven't been too impressive who supply the bulk of the national side.
I think Ireland are a team in transition needing to rebuild during the next RWC cycle. Still have enough quality to beat anyone, and the opener against Wales at home is a big one to set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
France
New coach in needs to have a long term plan a game plan and then stick to it. The previous two coaches used a ridiculous amount of players. I think the amount of cash in the French top 14 continues to erode the national teams prospects but there is still a huge pool of talent available in France.
Don't see them being able to string 5 winning performances together to win it.
Italy
Italy need to up their game, Sergio Parisse won't be around forever and with Scotland looking to be in the ascendency could be consigned to the wooden spoon for the foreseeable future IMO
Wales
Wales were better than the sum of their parts in the RWC, they've a few injuries still making the cupboard look a bit bare in some positions. Gethin Jenkins turned 35 after the last WC but I expect him to feature in the 6N and beyond while Gatland bloods some youngsters. Like the rest of the contenders I can't see them getting 5 wins and a grand slam and the away fixtures haven't landed too kind this time around getting wins at Twickenham and the Aviva will be a big ask but sadly with the former Wales might have a physiological edge....
Davies being back is a big boost but George North has been poor this season at Northampton. If they can beat Ireland first up they could go on to win it.
Scotland
Scotland probably came away from the RWC with the most credibility, last 6N they were missing that last 10% and could potentially find themselves in a similar boat this time around. Or they could beat England at home and challenge. My memory of them in the WC is they started too slowly and were a bit iffy in defence but played some good attacking rugby. Scotland continue to have the issue of only having 2 top tier teams but Glasgow and Edinburgh are going well domestically.
I think Scotland will win 2/3 games, 3 or more wins will be a big success.
06/02/2016
FRANCE V ITALY
SCOTLAND V ENGLAND
07/02/2016
IRELAND V WALES
13/02/2016
FRANCE V IRELAND
WALES V SCOTLAND
14/02/2016
ITALY V ENGLAND
26/02/2016
WALES V FRANCE
27/02/2016
ITALY V SCOTLAND
ENGLAND V IRELAND
12/03/2016
IRELAND V ITALY
ENGLAND V WALES
13/03/2016
SCOTLAND V FRANCE
19/03/2016
WALES V ITALY
IRELAND V SCOTLAND
FRANCE V ENGLAND
I think it will be a good and in the end close contest, I don't see any team getting a grand slam. England's only have 2 home fixtures but I'd take Ireland and Wales at home.
England
Not sure what to expect, with 4 years until the next WC Jones doesn't necessarily need to make a complete overhaul, I'm thinking more along the lines of not picking those who are likely too old to feature in 2019. Personally I'd like to see as many young, talented players get as many caps as possible come the next WC. It's a shame a few players have gone down with long term injuries in the premiership, namely Henry Slade, and Kieran Brookes.
Farrell seems to be the form fly half in the league, while George Ford has struggled behind a Bath pack that have generally been on back foot. I'd like to see Cipriani involved, I expect with Jones' history with Saracens and their current form quite a few Saracens players will be in the England set up but please no Brad Barritt......
Rumours seem to have Hartley back in and captain, I doubt we'll see Robshaw back at 7 in an England shirt and hopefully not Tom Wood either unless his club form justifies it, England imbalance in the backrow was a big deficiency under Lancaster IMO.
I think England will win 3/4 games and probably finish 2nd. Again.
Ireland
Almost as disappointing in the World Cup as England, and domestically Leinster and Munster haven't been too impressive who supply the bulk of the national side.
I think Ireland are a team in transition needing to rebuild during the next RWC cycle. Still have enough quality to beat anyone, and the opener against Wales at home is a big one to set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
France
New coach in needs to have a long term plan a game plan and then stick to it. The previous two coaches used a ridiculous amount of players. I think the amount of cash in the French top 14 continues to erode the national teams prospects but there is still a huge pool of talent available in France.
Don't see them being able to string 5 winning performances together to win it.
Italy
Italy need to up their game, Sergio Parisse won't be around forever and with Scotland looking to be in the ascendency could be consigned to the wooden spoon for the foreseeable future IMO
Wales
Wales were better than the sum of their parts in the RWC, they've a few injuries still making the cupboard look a bit bare in some positions. Gethin Jenkins turned 35 after the last WC but I expect him to feature in the 6N and beyond while Gatland bloods some youngsters. Like the rest of the contenders I can't see them getting 5 wins and a grand slam and the away fixtures haven't landed too kind this time around getting wins at Twickenham and the Aviva will be a big ask but sadly with the former Wales might have a physiological edge....
Davies being back is a big boost but George North has been poor this season at Northampton. If they can beat Ireland first up they could go on to win it.
Scotland
Scotland probably came away from the RWC with the most credibility, last 6N they were missing that last 10% and could potentially find themselves in a similar boat this time around. Or they could beat England at home and challenge. My memory of them in the WC is they started too slowly and were a bit iffy in defence but played some good attacking rugby. Scotland continue to have the issue of only having 2 top tier teams but Glasgow and Edinburgh are going well domestically.
I think Scotland will win 2/3 games, 3 or more wins will be a big success.
06/02/2016
FRANCE V ITALY
SCOTLAND V ENGLAND
07/02/2016
IRELAND V WALES
13/02/2016
FRANCE V IRELAND
WALES V SCOTLAND
14/02/2016
ITALY V ENGLAND
26/02/2016
WALES V FRANCE
27/02/2016
ITALY V SCOTLAND
ENGLAND V IRELAND
12/03/2016
IRELAND V ITALY
ENGLAND V WALES
13/03/2016
SCOTLAND V FRANCE
19/03/2016
WALES V ITALY
IRELAND V SCOTLAND
FRANCE V ENGLAND
Edited by a311 on Sunday 3rd January 20:49
Been quiet so far this thread!
