Six Nations 2006

[Nuclear Spoon]

Yep, it's that time of year again, when the Home Nations and a couple of others from the continent start killing each other in the mud.
Of course, there will be whiney shits who go "nyehhh rugby is boring" or "nyehhh league is better". Well, if you are one of those, go away.
But anyway. 6 Nations. Discuss.
Apparently, (I glanced at a tabloid so it's probably complete bollocks) Gavin Henson's said that if Wales can't win the Grand Slam, nobody will. Class A Twat.

[Nocashvalue]

France will get it this year, methinks.
Ireland second, england a close 3rd, then wales, scotland, italy.
Watch this space :P

[cadpig]

IF (and itis a big IF) Wales play like they have nothing to loose then I think they will win it again, but unfortunatly I can't see that happening untill it is too late :(

I got to go with

1. France
2. England (Hate to say it but there we are)
3. Wales
4. Ireland
5. Scotland
6. Italy

I hope whoever wins it does so with a fast open flowing game style as I can remember watching England get a Grand Slam without scoring a single try, it just seemed wrong and was boring to watch. I like my rugby to set the world alite, like the 1999 world cup semi final between France and New Zeland.

, (I glanced at a tabloid so it's probably complete bollocks) Gavin Henson's said that if Wales can't win the Grand Slam, nobody will. Class A Twat.

The last time I listened to what a center had to say before a match in the five nations was when Will Carling said that England would Definitely beat Wales, I can't remember how long ago that was but England lost 10-9, so if Henson did say anything I would urge him to shut up ASAP. Let the rugby do the talking.

[Nuclear Spoon]

Ireland 7-10 Italy... Oh dear.
I imagine Ireland will come out fighting after a good rollicking...
edit: 26-16. Credit to Italy though, who played well.

[Nuclear Spoon]

15-10 up.
GET IN.

[Discodoris]

Wales were much hampered by the squad being reduced by injury and suspension - crushed in the last fifteen minutes. 47-13 - \o/

[Mellomeh]

I think we kind of lost hope at the end. Until about 60 mins, both teams had been playing pretty equally, each having occasional bursts of great play. I think it would be unwise for England fans to proclaim this victory as the start of a Grand Slam, it was a weak Wales side.

edit: did anyone else see that absolutely awesome super-slow-motion-bullet-time try footage? I hope they utilise that more over the course of the six nations.

[Nuclear Spoon]

Being beaten by 34 points is substantially worse than by 2 points, I think:D

[Bloopo]

Hammered. :D

[cadpig]

I congratulate Ireland for getting away with the rugby equivelent of "Daylight Robbery" and can't wait to watch Italy play again, just to see what happens. My hope is that they run England close, thought I cannot see that happening.

It pains me to say this but England deserved to win, Wales fell appart before the game started by playing like they had something to loose, from then on the writing was on the wall. The only plus point I could see from my point of view was how well Hal Luscombe played, on a loosing side it is hard to stand out as a good player, but he mannaged it.

I have no doubt in my mind that France will beat Scotland tomorrow, but I will be cheering for the Scots none the less. I must be a glutton for punishment, but thankfully being Welsh I am used to sporting disopointment.

[Chavvy]

BATTERED THE SHEEP SHAGGERS!

[cadpig]

sheep shaggers?

Yea. We'll f**k anything in white :P

[Nuclear Spoon]

Even the Klu Klux Klan?

[cadpig]

well there is a down side to everything..

[Soapie]

Ireland were very lucky to win today. Wales probably should've taken England a bit closer.

[Bacon Machine]

Bah well I am going to put up my predictions here now:

France - Far superior to any of the other teams.
England - Strong pack but the backs just are lacking something.
Ireland - Put together a good young side but never manage to play to their full ability.
Wales - Injuries and suspensions will be their downfall.
Italy - Played well against Ireland and the score did not compliment them they are capable of better.
Scotland - Just not good enough.

I of course hope that the French lose but they are looking to be the best side, depends on how they play today.

[Nuclear Spoon]

Should be fun seeing Scotland getting hammered by France...

[Mellomeh]

That'll be £1.99, enjoy your McWords.

[Nuclear Spoon]

Hehe. Early words by me, I know. All credit to Scotland, even though I didn't see much of it. I imagine this will be beneficial to England...

[junior]

Haha yes. Now that we have your dignity France, I think we'll have... hmmm... your country. Ours is no good.

[cadpig]

I enjoyed Scotland v France and have never been happyer at being wrong. The only thing is now (because I was trying to shout the 400ish mile difference) I feel Shetland. Well done Scotland, I hope that this success continues (obviously with a blip when you reach Cardiff :) )

[basstard]

Should be fun seeing Scotland getting hammered by France...

/me dances on Nuclear Spoon

[Dingbat]

I laugh at those who doubted.

Heartily.

[Discodoris]

What an interesting score card for the first week. I HIGHLY doubt that any team will achieve the Grand Slam this year...

