Another 6 Nations Championship kicks off this weekend. After the very lacklustre England performance that involved more off-field antics than on-field antics, I cannot wait for England to be back playing rugby. That’s right, just rugby.
Whilst wanting England to win I cannot help but wonder how Wales will do. They were simply amazing in the World Cup and the belief that their squad had back then and I’m sure still has will make their opening game in Dublin against Ireland very interesting. England get their 6 Nations underway at Murrayfield against Scotland and whoever wins this gets their campaign off to a great start with The Calcutta Cup. Italy face the tough task of playing France at the Stade de France in their opening game.
I’m obviously rooting for England but cannot help but feel negative after a very disappointing World Cup performance. Now there are many changes, Martin Johnson is out and Stuart Lancaster is in as coach. The pressure is on and I think a minimum of three wins will see him keep the position on a long term basis. With retirements to Lewis Moody and Jonny Wilkinson and others not even picked this team is different from what we’ve seen before. A good mix of some talented youth coming through but like I said earlier I hope we can keep this about the rugby and not life off it!
For me I think France will have more than enough to win the 6 Nations after their very good campaign at The World Cup last year (feels like longer ago now). Here’s my players to watch out for in the tournament;
England – Manu Tuilagi and Owen Farrell
France – Julien Malzieu, Vincent Clerc, Francois Trinh-Duc, Maxime Medard and Wesley Fofana (just a few!)
Ireland – Fergus McFadden, Conor Murray, Tommy Bowe and of course Sean O’Brien
Italy – Robert Barbieri and Sergio Parisse
Scotland – Joe Ansbro and Richard Gray
Wales – Alex Cuthbert and George North
Bring it on! Be nice to get excited again about a national sport again… don’t even talk to me about the cricket! Bah!
Jonny Wilkinson *sigh* you will be missed
