Seconds out, round two...
- 9 Feb 07, 12:29 PM
London - Right, we鈥檙e agonisingly close to the second weekend of the Six Nations and I reckon it鈥檚 prediction time.
We want your thoughts on how your side will fare in what could be crucial weekend and if you are already setting off for London, Edinburgh or Dublin, we would like to hear from you as you travel in the cold.
Who is going to win, what are the scores going to be and what are your selection worries?
First up it鈥檚 鈥 with the home side massive favourites to record their 13th win in 13 games over the Azzurri.
England opened their campaign with an impressive victory over Scotland, with a certain fly-half taking all the plaudits, while Italy were battered by France.
Everyone in the England camp is saying the right things and when I spoke to wing yesterday, he insisted that no-one in the squad are expecting an easy ride.
鈥淚taly are in a very strong position in that no one expects them to win, they are in a no-lose situation,鈥 he said.
鈥淭hey will throw everything at us. I just hope people don鈥檛 underestimate Italy, we are certainly not doing so.鈥
So do the Azzurri stand any chance or will it be an early afternoon romp for Brian Ashton鈥檚 men?
In Edinburgh, Scotland and Wales do battle at Murrayfield in a meeting of two sides searching for their first win of the championship.
Scotland employed a conservative approach at Twickenham and could be beaten again if Wales get as much possession and time as England enjoyed.
The match has been overshadowed somewhat by made by Scottish skipper Chris Paterson while Wales are still smarting from what they see as employed by Ireland in the 19-9 loss in Cardiff.
Wales are determined to right the wrongs of that defeat and the squad received a big boost in the build by getting a pep talk from boxing legend .
The game of the weekend is surely in Dublin on Sunday where France are the visitors for the historic clash with Ireland at Croke Park.
It will be a massive occasion and my colleague Jim Stokes in Belfast has already argued that the emotion could work against Eddie O鈥橲ullivan鈥檚 men 鈥 who were not at their sparkling best in the win over Wales.
The France clash is the type of game that Ireland must win to justify their tag as favourites and their cause is not helped by the loss of .
France made a statement of intent with their 39-3 victory over Italy in Rome but the question, as it always seems to be with Les Bleus, is can they maintain that kind of form on the road?
After saying all that I suppose it would be remiss of me not to stick my neck out, even though I am hopeless at predictions, so here goes:
I reckon England will put 20 points on Italy, Wales will be too strong for Scotland and I can see France sneaking past Ireland (sorry step-mum!).
So there we are, that鈥檚 the build up and now it is over to you鈥..
Wales 27-18 England
Comments Post your comment
This really is an intriguing 6 nations, every week another question will be answered. Week 1 many questions were left unanswered, are England back or are Scotland just that poor? Ireland overcame possibly their toughest challenge of the 6 nations by claiming a win in Cardiff, but were they good or did Wales just show a lack of strength in depth with their replacement backs? France v Italy, nothing more than expected.
By the end of this weekend I doubt we will know any more about England and still will not see whether they have made any improvement from 2006. Wales should, and probably will, win away in Scotland, but it is only how they win which will show us if they are serious contenders for this years championship. Although Scotland have the opportunity to change our opinion.
Sunday brings up the biggest question, Are Ireland the strongest team? Can France find some form and consistency?
Some questions answered but still many more to answer in the next few weeks.
Complain about this post
I think this weekend will see Wales and Scotland desperate to get some points on the board. However, Wales with the extra flair and wide flowing rugby should have learned how to capitalize more and actually score some tries. As long as the Scots don't cheat like the Irish did in Cardiff.
As for England I think they will dispatch the Italians though not with as much as ease as we may have come to expect. Perhaps back to back games will take it's toll on those still returning to fitness. It may even be a closer result than last week against Scotland.
As for the French I think they will pip the Irish. I think the performance the Irish put in last week did not look that convincing (the score line was flattering), they will need to raise their game, especially if the French are at the top of their game.
Complain about this post
Yep I think you're about right England should have to much firepower even if they don't get as much ball as against the Scots,so I'd reckon they are good for a 20-25 point win.Wales can do damage against Scotland and its normally an entertaining game I'm going for Wales by 10-15 points.The last game is very interesting as I'm not sure which Irish or French side will turn up.Ireland were poor on Sunday and France got the job done against an out of sorts Italy.If ROG plays as badly as he did in Cardiff then they could be in real trouble,however he at least has a 9 inside him now in Boss.All things concidered I'll go for France by 5-10 points.
It should be a great weekends rugby!!
Complain about this post
The Loss of BOD is a big one but i think that horgan will step in and do an awesome job as he has been in amazing form for Leinster. He will also be partnering Darcman in the middle and they know each other inside out. Were lucky in that we have a class player in Geordan to bring in. I think O connell will now rise to the challenge and lead Ireland to victory. It will give him a much needed boot in the rear. He gives the pack the leadership it needs when he is captain. I think England will turn the italians over very easily and Wilkinson will once again be the star but then again it wouldnt be very hard against a the weakest team in the competition. Wales v Scotland will be a close one but you have to fancy the welsh after the way they played against Ireland. It will also give them closer on the last game and prove that they are as good as they think (or not).......
Complain about this post
England to put 50 points on Italy by spreading the game as this is where the Italians are weak
Wales to win by 10 - 15 by actually scoring some tries against what loks like a rather weak Scottish team
Ireland to just about sneak it by the odd point thanks to O'Gara's goal kicking and massive support
Complain about this post
Surprise, surprise another 成人快手 journalist putting doubts into an Irish win this weekend. While you are entitled to your opinion I cannot see any justification for your prediction. We may have lost BOD and Stringer but have great replacements in Horgan and Boss,two players do not make up a team!!! Also France played at shocking Italian team, not great preparation by any means. Granted Ireland didn't play well against Wales but that was by far (on paper) our hardest test, we got a result and ran out comfortable winners in the end, a sign of a great team. I think Ireland will win by 10 points and put this 'can't live with favourite tag' to bed. Also our front row will show they are not as weak as you would all like to believe. Move on from Munster v Leicester, this is the 6 Nations.
England will beat Italy by 15 points and Wales will beat Scotland by 20 points.
Complain about this post
england to beat italy by a massive margin,wales to beat scotland by 10-15 points(although shane williams will be missed),france to beat ireland by a fair few.ireland only beat a second string wales side (and not that easily either)
Complain about this post
I'm nervously looking forward to Irish rugby's first foray into Croker, it is disappointing that we are missing BOD and to a lesser extent Stringer. I think we may have been better starting with Horgan on the wing and Trimble at centre (his natural position) as I feel Horgan offers us so much more on the wing and Trimble deserves a chance at centre. Having said that I have no reason not to trust O'Sullivan's selections. I think all the talk of the occasion being too much for Ireland is an excercise in the media creating more interest in an already fascinating encounter. When the Fields of Athenry reverberates around the impressive ground it will be a truely emotional experience.
Come on the Irish!
