Fergus McFadden debuts for Ireland picture from http://bit.ly/gRQEXK
RBS Six Nations Friday , February 4
Wales vs England 19:45
Saturday , February 5
Italy vs Ireland 14:30
France vs Scotland 17:00
It’s a big rugby year this year with the World Cup just round the corner, and if you can just pick up some momentum in the 6 Nations you could go far. Let’s see what sort of start everyone will make…
Wales vs England
What an excellent match to kick things off as Wales welcome the Red Roses to the Millenium Stadium. This is one match Ireland, Scotland and Wales never have to get up for, beating England means even if everything else goes pear shaped in the competition, you can still feel like you’ve achieved something. And if you’re not an England supporter, reading the Sunday papers is a guilty pleasure as whatever battering England take when they lose in the 6 Nations is nothing compared to the savaging they get in the press. England go into this match with a few key men missing, captain Moody, Lawes and Croft being the main ones. There’s massive depth in English rugby though, and I’m interested to see how debutant Tom Woods does, but am not so sure about Tindall as captain and Haskell is way short of his best. Wales meanwhile have their own injuries, particularly in the front row where they are bound to struggle. Otherwise, they have injuries but depth of their own. Byrne on the bench is a move that may backfire, but may also inspire him to get back to his best. A key match up will be between 6 6 ft 3 in Mike Phillips at scrum half for Wales, and 5 ft 10 in 13 stone Ben Youngs, England’s Scrum half. Phillips is an edgy, in your face player as it is and rookie Youngs could have an afternoon to remember. England are the favourites, but with home advantage I reckon Wales are going to sneak this one. Wales by 5.
England team: http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_6718392,00.html
Welsh team http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_6718418,00.html
Italy vs Ireland
With a mounting injury list, Ireland look like they are getting a bit thin on the ground for this match. Declan Kidney has stuck with a few of the old faithful s like Donncha O’Callaghan, who were awesome in their peak, but as they approach eligibility for a bus pass, their form seems to be waning. You wouldn’t think the team was selected on Heineken Cup form anyway. Having said that, there are 6 Nations debuts for O’Brien, Ross and Fergus McFadden. Italy at home are not exactly a daunting prospect, but you wouldn’t want to get overconfident or you could easily come back from Rome with pasta all over your face. Even with Ireland’s injury list, they should still have enough to sort the Italians out, maybe not by much. Ireland to win by 4.
Irish Team: http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/22020.php
France vs Scotland
After France’s risible performance against Australia, last year, you’d have to expect the Scot’s to feel some kind of backlash. Scotland however, have really turned their form around in the last few years, and are no longer content to be scrapping for the wooden spoon with Italy. They have a fearsome looking pack, probably the best front row in the competition, and finally some decent options in the back line. This is going to be a bruising afternoon of rugby, and it’s going to be intriguing to see if the French players can bring the same skill and intensity to this match that they deliver for their clubs. If not, it could be a long afternoon at the Stade de France, Paris, with their notoriously volatile fans. France by 7
Scottish team http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3560_6716090,00.html
French team http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3559_6715757,00.html
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