Six Nations Week 5: Previews and Predictions

Wales v Italy

Wales haven't been firing in this tournament and their line out and scrum have been less than effective.  However the return of scrum-half Mike Phillips and loosehead Gethin Jenkins is a boon for coach Warren Gatland, and 18-year old Tom Prydie becomes both the youngest man to play for Wales and the youngest ever to play in the Six Nations when he starts on the wing.  Whoever loses this match will be vying for the wooden spoon with Scotland, and the losers will take home the booby prize if Scotland overturn the Irish in the final game to be played at Croke Park. 

Italy have been hit by three injuries: Centre Andrea Masi, lock Carlo Del Fava and flanker Paul Derbyshire are all out.  Despite Italy's win against Scotland and rallying last 15 minutes against France, Nick Mallet's men won't have enough to get past Wales at a pulsating Millennium Stadium.

My prediction:  Wales by 18.


Ireland v Scotland

Declan Kidney and his Ireland team only have an outside chance of winning the championship, and that relies on England tripping up their rivals France later on in Paris.  But the Triple Crown is there for the taking, and if Ireland beat Andy Robinson's Scotland they will notch up their fifth home nations clean sweep in seven years.

The Scots are propping up the table with a solitary point, courtesy of their tedious draw against England last weekend.  With Ireland gunning for the prize to crown their final match at Croke Park and Scotland's try-scoring drought, I can only see this game going one way.

My prediction:  Ireland by 12.


France v England

A revamped England will run out in Paris in the tournament finale, but I think favourites France will pack too much of a punch for the visitors.  Ben Foden and Chris Ashton, team mates at Northampton, will hopefully inject some pace and cutting edge into the England backline.  We know their link-up play is in fine form after watching them in the Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup this season.  Lewis Moody returns from a brief stint on the bench, and he will lead out England in the absence of Steve Borthwick.  Mike Tindall starts in the centre, probably to try and contain the rampaging Mathieu Bastereaud. 

France are oozing class in every position at the moment.  Morgan Parra, Imanol Harinordoquy and Clement Poitreneaud are but three of their top class players in a team dripping with talent.  The French have been firing this Six Nations, and they will be too much for Martin Johnson's stuttering England team.

My prediction:  France to win by 16.

Six Nations Week 4: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The Good

Brian O'Driscoll winning his 100th cap for Ireland.  A truly world class player, even though he had a pretty quiet game against Wales.

Paul O'Connell's fantastic performance in the line-out and the loose.  A superb game for the ginger giant.

Tomas O'Leary.  A brilliant try-scoring performance by the Ireland scrum half.  Man of the match O'Leary was instrumental in several key plays and set up Keith Earls for his second try.

Tomas O'Leary dives in for his try

The Scottish crowd singing 'Flower of Scotland' loudly and proudly before the Calcutta Cup game against England.  The atmosphere in Murrayfield was electric right from the opening blast of by the lone bagpiper.

Andy Robinson-cam.  Watching the Scotland coach flail his arms around in exasperation whilst yelling expletives provided a few rare moments of entertainment in an otherwise uninspiring game.

Saying that, Scotland number eight and man of the match Johnnie Beattie played a strong game in attack and defence, along with his fellow back row Killer Bs, Kelly Brown and John Barclay.

Ben Foden's impact from the bench.  A breath of fresh air mixed with a steamroller.  Come on Haskell, Deacon and chums: take note of how Foden smashed towering lock Alastair Kellock out of the way when he was running from deep.  Oh and well done Johnno for hauling Armitage off and giving Foden a run.  Ben has got to start against France.  In fact: Ding ding - all change.

France's pocket rocket wing Marc Andreu, who, at 5ft 5", flew under the Italians' radar and over the whitewash.

In fact, France totally demolished Italy in their 46-20 with a classy display.  The French backline was in dazzling and fluid form, and their forwards weren't half bad either.  Scrum-half Morgan Parra, full-back and man of the match Clement Poitreneud and Imanol Harinordoquy get special mentions for their excellent performances.  Again.