Complain about this post
This business about Paterson calling the Welsh cheats is in my opinion a very poor piece of reporting by the 成人快手. The headline is sensationalist, and the article does not give a direct quote, saying instead, "When you play Welsh teams... there is a lot of cheating that goes on around the breakdown," It would be interesting to know what the ... was. I agree this is not the most sensible thing for Paterson to say, and the suggestion of cheating is there, however he does hint that this is the sort of thing that Scotland, indeed all teams, do themselves. The implication is that Scotland just need to be better cheats themselves!! However, the piece does not merit such a silly headline.
Complain about this post
scotland will easily beat the welsh
Complain about this post
Whilst I agree that Scotland were relatively timid last week, I listen and watch with amazement at the way they have already been written off for the entire Championship. It should be remembered that we now have 3 home games to come and with a bit more guile and self-belief its not beyond the realms of possibility that we could be heading for Paris still in the shake-up for the title.
I think the clamour over JW last week has hidden some of the great strides that Scotland have taken in the past 12 months or so and Murryfield has once again become a difficult 6 Nations venue for visiting teams.
Complain about this post
Moving weekend i would say,
England to gain more good form as they will easily cope with Italy up-front and give JW lots of protection and time to get things going behind the scrum...
Wales to easily cope with Scotland as Wales have improved and Scotland are gone backwards a bit...
Ireland versus France..... toss a coin i would say, BO'D is a huge loss but Horgan returning is huge bonus (as is the inclusion of Murphy on wing, his best attacking position)
It all depends what happens up front where the irish pack will fight tooth and nail for everything, O'Connell & O'Callaghan to do the business hopefully...
Complain about this post
England to beat Italy, by 10-15 points, but only in the last twenty minutes. I expect Italy to be a lot better than they were last week. I'm more concerned about how England plays than how many points they rack up. I really hope they show some ambition and hopefully the centre partnership with Farrell and Tindall will start to click. I think Wales will beat Scotland. They are going to be massively annoyed that they lost to Ireland and I think Scotland could be in for a tough day. With France and Ireland it depends which French team turns up. It should be close but if I were to have to land on one side of the fence I would have to say Ireland. They are settled as a unit, which has made them so successful recently and the atmosphere at Croke Park should give them a real lift.
Complain about this post
England will beat Italy but not impressively and by a surprisingly small margin.
Scotland will actually show up against Wales, put up a good fight and may sneak a win.
France and Ireland ....depends on the weather. If it rains my money's on Ireland.
Complain about this post
Exciting weekend ahead for sure. England if they don鈥檛 win should retire from Rugby, Wales if and when they stop complaining about the other side when they lose (what a group of little ladies to be honest, never a good sign for their prospects in the World Cup ahead) and for the big game over the weekend, I suspect a very close and physical encounter鈥︹︹ut a happy ending for the boys in green !
Complain about this post
Post 7,
Joe, can you enlighten me as to what a fair few and a massive margin are in terms of points??
Complain about this post
England will beat Italy but not impressively and by quite a small margin.
Scotland will actually show up against Wales and may sneak a win.
Ireland and France...depends on the weather...if it rains my money's on Ireland.
Complain about this post
France will roll Ireland right over and show to the world the weak underbelly of a foundation that this so called Irish Optimism is based on.
France by 20-25
England will expect to walk all over the Italians (like they obviously thought they would to Argentina) and manage to scramble a win at the end. England by 3
Scotland will bounce back with passion and commitment and bully Wales into surrender. A comfortable 15 point win for the boys in blue
Complain about this post
Exciting weekend ahead for sure. England if they don鈥檛 win should retire from Rugby, Wales should win if and when they stop complaining about the other side when they lose (what a group of little ladies to be honest, never a good sign for their prospects in the World Cup ahead)that said never rule out the Scots at Murrayfield. For the big game over the weekend, I suspect a very close and physical encounter鈥︹︹ut a happy ending for the boys in green and an exciting game of Rugby !
Complain about this post
Why is it every england fan wants to believe ireland are poor-are you scared? We scored 3 tries against wales and defended strongly, granted we played badly but isnt that the sign of a good team. Ireland will improve and beat france by 2 scores, history does not predict the future and just because France have beat Ireland in the past dosn't mean they are going to do so now. Wales and England should win confortably also.
Complain about this post
I've always thought that the Six nations was a reflection of the state of the underlying leagues. As such I predict the following:
England :- League not as bad as many make out, some very strong teams.
Italy :- League is a mess, most players at overseas clubs.
Verdict: England by 15 - 20 points.
Wales :- Decent league, play rugby that's fun to watch, but don't always get the required results.
Scotland :- League poor compared to the others.
Verdict: Wales by 10 points
France :- Strong domestic league, but can struggle away from home.
Ireland :- Strong league and good performers in the Magners & Heineken cups.
Verdict : Ireland by a score
Complain about this post
I think that France will rise to the occasion and get the win over Ireland. Although home-field advantage is on their side, the loss of Stringer and more especially O鈥橠riscoll could be too much for the Irish to contend with what is an historic day in Irish rugby.
The Italians have come on leaps and bounds in recent games and deserve every single plaudit they receive. However, I feel that England have too much strength in depth and should see off the Azzurri with gas to spare. That said, I think that Phil Vickery needs to make more of a showing as Captain this week than he did last week against Scotland.
For me the clash of the weekend will be played out at Murrayfield. The Welsh came into the tournament as potential Grand-Slam winners and now face the possibility of ending the tournament without a triple-crown victory. I think the Scots showed enough grit and cohesion last weekend to have seriously worried Jenkins鈥 men. However, they will need to play on every ounce of the home crowd advantage to come away with the win.
Complain about this post
Should be an excellent weekend of rugby especially the Ireland, France match on Sunday. I think England should win comfortably, but it will be tough going for them in the 1st half, as I see Italy putting up a good fight, but they'll run out of steam in the 2nd half. I think Wales v Scotland is going to be quite a close match, Scotland didn't play well against England and have got something to prove and have home advantage. Wales also have something to prove so I see a tight match with maybe a 5 point difference either way, with Wales just sneaking it. The match of the weekend will be in Dublin, I can't call this one, as it depends which French team turn up. If France play with confidence and start to click, then Ireland will have to be at thier best to stop them winning. If the other side turns up I see a easy win for Ireland by 10-15 points. It will also be interesting to see how important the loss of BOD will make to the Irish, as no matter what anybody says, you take a worldclass player out of any side and it does make a difference.
Complain about this post
england will only just beat italy by about 25-15. wales will hammer scotland if they play attacking rugby and ireland should be france only because they are at home if france were at home then they would probably win
Complain about this post
The match as Twickenham will be a snoozefest as two Juggernaut packs will grind it out. Sir Johnny will kick about six drop goals and England will score two push over tries and a penalty try to nil. 39-0.
I think Scotland will do Wales. If the Welsh were so great last week why did Ireland beat them by 10 points playing badly..? Remember Scotland beat England and France last year at Murrayfield. Disappointing to hear there are tickets still on sale for this one. Its usually a great game. 34-28 to Scotland.