[Garry3]

Ladbrokes says:

England : 4/7
France : 9/4
Ireland : 10/1
Scotland : 12/1
Wales : 40/1
Italy : 1000/1

Come on the Scots!

[Nuclear Spoon]

I think 1000/1 is a bit harsh on Italy...

[Cooldudebob]

I think 1000/1 is a bit harsh on Italy...
They didnt win a match last year.
I think Scotland played very well and i think they have a fair chance of winning.
Ps. Im Welsh :(

[junior]

Personally I think it was down to France playing fairly poorly rather than Scotland playing well.

Although they did play better than they usually do.

[Bacon Machine]

Well if I had written what I wrote on paper I probably would have eaten it.

Scotland played outstandingly and showed the French team to be lacking.

[cadpig]

Prediction time for this weekend

France 26 Ireland 8 - France are going to bounce back with avengance

Italy 14 England 13 - Going with my heart not my head on this one, but anything is possible.....

Wales 32 Scotland 29 - Wales will pull ahead in the first half and be pagged back in the second with Scotland getting a try disallowed for a forward pass in the dying minutes... probbably

[basstard]

Prediction time for this weekend

France 26 Ireland 8 - France are going to bounce back with avengance

Italy 14 England 13 - Going with my heart not my head on this one, but anything is possible.....

Wales 32 Scotland 29 - Wales will pull ahead in the first half and be pagged back in the second with Scotland getting a try disallowed for a forward pass in the dying minutes... probbably


I reckon France will beat Ireland, yes - the coaches will have given them enough of a bollocking to ensure they're definately going to win that match.

Italy/England - as much as I hate to admit it, England are going to thrash the pasta-monchers.

Scotland/Wales? That's more interesting. On paper, Wales would have it, but after last weekend, Scotland have shown they can beat better teams. Anybody's guess, but I'm gonna say Scotland by a couple points. Be close, though.

[patch]

bit harsh on Ireland there! Interesting prediction for Italy V England!

[Nuclear Spoon]

Ireland v France should be a good game. Both teams played pretty poorly last week, and both will be looking to bounce back. I think France might edge it, but it would be beneficial to England if Ireland won I think.

[Nuclear Spoon]

Well bloody hell.
43-31 to France.
Unlucky Ireland, they did very well to come back from 43-3 down.

[cadpig]

Ireland were as unlucky this week as Italy were last week
not looking good for my predictions.... Oh well I can still get two out of three :)

[Discodoris]

That was an extraordinary game - the scoreline and other stats really didn't match up at the end of the first half. I'm glad that Ireland managed to pull the scoreline back to a more respectable level for the finish...

[cadpig]

May I just say Bravo Italia

That is the gutsyest performence I have seen since... er... well Italy last week as it happens.

edit:
Well Scotland were unlucky in terms of who the referee was, it it wans't for the fact that he has been suspended since the lions tour and had ample time to read up on the rules I would say that the sending off was harsh.

Saying that I am thankful that Wales did not forget that there is nothing more dangerous than a side that feels like it has been reduced to 14 men for no good reason, I still think Wales would have won, but it would have been closer.

[AngryPaul]

Shocker:Mike Ruddock has stepped down as Wales coach because of personal reasons, less than a year after leading them to their first Grand Slam in 27 years.Full story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4714378.stm

[da-geezer]

Indeed. Strange how he left so soon; I hope it doesn't affect our chances of doing well in our remaining games...

[Achilles Heel]

Going to see the Scotland v England match next weekend with my school rugby team. Expecting to be beaten thoroughly by England, but you never know.

I'm a quarter English anyway so I am allowed to semi-support them if everything all goes to pot.

[Nuclear Spoon]

Apparently Scotland think they can beat us (and I'll probably eat my words later).
England>Wales
Wales>Scotland
So therefore, England>>Scotland. I think.

[Nocashvalue]

Oh dear.

[basstard]

Oh dear.

I'm not trying to jinx this or anything, but...

I'm looking out my metal-toed shoes in order to dance on Nuclear Spoon's face.

/me dances on Nuclear Spoon's face

[Garry3]

/me inserts Nuclear Spoon's testicles into his trophy cabinet

[Nocashvalue]

At least Bath won ¬_¬

[da-geezer]

Just to open a can of wholly unrelated and patriotic worms, I'm glad England aren't on for the grand slam, else it'd devalue the Welsh feat this time last year.

Nevar forget!!!111

[Bacon Machine]

Just to open a can of wholly unrelated and patriotic worms, I'm glad England aren't on for the grand slam, else it'd devalue the Welsh feat this time last year.

Nevar forget!!!111
If England aren't on for the grand slam that means that no-one is.
Table (http://www.6nations.net/resultsandstandings_6nations.htm)
You need to do some updating yourself but if you look England are joint top with France and Scotland on 4 points. Therefore if England, like you say, no longer have a chance at winning, no-one does...

Edit/ Ahh I was thinking in tenis terms when a grand slam is just any big tournament however in rugby it means to win without losing a game. I apoligize for my stupidity.

