11/21/24
January 29, 2007
The countdown begins here: It is less than a week until the 2007 Six Nations kicks off, and already the speculation is filling the newspapers. Wales have such talent in their backs, but do they have the forward play needed to win? Scotland are nowhere near favourites, but that won't stop them trying. Will it be the wooden spoon again for Italy? They haven't won a game in the competition since 2004 but they are looking more and more dangerous. France are rated second in the world and are last year's winner, but will they want to experiment before the World Cup? England have a new coach and a new outlook, and with Wilkinson declaring himself fit they can't be ignored. They are current World title holders after all. And then there is Ireland, the marginal favourites although Munster & Leinster's recent losses have raised questions about certain areas of their game. And let us not forget that Ireland are rarely happy with the favourites tag
I can't wait, even though the days when England dominated are long gone. Ireland are deserved favourites, but France are only a notch behind. The winner of that match ought to win the Grand Slam. Wales should be good enough for third, but England have more potential than they have shown in the last couple of years. Scotland and Italy will once again battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
posted by salmacis at 09:43 AM on January 29, 2007
Enough with the saying that we are favourites already! You'll jinx us :) I'm guessing that O'Sullivan was secretly a bit pleased that Munster, Ulster and Leinster lost those matches. Because instantly all the pundits started pointing and going "look, not as good as we thought" which is exactly what we want. I'm in two minds over Wilkinson. He obviously cannot be match fit, but at the same time, it isn't hard to see why they want to play him. Even at 50% he is bound to have some sort of an impact. Course, that might just be to severely dent the confidence of the fully fit fly-half that he's replaced.
posted by Fence at 03:07 AM on January 30, 2007
Hey Fence, you forgot to plug your Six Nations Fantasy Contest, which is still accepting sign-ups! As for the actual Six Nations contest, I think Ireland are almost certain to win it. They have France and England at home, which is a huge advantage, and should comfortably thump both Scotland and Italy. Really looking forward to the Wales-Ireland game, though. I think we'll come out strong in the first 20-25 minutes, but Ireland are probably too strong for us. It'll be a big boost if Shane Williams declares himself fit, because he is the only back we've got who knows for certain what position he is best in! We have like three number 10's, three inside centres, a couple of full-backs... it's ridiculous! But we also have Dwayne Peel - the best scrum half in the world, so there ya go. And Wilkinson fit? Haha, yeah right. He'll probably tear a hamstring tying his boots up before the first match.