Sunday is the big one and the match that will decide the championship. Horgans inclusion is as big a fillip for the Irish as BOD's absence is a loss. Stringer is a big loss too as I dont rate Isaac Boss. Still he will give us something different. Ireland must start well and take their chances if we are to win. The Croke Park factor wont be as big as people make it out. The French wont care. The heart says Ireland. The head unfortunately says France. 19-17
Complain about this post
Steve: The 成人快手 aren't the only ones who doubt whether Ireland can do it: I do, too. France are inconsistently brilliant and you're missing BOD and Stringer. No matter how good the replacements (and I'm very interested to see how Boss does) you can't lose a player of the calibre of O'Driscoll and not miss him.
I still think it likely the 6 Nations will be decided at Croke Park on Saturday (or is it Sun? haven't checked), but if the French fire on all cylinders they'll be very hard to beat. With O'Driscoll I think the Irish would have just edged it.
Without BOD I have the French ahead, especially as the jury is still out on this perceived weakness in the Irish front row. There didn't seem much evidence of it last Saturday but I regard the Wales/Ireland fixture as a law unto itself and am very dubious about making predictions based on it.
BTW, my mum was Irish, and a relative of mine has pulled on the green shirt, so this post is from someone keen to see the Irish side do well. I very much hope my prediction is wrong.
England/Italy:
I don't think the Italians have a prayer, but I do expect some scares, and what I really want to see from it is the English tight five develop into white orcs on steroids. (grin. Great phrase!) If they do, then I reckon the game at Croke Park in a fortnight will go to the wire. If not I think the Irish will run all over us.
Wales/Scotland:
I think the Scots will be much better than last week, but expect the Welsh backs to wreak havoc: Wales by 20 plus.
Complain about this post
In reply to post 18.
Irish people have every reason to be optimistic and it isn't based on weak foundations. You are talking complete garbage. 2 triple crowns in 3 years and a very good autumn series (beating SA and Aus very comforatbly) are every reason to be optimistic. It seems to be a bitter pill for you to swallow, get over it!!
And to lose by 5 points wouldn't constitute a roll over.
England by 3 and Scotland by 15, dream on dreamer!!!
Complain about this post
England by a fair margin, probably around 25-30 points. No offence to Italy, but despite their huge improvements over the last few years, I still dont think they're quite up to standard. Having said that, they do have one of the bext packs in the world on paper, and we all know what England are capable of in terms of shocking performances....
I'll have to go with Wales over Scotland as well. I didnt think the Scots were very impressive last weekend, whereas a slightly below-strength Welsh team really took it to the Irish... Probably Wales by 10-15 points.
As for the final game, well... That's a tough one to call. I'd like to say Ireland, but given the way both teams performed last week, I'm not so sure. Ireland will need to lift their game quite a bit, and it remains to be seen whether Croke park provides the same boost as good old Lansdowne road... However, I cant see O'Gara performing that badly twice in a row, so I'm going to go with my first instinct and back Ireland, but not by a great margin.
I also think, no offence intended to the other teams, but whoever wins on sunday will probably go on to win the tournament, maybe even a slam.
Complain about this post
England by a fair margin, probably around 25-30 points. No offence to Italy, but despite their huge improvements over the last few years, I still dont think they're quite up to standard. Having said that, they do have one of the bext packs in the world on paper, and we all know what England are capable of in terms of shocking performances....
I'll have to go with Wales over Scotland as well. I didnt think the Scots were very impressive last weekend, whereas a slightly below-strength Welsh team really took it to the Irish... Probably Wales by 10-15 points.
As for the final game, well... That's a tough one to call. I'd like to say Ireland, but given the way both teams performed last week, I'm not so sure. Ireland will need to lift their game quite a bit, and it remains to be seen whether Croke park provides the same boost as good old Lansdowne road... However, I cant see O'Gara performing that badly twice in a row, so I'm going to go with my first instinct and back Ireland, but not by a great margin.
I also think, no offence intended to the other teams, but whoever wins on sunday will probably go on to win the tournament, maybe even a slam.
Complain about this post
England, Scotland and Ireland to win for me.
Amused to see the Scots completely written off. Whilst this is by no means the best Scottish side, I suspect they will perform well against an average Welsh side, and expect a tight Scottish victory.
I would also draw parallels with last year....Wales got humped at Twix first up by a (v. poor) English side, whereas the Scots beat the French. Next game, Wales beat Scotland at home. Why not the same result for the home team this year??
Ken O'Riordan - you're a tad confused there. The Scottish, Welsh and Irish pro teams play in the same league....therefore to call the Scottish league poor whereas the Welsh and Irish are good, then you're frankly talking mince. If you had referenced the respective form of the teams within the ML then you might have a point.
If you are instead referring to the respective semi-pro/amateur leagues in each of the countries then I'll diasgree with you completely, as these have no bearing at Test level.
Complain about this post
England, Scotland and Ireland to win for me.
Amused to see the Scots completely written off. Whilst this is by no means the best Scottish side, I suspect they will perform well against an average Welsh side, and expect a tight Scottish victory.
I would also draw parallels with last year....Wales got humped at Twix first up by a (v. poor) English side, whereas the Scots beat the French. Next game, Wales beat Scotland at home. Why not the same result for the home team this year??
Ken O'Riordan - you're a tad confused there. The Scottish, Welsh and Irish pro teams play in the same league....therefore to call the Scottish league poor whereas the Welsh and Irish are good, then you're frankly talking mince. If you had referenced the respective form of the teams within the ML then you might have a point.
If you are instead referring to the respective semi-pro/amateur leagues in each of the countries then I'll diasgree with you completely, as these have no bearing at Test level
Complain about this post
I think Ireland are undoubtedly the best team in Europe atm. The depth and strength of their squad is quite something atm. The loss of BOD and Stringer - they are losses alright but when you have the likes of Horgan and Boss not even making the first team you can clearly see how far this team has come. Ireland to beat France (although I think it will be close) and ultimatley to win the whole tournament outright.
Now onto England. Why do I get the impression that without Wilko we would be in a bit of a state atm? Anyway England to win tomorrow but probrably wont be the roll over some are expecting. Win maybe by 15 - 20 points.
Wales tgo edge out Scotland by 10 points.
Complain about this post
cowshot:
The two players coming in are of a very high calibre and would put Horgan in the world class category. D'Arcy is the form center in the world at the moment so I honestly think that we will not miss BOD as much as people may think. Ireland have played without BOD before and won.
It is common sense that who ever turns up and plays the better will win especially with these two teams. I think Ireland learned a lot more about themselves last week than the French who I repeat played a very bad Italy team. I think this means a lot more to the Irish and I don't think the 'Croke Park' factor will affect their performance, we are talking about professionals here. The Munster contingent played under immense pressure and expectation in last year HC and won, the experience is there.