[da-geezer]

If England aren't on for the grand slam that means that no-one is.

I know thaaaaat; I just being a tosser and revelling in Wales' grand slam last year. If England had picked it up this year, it would have devalued the whole crazy-ass effort put in last year by the Welsh squad. I wasn't expecting Wales to win this year, mainly because a) we're a little poor at the moment, and b) Gavin Henson's a twat.

[jonffm]

Thats what I thought..

But why are the BBC saying Scotland have 'ended our hopes'?

:S

*Not exactly thefountain of knowledge when it comes to Rugby*

[Dingbat]

They're referring to us ending your hopes of a Grand Slam.
Apparently Scotland think they can beat us (and I'll probably eat my words later).
England>Wales
Wales>Scotland
So therefore, England>>Scotland. I think.
I laugh at you.

[Achilles Heel]

I was there.

I bet that very few people could say that they have been at Murrayfield when Scotland beat England.

[Nuclear Spoon]

And I do indeed eat my words. Scotland defended brilliantly, and took their opportunities when they came. England didn't. Congratulations to them, although I do think the referee made some questionable decisions.
Also, Henson looked bollocks today.

[Dashers]

Oh ffs, 41 seconds in and a try down. We are gonna lose big time :(:(

[Nuclear Spoon]

Hodgson and Dawson have been substandard.
We need a try badly.

[Dashers]

We got pwnerized. Bumcheeks.

[Nuclear Spoon]

And nothing more need be said:ninja:
But of course, some arsehat will come along and go "lolololol scotland r betar thn u!!1!1!!".
In that case, shh.

[jonffm]

Terrible, again.

it's stupid..we've got just as good players, if not better, than when we won the World Cup...but we're clueless all of the pitch. It's almost depressing just to watch.

The blame for me, has to be placed on the coaching staff...they obviously aren't doing their jobs, and we need someone in there who is at least half-decent. I think it's showing what a massive part of the team Woodward was.

[Ste150]

That was just embarrasing.

Ownd. :(

[Nocashvalue]

Hodgson and Dawson have been substandard.
We need a try badly.

Hodgson had a decent game. At least, far too decent to merit Goode coming on.

[GorillaBearBear]

to be fair though, Goode had a good bash at it. He's got a boot on him, and When he came on, you could see our game improving. Not suggesting that was him, but I did notice he was getting right in there and doing his bit. Those 3 subs at the near end of the game were just pointless though. I think maybe if that hadn't happened those cheeky frenchmen wouldn't have been so confident as to score that (very annoying) final try. Cocky bastards.

[Spoo]

What a dismall tournament for England! Hopefully we can get a change of managment and so more inteligent selection.

Ben Coen - time to take a rest - you can't make that many mistakes and stay on the side. As for the rest of the 3/4's it is hard to say as I haven't seen much of them! Tindall on the crash ball from deep off the shoulder is a sight to see but it never seems to happen! The centres should be able to batter through the defence. Perhaps the backs should go back to rugby school or at least look up the term "overlap".

The forwards aren't without blame. There is no excuse for lossing set pieces on your own throw. Lets stop with the fucking line out ballet and win the ball!

Contact skills - when you first learn rugby at school boy level you learn how to take a hit and retain possesion. Drop your bloody shoulder and turn into the contact. How many times have we seen england going into contact standing up straight and getting turned over!

grrrr.

[Meatball]

:)

In fairness England did put up a good fight. I thought we were done for, we tried our best to stay ahead but England kept creeping up and drawing. I really thought we were fucked. But when O Driscoll did that long run, it just gave Horgan that much needed energy to get a try. I got so emotional, I'm so happy. . .




and a little bit drunk.

[Nocashvalue]

To be honest, Cohen should be nowhere near England.
I've never rated him, and today it's just time to gooooo.
I think Robinson is going to stop coaching England sometime this week (which will be a bit ghay as it would have been nice to go to the world cup with him/get tickets in the uberseats from him), or at least move down to his previous position.
He cannot pick a side for his worth, and just doesn't have the same wide vision as Woodward did. However, I still think there is a place for him coaching at England.

On the plus, Goode had a very good game, making pretty much all the right decisions, and his tackling was OK, which is better than can usually be said...

[Spoo]

On the plus, Goode had a very good game, making pretty much all the right decisions, and his tackling was OK, which is better than can usually be said...

I think the problem with Goode is that he is lacking flair. He has a great boot on him and flings out some accurate passes. He does a good job of reading the game but he just isn't very EXCITING. I also don't like the way he runs with the ball. He is an adequate no 10 but unitll that position is filled with someone that can win games, not just play them, England are going to suffer.

[emeralde]

I went to see Wales v France yesterday (sat 5 rows from the front!!!), we were winning until 80 minutes... I am gutted.

Well done to France overall though, and Scotland for beating them (and England!!).

[jonffm]

Cheers Ireland.

Got us a new coach, me thinks.