I'm a bit underwhelmed with EJ's final 23. Sent home a few young exciting prospects and retained some guff to the extent it's a bit Lancaster light. If the talk proves accurate what does moving Robshaw to #6 and Haskell to #7 achieve over what we've already seen? All this about having a fetcher, Haskell isn't the answer in fact he's failed to make me think he can cut it at international level, spends too much time in the gym.
Is Robshaw really the best blindside in premiership at the moment? He lacks the pace and the raw power to make breaks however I would say he's a consistent performer.
I think Jones is looking to ease himself in rather than do anything too drastic, however he's making a lot of the same mistakes Lancaster made-Farrell at 12 if the rumour prove true? Never been a huge fan but he's been the stand-out 10 in the league IMO all be it in a dominant side.
I wouldn't be surprised if Hartley turns out to be an interim captain for the 6N, Jamie George is head and shoulders above him on recent form although I struggle to see any other candidates for the captaincy.
I would say Wales are the most settled side but 2 difficult away fixtures in Ireland and England, beat Ireland and I reckon they'll go on to win it if not the slam.
I'm a bit underwhelmed with EJ's final 23. Sent home a few young exciting prospects and retained some guff to the extent it's a bit Lancaster light. If the talk proves accurate what does moving Robshaw to #6 and Haskell to #7 achieve over what we've already seen? All this about having a fetcher, Haskell isn't the answer in fact he's failed to make me think he can cut it at international level, spends too much time in the gym.
Is Robshaw really the best blindside in premiership at the moment? He lacks the pace and the raw power to make breaks however I would say he's a consistent performer.
I think Jones is looking to ease himself in rather than do anything too drastic, however he's making a lot of the same mistakes Lancaster made-Farrell at 12 if the rumour prove true? Never been a huge fan but he's been the stand-out 10 in the league IMO all be it in a dominant side.
I wouldn't be surprised if Hartley turns out to be an interim captain for the 6N, Jamie George is head and shoulders above him on recent form although I struggle to see any other candidates for the captaincy.
I would say Wales are the most settled side but 2 difficult away fixtures in Ireland and England, beat Ireland and I reckon they'll go on to win it if not the slam.
Checking in for the banter
Looking forward to seeing what EJ has done the last few weeks.
Was disappointed to see no Cips and the possibility of Haskell at 7 (or in the team at all) and Farrell at 12, with Itoje cut
It does seem to be an evolution of the squad since the RWC disaster, which should have been expected, perhaps?
Something tells me Wales should win but I think England will be the surprise package, considering many will have written them off.
Could be the closest tournament for some time though, I'd say! That'll make it a fantastic watch
Looking forward to seeing what EJ has done the last few weeks.
Was disappointed to see no Cips and the possibility of Haskell at 7 (or in the team at all) and Farrell at 12, with Itoje cut
It does seem to be an evolution of the squad since the RWC disaster, which should have been expected, perhaps?
Something tells me Wales should win but I think England will be the surprise package, considering many will have written them off.
Could be the closest tournament for some time though, I'd say! That'll make it a fantastic watch
rhinochopig said:
Very little time for EJ to effect a lot of change, but England are fit and very strong, and IF he's managed to inject a bit of 7s like flare a la Japan then it could be a very exciting 6N for England fans.
Eddie Jones selecting Dylan Hartley (54 weeks of bans) as Captain indicates we might see a more aggressive positive approach from England. It's pretty much the same young team as the world cup, just with some attitude injected.
charlie84rum said:
Regarding Haskell and Robshaw this may well be their last chance to justify a place. Also I think it will be make or break for Hartley. Surely any disciplinary issues and he loses the captaincy and potentially his place. Here's to hoping his leadership brings the edge England need.
I had the chance to meet Lancaster and Robshaw (as it happens, all of the squad) at a couple of events last year and they both seemed to be devoid of charisma and leadership skills. Robshaw is a capable rugby player but from my (very limited) experience, not someone to turn a group of talented individuals into a 'team'. Again Lancaster, maybe different on the training paddock, but didn't come across as someone to spark a team into giving him everything they've got.I'm not convinced Hartley is the right person, but you will get everything from him, and in return, inspire his team mates. Lets hope EJ can get them to play for him.
Very short term win at all costs selection for EJ, tricky to start with a loss but I think he'll try and overpower Scotland. Its 2 very different back row philosophies, Scotland 2 dedicated scavengers and one bosh with another scavenger on the bench vs a lot of bosh and Robshaw.
England will change a lot over the next 6-9 months and with fitness/form permitting I think the England team for autumn internationals will look like this:
Vunipola M
George
Brookes
Launchbury
Itoje
Clifford
Underhill
Hughes
Youngs
Ford
May
Slade
Tuilagi
Watson
Brown
Marler
LCD
Hill
Kruis
Hask
Simpson/Robson
Josephs
Daly/Nowell
England will change a lot over the next 6-9 months and with fitness/form permitting I think the England team for autumn internationals will look like this:
Vunipola M
George
Brookes
Launchbury
Itoje
Clifford
Underhill
Hughes
Youngs
Ford
May
Slade
Tuilagi
Watson
Brown
Marler
LCD
Hill
Kruis
Hask
Simpson/Robson
Josephs
Daly/Nowell
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