As for the Irish front row, this hasn't changed much over the last few years but now all of a sudden it is or weak point, can't understand why it has taken the world so long to figure it out. ;-)
Still going for a Irish win but thanks for your comments.
Complain about this post
England are looking good for a 30 point win over Italy Wilkinson should see to that
I honestly can't see Scotland beating Wales there no reason why Wales should be a 10-15 points clear
Finally Ireland V France I feel the French are being dangerously under estimated due to there poor peformances aganst New Zealand in november but that was a long time ago
and they weren't half bad aganst the Italians. Ireland are looking to be crumbling under the weight of expectation with most the forwards putting in a below par performance aganst Wales in the loose. The backline will be missing BOD which will be a massive loss for the Irish. But home field advantage could save the Irish and there grand slam hopes
Complain about this post
Steve and Steve: I've never seen Boss play, so will take your word for it as regarding his skill level, but he is a debutante (I think?) and it always seems to take half a game or so for new players to adjust to the higher intensity. I'm not sure that you can afford that.
Though good, Horgan isn't a patch on BOD and doesn't have his talismanic quality. I reckon the greatest improvement you've made is to bring in Mr Murphy on the wing, but that may be my Tigers underwear showing!
I suspect that part of the reason I can see all these problems for the Irish is that I want them to win so much. I tend to be the same about the England team...
...and if Ireland DOES win this weekend, well, I'm in a win/win situation in a fortnight!
Come on England!
Complain about this post
Good chat people, keep it coming.
In reply to Steve (post six), I promise that I did not enjoy predicting France to win in Dublin (my step-mum is on holiday so thankfully she will not be reading this). I made my call before the loss of B'OD and Stringer as the Irish have to make a big step up from the victory over Wales and France look like they are on an upward curve (yes I am taking into account that their first win was against a disappointing Italy). On top of that, I can see the first game at Croke Park having more of an affect on Ireland than France. The French to edge it - but only just.
I am half Scottish as well so I am not writing off Scotland lightly. If the Scottish back row give the Welsh half-back pairing as much room as they did Ellis and Wilkinson, the Wales backs could run riot.
Complain about this post
I think the English media and a minority of the english rugby fans are getting a bit carried away with their expectations after saturdays resultsagainst a weak scottish side. Some english blogs are saying that england will be abvle to defend their world crown after thrumping scotland. Until England meet a good side like france or Ireland we wont know the potental they have. Enough about Wilkinson, he was okay. The onlyreason he looked very good was that the scots did not put any pressure on him. I think the winner will be decided after the Ireland-france game as I think these are the top two favourites. I would be surprised if England beat Ireland, france or even Wales.
Complain about this post
Italy to trash England. Well OK it maybe a dream for poor old Italy but at least lets be honest, they wont be the most boring team on the pitch.
Complain about this post
Predictions for this six nations weekend-England to beat Italy with quite a bit to spare , as I can see Italy struggling big time to contain the likes of Robinson ,Tindall and Farrell.This game will almost certainly be Italys second tonking in the space of a week.England by 30-35.I fancy the Welsh to defeat the Scots who could be in for a long championship.The Scottish defence looked very porous at Twickenham last week and Wales should be able to take advantage with the free running syle of play they like to produce.Wales by 10-15.
Ireland V France is horrible to call
and I anticipate a tight tense match.I have been wondering if the cavernous Croke Park will create the same intimidating atmosphere as the intimate Lansdowne Rd .It may be that the large open spaces may be made to measure for Frances expansive game.Before the loss of of two key players you would have had Ireland as favourites but now I am not too sure.I think I fancy the French to just nick this one now.France by 5-10 points.
Complain about this post
Italy to trash England. Well OK it maybe a dream for poor old Italy but at least lets be honest, they wont be the most boring team on the pitch.
Complain about this post
Italy will just sneak it at Twickers. France will outscore the Irish and Scotland will demolish the boring Welsh. By the way ive got a tenner at 15/1
Complain about this post
Italy will just sneak it at Twickers. France will outscore the Irish and Scotland will demolish the boring Welsh. By the way ive got a tenner at 15/1
Complain about this post
Italy will just sneak it at Twickers. France will outscore the Irish and Scotland will demolish the boring Welsh. By the way ive got a tenner at 15/1
Complain about this post
Keith: Ah. Clearly you are one of those poor benighted souls who doesn't see the poetic elegance and beauty of the 50 metre rolling maul, or appreciate the finer moral qualities of keeping the opposition uncertain as to whether there's actually a ball on the pitch.
No doubt you are also unaware of the motto of that great leader of men, Corporal Jones: "They don't like it up 'em, Captain Mainwaring". He was referring to the Germans, but the wider applicability of that great truth has for too long gone unappreciated. I take this opportunity to enlighten you.
Complain about this post
I'm just worried that England will turn up tomorrow and think "It's Italy - we'll knock them over and then get ready for the next one...." Italy have a track record of turning over teams that think that. Remember they won their first six nations match because Scotland thought it would just be a party in Rome. They are good, strong and able to play well in all areas. Last weeks score didn't reflect the way they played. Hope the England boys are concentrating tonight.
Scots to beat Wales. Ireland to beat France for a perfect weekend.
Complain about this post
I think France will loose next Sunday and once again Laporte will be under the fire of criticism. In spite of a very strong pack how can we expect France to win with such a poor pair of halfs?! Ireland is very strong and they'll take the opportunity to psychologicaly ruin the French before to play them again at the World Cup group stage
Complain about this post
England have to beat a weak italy side.if italy had started with a goalkicker in pez then i maybe could of seen a shock but its not going to happen now.
wales will see off scotland easily enough, i dont think they have been given enough credit for their performance last week. as for scotland i think englandsw win was as much down to scotlands shortcomins than englands apparent class.
on sunday who knows, but on big occassions rog always seems to perform whereas skrela can be ruffled easily, the packs are pretty even and though the loss off bod in a blow i still fell ireland will have the class and passion to prevail.
Complain about this post
Last year Murrayfield was a fortress as it shall be again this year. The Calcutta Cup is always a one-off and Scotland haven't performed at Twickenham for a very long time(extra pressure???) Therefore the game against the Welsh is very hard to call because we havent seen the true Scotland yet, Dewey's power should bring an explosion into the centre for scotland which persuades me to go for a scotland win, but only just!
France will win the 6 nations, they're general arrogance will help them now that they are not favourites...
Complain about this post
Karl,
A bit harsh about the Welsh complaints from last week's game. Even Simon Easterby was reluctant to commit himself about the legality of his tackle, and there was clearly much slowing down of the game in a number of different points in the game. Anyway good luck to the Irish tomorrow, to anybody who plays England and, of course, to the Welsh!
Complain about this post
England by 30 thanks to alot of penalties /dropgoals from Jonny.
Wales to comfortably beat scotland. they
will be desperate to make amends for last weeks defeat.
The big one, Captain oconnell to silence chabal (like he did in the final group match sale v munster in the heinken cup). he's due a big game
As many people have said, BOD's absence has been made easier by the return of shaggy h.Boss is a very decent replacement and has proven himself against australia for ireland, and against toulouse for ulster.
France have made 5 changes(in all areas on the pitch) from the team that beat italy.
Ireland by 6.(fingers crossed)
Complain about this post
marc,
It is not about where you are from. It just annoys me that the Irish are criticised and doubted after one performance, a peformance they won. I struggle to recollect such criticism and doubt over an English team when they were at their pinnacle!! What I do take joy is in the fact that so many (seemingly impartial) want them to fail. I can't see it happening myself. I think this Irish team is to long in the tooth to let this opportunity go.
I do not think the 'Croke Park" factor will matter, this is all hyperthetical, has no foundation and maybe wishful thinking. Playing at home always favours the home team, and we are very much at home. Still no solid foundation to your argument!!! If Ireland where away then a different story.
Cowshot
You my say that I have an Irish step mother and a relative wears green of Ireland but you want England to win (you are English) and a France victory puts England on a better footing in a fortnights time, that is natural, i would be the same (forgive me if I'm wrong). You have not seen Boss play so you cannot really comment. I am a Munster man through and through and I rate Boss higher than Stringer (more options). Murphy on the wing is a great addition and you are lucky to have him at Leicester. He is still smarting from last year (Paris) so I expect a big performance.
P.S I wish Leicester all the best and hope to see you in the semi, maybe for a pint?
Rick,
Get with it!!! Optimism comes from results and Ireland have plenty of them over the last 12 months. Idiot!!
Complain about this post
For surely now, England hits the Italos for more than 25. For all of you who are saying England by 5 or 15, have you imagined a scoreline? 15-10? 26-16? Really? Highly improbable. Can you see the Italians putting up double digits? Really? With all this talk this week coming from the English players saying how they respect the Italians very much, how they are experienced, how they are tough, how this won't be a walk in the park, how this is going to be a battle till the end......just means one thing. They are overcompensating for the inevitable bomb-dropping. England by 20 at Half, 32 or 33 by Final Time. Johnny hits 3+ drop goals and the English backs are nearly free to run. Remember, the strength of the Scots are their backs and backline. Yet! The English had their way with them and ran with abandon last weekend. The Italians achilles heel is well-known; the backline. Do you really think this will go unexploited? And before you label me an England supporter, I am an American who roots for the Scots in the 6N. Even I cannot blind myself. Look at the past 6N results v. Italy at Twickenham......England by 32-33.
Complain about this post
It's not surprising that England are doing so well under new coach Ashton. England's first game under him underpinned the need for leadership, and not just brute strength-- England's previous campaign's have floundered based on this single ingredient. The return of Jonny Wilkinson has done wonders to release the firward line and also give a much need confidence boost to the pack, who rarely had any comfort in any of Jonny's replacements. My bet is that England will win the 6 nations championship, as they'll be riding on a wave by the time they meet France and Ireland.
Complain about this post
everyone saw Ireland win by a convincing margin, while underpreforming against the team billed as 2nd favourites.
they also saw them preform to the best of their ability against Aus and S.AFR, and completely control both games.
Paul O'Connel and Donnacha O'Callaghan need big games and these two players who have combined in 2nd row for the European champions, Triple crown winners and the Lions are more than capable of stepping up.
the Irish were not happy with their 10point win in Wales, they know they can do better and i dont think we should think they wont do better, especially in Croke Park. it seems you really have to be Irish to undserstand the places significance. Sunday will be bigger than when the English football team goes back to wembley, and the vs England their is Historic.
I havent stopped Fearing/Respecting Ireland yet anyway
Complain about this post
Italy could sneek a shock victory if the one trick pony Wilkinson fails to fire.
Scotland to beat Wales by more than 10.
Ireland to beat France.
Complain about this post
I hope we're not getting carried away with England and hopefully last week was not just a one off.The Scots didn't really test us did they? I was at the Italy-France game and Italy were dreadful which flattered the French. I expect a backlash from them with a tough battle in the forwards but the backs are weak so I think England can do huge damage there and without a tough flanker like Bergamasco as flanker, Ellis can do more darting runs round the pack. 40 point win to England.
Wales will have a tough time but if they play expansive rugby they can be great so even playing away from home and with important player missing I think a 15 point win is on the cards.
As has been already said it depends with French team turns up. They've had a bad run recently but the game in Rome, though hardly testing, will give them confidence. Pity about BOD but the Irish will have a huge backing in an 80 thousand capacity stadium so I go for a tight victory for Ireland by 5 points
Complain about this post
if the england and wales cricket team can beat the aussies i see no reason for their rugby teams both winning ans winning well, and if ireland turn up to play this week unlike last week they can turn over the french, by a drop goal in injury time is my prediction
Complain about this post
I am not so convinced that Ireland will beat the French, no O'Driscoll leaves a very big gap against a side that is looking to step up the gears before the World Cup.
England will beat Italy okay, but whether its 15 or 50 points differance isn't relevant right now, they have a long way to go before anyone can start thinking of winning as a norm.
Wales will give the Scots a hiding.
Complain about this post
Well here we go again....
England will beat Italy, the margin will depend on a couple of things. 1) Can our pack dominate the Italians up front and, if they can, will our backs actually try and do something..dare I say it...inventive!?!? If they do then we could run away with it but if they 'play for the win' and just try and smash it up then U reckon we'll only pull ouy by 15 points or so.
Wales Scotland will be a cracker. If Wales throw it around then I fancy them by 15, if they try and play safe thenthe Murrayfield factor could kick in and then who knows.
Ireland France...I fancy the French but only just and I wouldn't be surprised if i were wrong. I just feel that they are a bit more settled at the moment, Ireland looked out of sorts last weekend and now their have been changes, that could upset them. I must admitt to also being slightly peeved by the Irish arrogance this week, something we get a lot of stick for but it seems ok when it's them, so I will, for once, be rooting for the French. Sorry.
Complain about this post
Look, England will trounce Italy, Wilkinson will get a record score from his kicking. Good on him for his performance against Scotland. 3-50
Wales will beat Scotland. Their backs will run Scotland into the ground 9-35
Ireland will scrape by France. Les Bleus are not focused on 6 Nations. There are 5 changes to the team this weekend. as for Ireland, horgan is a great centre, we just hav not seen him play that much in that position for Ireland. Isaac Boss is a far better scrum half that stringer. Ireland to win 21-15
Complain about this post
England will demolish Italy. I really can't see Italy coming anything rather than bottom this year.
Wales, even though not at thier best played really well in the Ireland match and can see them beating the Scots by a small margin.
Ireland will just edge it past France too!
Complain about this post
I think it will be a good weekend of rugby. i am half english and half welsh so i hope england beat italy by 10 points and i think it will be a close one against scotland but i have to back the welsh by 5 points. On sunday with ireland against france anything can happen. It depends on what happens on the day. I was at cardiff last weekend and ireland only just beaten the welsh. hopefully ireland can win and hopefully it will be the championship decider at croke park in 2 weeks time
Complain about this post
Mr Orlavac is described as a "journalist". Would a real journo use a phrase such as "no-one in the squad ARE (sic) expecting"?
Colin
Complain about this post
as an englishman,
all we can hope for is that the backs combine better than they did last week. especially tindal and faz. i want to see some sparks here.
good solid defence, which stops italy scoring tries will be nice. if we hold them to no tries and score more against them than france i will be happy.
wales scotland a really tight game where they end up seperated by one penalty.
the same of ireland frnce on sunday woud be nice.
but what i think will actually happen is england will leak one or 2 tries against italy, though they will still win.
wales will demolish scotland because the scots will give the welsh backs too much time.
and france ireland one of them will win which i don't have a clue. it's too close to call but it really does depend more on if france decide to play than on anything that ireland do.
Complain about this post
The first game of the day at Twickenham should be very straight forward for England, i dont know why some of you think the Italians will do a better job than Scotland. The Italians only scored 3 points at their home ground and were hammered, England by 30-40 points atleast.
Wales showed me how overated they are last week they had no cutting edge and never threatened the Irish line yet they get a week of praise despite losing at home. Scotland at home have a very solid defense and i only saw Kevin Morgan last week who looked remotely like breaking the Irish defense, Scotland were poor last weekend but the score really flattered England two freak tries made it look much more comfortable than it really was. Scotland to win by 5.
France very good last weekend because the Stadio Flaminio isnt always the easiest place to go and win and they did that with ease scoring 5 tries. The Irish werent great last weekend but to me they always looked the more likely to win that match and despite losing Brain O"Driscoll i think they will just take victory by 5-10 points.
Complain about this post
Scotland-Wales - a very tight match, but I think the Scots are hurting more than the Welsh following last weekend and they are mighty tough at home - 18-15 Scotland
England-Italy - with England off to a flyer, Im afraid that we're going to walk it and the Italian squad slightly short of its best personnel. 52-9 - mi scusi amici italiani!
Ireland-France - even more difficult to call. Ireland are certainly strong and will be upbeat about resisting the Welsh counterattacking last week, but the French are so unpredictable (trite but true). I think the rain will dishearten the French and the Irish are used to it. Tight victory but Irish I think - 15-9
Complain about this post
England did have a strong win but, if they can't keep out Scotland, can they really keep out the Irish or French?
Expect the English to beat Italy but going away to Ireland will be tough for them.
Equally the Irish v france is looking like a good game.
I just wish the Italians could step it up in a six nations
Complain about this post
No 59. " I must admit to also being slightly peeved by the Irish arrogance this week, something we get a lot of stick for but it seems ok when it's them, so I will, for once, be rooting for the French. Sorry."
Don鈥檛 be sorry mate. It is ok. The BEEB are gracious enough to allow everyone on their blogs, to come out with their respective waffling. (see me Jimmy!) It is healthy and encouraging to rugby supporters and would be supporters, alike. Everyone has to learn sometime. Everyone has an absolute right to their opinion as long as it does not stoop to the racist and nationalist muck that rules on Soccer blogs.
This "arrogance" is a complete misconception - except maybe for the few Irish people who have jumped the band-wagon from Wendy-Ball to support a proper team, which are now considered to be one of the best in the World. It is not arrogance - just a fact.
It is based on 3 or 4 years of planning, conditioning, squad building and (dare I say it?) Self-belief.
We are miles ahead in our team development when compared to England, Wales, Scotland and Italy. Ask their respective coaches and they will tell you the truth. They would die for the Irish set-up - which is now bearing real luscious fruit. It is not arrogance.
We have a far more settled team than the French. Someone else above said the French were a more settled team than the Irish. What? Who do you support? Man Utd, I'd bet. Not great teams like Munster, Leicester, Leinster, Llanelli or Wasps. Bless you anyway. But you need to swot up a bit and go and watch a real game. It's a mind opener.
Laporte has used at least 40 different players over the last year or two. Settled ? Methinks not. We, on the other hand - have maintained the same core team over the same period of time. Adding 5 or 6 potential World Class players to the squad, in the meantime. This is an essential pre-requisite for any team to succeed at the top level in ANY sport.
It is not arrogance.
Real Irish rugby supporters - who have supported their team over the last 20/30/40 years or so, are excited by the prospect that their team will deliver this year. I believe they will. We will not even miss BOD. In fact, I think it will help us improve this week. Had it been either one of: Leamy, POC, ROG or Darcy who were injured - then I would be a wee bit more concerned.
The fact that we can bring from the bench the quality we are bringing in tomorrow is a testament to this confidence. Murphy, Boss and (to me) - a more effective player than even BOD 鈥 Shaggy. These 3 players would walk into the squads of any of the other home countries. This is a fact. Not arrogance.
It is not in the Irish physce to be arrogant, it IS in our physce to be confident in what we believe and do. If I see it (arrogance) - from an Irish supporter, I will shoot them down verbally - as will most of the Irish people I know.
We may be a romantic and emotionally mad partying lot! But we are not an arrogant lot. We hold that feeling deep in our hearts and souls. We take good care of traveling fans in our house and show respect wherever we travel with our team. We leave arrogance to others around us and just get on with it. Respect is the key here. It is the key that opens doors everywhere.
Hope I have cleared that one up sufficiently. Substitute arrogance for self-belief and you will get the big-picture.
Anyway, that said - I wish the Scottish, English (good to have you back JW 鈥 what a gent, what a player !), Welsh and Italian supporters - a fan-tastic weekend. I hope ye have great craic at the matches or screaming at the TV. Enjoy it lads and lassies. Just enjoy it.
路 Scotland to beat Wales by 10 points
路 England to beat Italy after a tight hour 鈥 15 points.
路 Ireland to beat France by 10/15 points (not arrogant)
Complain about this post
* 52.
* At 02:53 AM on 10 Feb 2007,
* Cooper wrote:
鈥 For surely now, England hits the Italos for more than 25"鈥
The Italos ??!! In Europe and to most civilised people around the World - they are known as Italians. They are a very good rugby team. They have one of the best packs in the N.H. (that鈥檚 the group in a team, who sometimes huddle together and shove and push each other around, mate). Bit simplistic, I know folks - but I am trying to educate this chap.
Slowly mind, slowly
Stick to that girlie padded sport that is American football. No offence mate, but ye haven't a clue about Rugby. Bless! If you really want to understand it - WATCH the game and ask someone, who knows - to explain it to you. Then and only then, should you strive harder not to make a complete eejit of yourself!
But hey, that's ok too mate.
Thats's ok too.
Forza Italia !
Go Team America.. Yo yo yo !!!
Leinster man in The Netherlands.
Complain about this post
Yawn....6 nations is great for putting me to sleep.
Tri Nations or even super 14 anyday!
Complain about this post
* 52.
* At 02:53 AM on 10 Feb 2007,
* Cooper wrote:
鈥 For surely now, England hits the Italos for more than 25"鈥
The Italos ??!! In Europe and to most civilised people around the World - they are known as Italians. They are a very good rugby team. They have one of the best packs in the N.H. (that鈥檚 the group in a team, who sometimes huddle together and shove and push each other around, mate). Bit simplistic, I know folks - but I am trying to educate this chap.
Slowly mind, slowly
Stick to that girlie padded sport that is American football. No offence mate, but ye haven't a clue about Rugby. Bless! If you really want to understand it - WATCH the game and ask someone, who knows - to explain it to you. Then and only then, should you strive harder not to make a complete eejit of yourself!
But hey, that's ok too mate.
Thats's ok too.
Forza Italia !
Go Team America.. Yo yo yo !!!
Leinster man in The Netherlands.
Complain about this post
* 52.
* At 02:53 AM on 10 Feb 2007,
* Cooper wrote:
鈥 For surely now, England hits the Italos for more than 25"鈥
The Italos ??!! In Europe and to most civilised people around the World - they are known as Italians. They are a very good rugby team. They have one of the best packs in the N.H. (that鈥檚 the group in a team, who sometimes huddle together and shove and push each other around, mate). Bit simplistic, I know folks - but I am trying to educate this chap.
Slowly mind, slowly
Stick to that girlie padded sport that is American football. No offence mate, but ye haven't a clue about Rugby. Bless! If you really want to understand it - WATCH the game and ask someone, who knows - to explain it to you. Then and only then, should you strive harder not to make a complete eejit of yourself!
But hey, that's ok too mate.
Thats's ok too.
Forza Italia !
Go Team America.. Yo yo yo !!!
Leinster man in The Netherlands.
Complain about this post
VERY PROUD OF OUR AZZURRI: ITALY HAS RATTLED UNWORTHY ENGLAND.
Thank you guys for a very fine try, a solid defense and a superbly prevailing spirit, except the score, that is. England must deeply revise its ambitions now: can't always rely on JW's kicks from dubious penalties (offside? WHAT offside? offside WHERE?) or on artistic tries (yeah right .... you know what I mean). Forza Azzurri, hold on tight.
Complain about this post
VERY PROUD OF OUR AZZURRI: ITALY HAS RATTLED UNWORTHY ENGLAND.
Thank you guys for a very fine try, a solid defense and a superbly prevailing spirit, except the score, that is.
England must deeply revise its ambitions now: can't always rely on JW's kicks from dubious penalties (offside? WHAT offside? offside WHERE?) or on artistic tries (yeah right .... you know what I mean). Forza Azzurri, hold on tight.
Complain about this post
This years 6 nations is most exciting, with the world cup in the autum this should show the fav team in europe.
SCOTLAND to win, unlucky last week but their beating wales at the moment.scotland have a good attack but they make some bad choices.
England are only good with johnny wilko in their team.
Second Row-
Complain about this post
Had to laugh at England today. They were absolutely hopeless. Andy Farrell? A joke. Every time he received the ball he was stood still and just shovelled the ball on. Darcy o driscoll and Horgan will shred the english midfield. And as for the back three? Balshaw was hesitant and weak under the high ball, Lewsey was anonomous and Robinson made little impression other than the try. Wilkinson looked a yard slower than he did last week and his tactical kicking was poor. The English pack, picked for its power were out muscled by the Italians.
One thing is for sure-whoever wins tomorrow will win the Grand Slam.
Complain about this post
As i sit here watching Wales-Scotland, I find myself wishing for Wales to lose (note: not 'Scotland to win'), could it be that this is because my delicate English sensibilities are deeply offended by the un-ashamedly Welsh-Worshipping:Scottish-Slating delivery of Jonathan Davies? Could it? The man should take a lesson from his opposite number! If you purport to be a provider of quality, gently-flavoured audio accompaniment to a mostly visual encounter (and you do every time you commentate for the 成人快手, Jonathan), then you should figure out how to stop your personal bias ruining my bloody match!
Kind Regards.
contd.....the key is, jonathan, to try and actually commentate on the passage of play, rather then offering us only your punditry. We take or leave the points of view of pundits. That's why they're called pundits. To give you any greater a position in the Six Nations staff than 'Welsh pundit' is an absolute travesty, and an insult to the word commentator.
Slightly ruffled Regards.
Complain about this post
Mr.Davies why are you such a biased commentator. Listening to you on the Scotland V Wales game some of your comments beggers belief.
I thought being a commentator you were supposed to be impartial.
Mr Davies why don't you take the time and listen to a re-run of a game you have commentated when Wales have been playing and tell me you are not biased.
Complain about this post
As i sit here watching Wales-Scotland, I find myself wishing for Wales to lose (note: not 'Scotland to win'), could it be that this is because my delicate English sensibilities are SECRETLY offended by the un-ashamedly Welsh-Worshipping:Scottish-Slating delivery of Jonathan Davies? Could it? The man should take a lesson from his opposite number! If you purport to be a provider of quality, gently-flavoured audio accompaniment to a mostly visual encounter (and you do every time you commentate for the 成人快手, Jonathan), then you should figure out how to stop your personal bias ruining my bloody match!
Kind Regards.
contd.....the key is, jonathan, to try and actually commentate on the passage of play, rather then offering us only your punditry. We take or leave the points of view of pundits. That's why they're called pundits. To give you any greater a position in the Six Nations staff than 'Welsh pundit' is an absolute travesty, and an insult to the word commentator.
Slightly ruffled Regards.
PLEASE SWAP WORD IN CAPS vs PREVIOUS MSG CHEERS!!!!!!!!!
Complain about this post
Mr Davies why are you a biased commentator.
Listening to your comments in the Wales v Ireland and Scotland v Wales games on the 成人快手, i am very surprised that you still have a job.
As a licence payer i do not wish to hear biased thoughts from pundits so please grow up, get a life, and realise that Walsh rugby is not the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Complain about this post
I'm a Scot, and wasn't especially bothered by Jonathan Davies. Certainly isn't any worse than Brian Moore or Jeremy Guscott...
Complain about this post
Well Mark
As I sit here on Saturday evening I notice your predictions have been wrong on two counts so far. I do hope that you can celebrate the Hat trick tomorrow.
I agree with Dr Jones above, Jonathan Davies really does struggle to remain objective, his complaints of Ireland killing the ball are even more weak now after the game today. The ball from rucks was not exactly speedy!!
Complain about this post
I especially loved the bit where he screamed "where's the support" (count them) while the real story was that Scotland where charging down the Welsh 22 towards another score (uncorced errors/desperate defending notwithstanding). How is that commentary in any way congruous with what I'm watching? I think you'll find, my Scottish friend, that Jonathan Davies is in a class all of his own.
Complain about this post
Well Mark
As I sit here on Saturday evening I notice your predictions have been wrong on two counts so far. I do hope that you can celebrate the Hat trick tomorrow.
I agree with Dr Jones above, Jonathan Davies really does struggle to remain objective, his complaints of Ireland killing the ball are even more weak now after the game today. The ball from rucks was not exactly speedy!!
Complain about this post
jonathan davids focuses on wales, which can be an anoying thing. but jeremey guscott is terrible, he babbles on, who cares what happend last week, the tatics wont help the game about to be played.
Second Row -
Complain about this post
Underwhelmed? Again? Oh Yes. What a load of nonsense this English thing is... Over here in the middle east, we are lumbered with a TV channel, ironically titled '成人快手 Prime'. No other channel calls itself 'prime' - especially for a channel that serves up such clapped-out rubbish that appeals only to the same sorry ex-pats who think 'ole Engerland' is a sporting colossus.
You're not. You're a global laughing stock. Either try to re-colonize the world - or else just stand 'shoulder to shoulder' in attitude with your American idiot mates, and declare yourself 'world champions' (ala the Superbowl) in a sport that is played only in England
USA / ENG. Axis of arrogance. We Delight in your crapness. Bring on an Irish spanking
Complain about this post
Ps. thanks for deliberately inferring damage-limiting machinations by printing both copies of my first message, A REALLY funny thing to do would be to put THIS message in, and then to read that I was so bold as to assert that I thought you would do that! I wonder if paul is even real.........
Complain about this post
Post 21...It seems to me there is a flaw in your logic as the Irish, Scottish and Welsh teams all play in the Magner's League. Also, the game in England may be strong, but it is also influenced by foreign born players...as are all the leagues in this modern world. What affects results is the same in all sports...90% preparation and 10% perspiration...and a bit of luck now and then. Also, the current HC shows pretty even representation from each league in the second round, but with a nod to the Irish.
Complain about this post
I think you'll find, Ed, that the fact that you ARE lumbered with "成人快手 Prime" and our ex pats makes you the glogal laughing stock.
ED/BEANS. Axis of irony appreciation. I delight in your insight.
Complain about this post
Scotland to beat Wales by 10 points
路 England to beat Italy after a tight hour 鈥 15 points.
路 Ireland to beat France by 10/15 points (not arrogant)
-John Cooke Post no.68.
Well England won by 13, scotland won by 12. I just hope against hope you are as right about no 3 as you were about the other two. Heres to a great day at Croker..slainte.
Complain about this post
In reply to Post #69, John Cooke:
Well, congratulations and go right on and have a nice slap on the back from yourself while I wait here for you. Quite frankly, here I watch you talk about the Irish not being "arrogant" for an entire paragraph in your post, then see you berate not only me with general presumptions, but others on this forum as well.
As far as "Italos" goes, here in the States, it is a clever and trendy word for a modern Italian. Not a slant at all, rather the opposite. However, you can get back to your Irish English and not worry about how other might speak or interpret the language. If you still don't agree, read further in my post where I use "Italians" numerous times.
And I also take offense at your arrogant presumption about my knowledge of rugby and the immediate insult involving American Football that follows. (You know, the sport that involves throwing forward passes to attempt to gain 10 yards of ground. You get four attempts to do so before you turn the ball over. Almost similar in a way to League. Sorry for the digression, but I am trying to allow this guy to gain some insight in the American game. Ask your American friends, if you have one, to explain it to you next time.) Geez. Like I haven't heard that before. It usually goes something like this: "Oh, you're American? Yes. Then why don't go put on some pads and hit people, you sissy...etc." Quite frankly, it bores me.
I'll admit. Your predictions were closer on the England game than mine. But if you would have read my post, you would have seen it for what it was; an analysis into what should have happened on Saturday. However, you must admit that the English played right into the Italians' hands by trying to move the ball through the Forwards instead of attempting to spread and run. Ashton's over insistance of gaining ground through the kicking game was also overly apparent and the English were all too ready to kick at a given notice. When the English did have a go at running it out and wide, they put the Italians on their heels and created mismatches down the pitch in and outside of the gaps. Unfortunately, turnovers resulted and what could have been two or three more tries, resulted in only Robinson's.
At one point during the halftime break, I heard the announcer say that England needs to push through the forwards more and peel off the backs to gain the edge. ??? WHAT?
I give the 13-point victory more to England's insistance on playing a conservative game rather than the abilities of the Italians. This was nonesomore evident when the Italians decided to open their game up with a more widespread attacking style toward the end of the match. They started playing the game England should have been playing all along and made fools out of the home boys.
What can you say?
Besides Wales is in trouble?
HAR HAR HAR...
OK John, I'll allow you to get back to insulting more people with degrading comments. Enjoy the Irish match. Tough one to call. I see the French go up by six but lose by four.
Complain about this post
reply to post 91
To be fair to john cooke your analysis of why England would win by 30+ was pretty pathetic
Anybody who knows anything about rugby could see that Scotland had a Shocker last week and England were totally flattered by that score.
Italy also could hardly play as bad as they did Against France
Even the score yesterday flattered England Their try came from not 1 but 2 forward pass's
apart from that try everypoint they got came from an Italian mistake
or dodgy decision by the ref rather than anything creative from England
I Hope they play like that against Ireland but obviously they wont because its a big game and at the end of the day its 15 agaisnt 15 and anything can happen
thats whats great about the 6 nations
Complain about this post
Dr Jones No 87
I am real I can assure you.
If it helps to convince, in the end, I had to watch the Calcutta Cup game with the volume off...
All I'm saying is that Jonathan Davies just didn't wind me up as much as Brian Moore.
If it bothers you that much, watch the Italy game with the Radio Scotland commentary in a fortnight...
Complain about this post
oh, you are real. I guess, then, I'll title it "On the Unspeakable Devilry of Emotional Commentators" and nail it to the doors at Wood Green. Next to my unpaid licence bill. Skewering a daffodil.
Complain about this post
Oh. you are real. I guess, then, I'll title it "On the Unspeakable Devilry of Emotional Commentators" and nail it to the doors at Number 10. Next to my unpaid licence bill. Skewering a daffodil.
I suppose when all is said and done, more is said than done.
Complain about this post
In responce to BillH in Post #92:
Hi Bill. If I am pathetic, then please reference my prediction of the Ireland-France match at the bottom of Post #91. SPOT ON DEAD until the final 30 seconds.
But according to you, England beat Scotland because Scotland had a "shocker" and France ran over Italy because the Italians played poorly. Nevermind that England was on fire vs. the Scots and the Frence are overpowering. ???
Anyway...24th Feb. looks to deliver AMAZING matches. Will be interesting to see how Scotland deals with the Italian forwards. They could very well lose that match if they don't run the Italians, much like the English didn't. Ireland-England. What can you say? A battle for the ages. France-Wales. Let down for the French? Will Wales finally step up?
Cannot wait. Enjoy.
Complain about this post
I think Jonathan Davies is relatively fair, though his comments are Welsh-centric. Davies is at his best when being the Pundit / co-commentator on the non-Wales match.
McClaran is anti-English. Only really Brian Moore shows decent impartiality.
Complain about this post