The Bad

Jonny Sexon's woeful scattergun approach to goal kicking.  The Ireland fly-half had about as much accuracy as a drunk bloke blasting his pee towards a urinal.

Lee Byrne's yellow card.  Wales conceded two tries when the full-back was warming the sin bin and Byrne was decidedly below par upon his return to the field.

Wales' set piece:  Line-out: Poor.  Scrum:  Poor.

England missing tackle after tackle after tackle after tackle (repeat to fade)...

Just when they thought they were getting a bit better, Nick Mallet's Italy found themselves 40 points behind France after being clinically taken apart.  At least Italy were able to restore a degree of respectibility in the last 20 minutes, when France had already switched off and were no doubt starting to plot England's demise next weekend...

The Ugly

Dan Parks' stupid sideburns.  Who does he think he is?  Zorro?

Fancy Dan

Scrum time between Scotland and England.  Zzzzzz.  Do you enjoy watching burly forwards in tight fitting tops flopping down onto the floor?  Yeah.  And so it seems did referee Marius Jonker.  The scrums were painfully tedious to watch and it often took more than two minutes just to restart the game.  Yawn.

Ugo Monye being stretchered off.  Apparently he's OK, but it's never a nice sight seeing anyone stretchered off the field.  Still, maybe you should have a rest next weekend Ugo, and let Northampton's Chris Ashton have a go?


So there's only one week left in this year's competition.

I can't wait until next weekend's finale: France v England at the Stade de France. 

Although I bet Johnno and pals will try to make it as tedious an affair as possible.  We will see.

Ton Up for O'Driscoll

Brian O'Driscoll, Ireland's crinkly-eyed captain and centre extraordinaire, wins his 100th Ireland cap today.

And what a career the 31-year old Dubliner has enjoyed so far.

The world class number 13 made his international debut against Australia in Brisbane, way back on 12 June 1999 aged just 20.

Since then he's racked up 38 tries and has cemented his reputation as one of the most dazzling and feared centres in world rugby.

He captained Ireland for the first time against Australia in November 2002 whilst winning his 31st cap and took over as skipper of the squad for the 2004 Six Nations after Keith Wood's retirement.

O'Driscoll has also played six test matches for the British and Irish Lions, and captained the tourists on the 2005 tour to New Zealand.  Unfortunately his time on the pitch was painfully cut short when he suffered a dislocated shoulder in the 1st Test defeat to the All Blacks. This was thanks to a controversial "spear" tackle from All Blacks Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu which ruled him out for the rest of the tour.

BOD returned from New Zealand, recovered, and signed a contract to keep him at Leinster until 2011.

In 2007 Brian led Ireland to their third Triple Crown in four years and was named player of the Six Nations in both 2006 and 2007.

Last year he skippered Ireland to their first Six Nations (and indeed Five Nations) Grand Slam in 61 years, and helped Leinster lift their first Heineken Cup.

Not bad, and there's no signs of him stopping yet.

Congratulations on your 100th Ireland cap Brian!

Here's a video of some of your best bits:

Get Your Six Nations Chargy Bargy On!

Time is running out to play the new Chargy Bargy Grand Slam game to try and win some great prizes.

In the new Six Nations version of the game you can choose your nation from any of the six taking part in the championship.

Then you Charge and Barge for glory and for prizes.

Every week of the tournament, O2 are giving away Nintendo Wiis, Blu-ray DVD players and LCD TVs to one of the toughest O2 customers who tops the leaderboard.

What’s more, four lucky winners picked at random from all O2 customers who’ve entered the competition, will snatch VIP tickets to the Emirates Airline London Sevens at Twickenham for themselves and three friends.

Go to http://bit.ly/02chargybargy to steal your piece of the action.

But hurry, you only have till the end of the Six Nations tournament to stake your claim for victory.

Six Nations Previews and Predictions: Week 4

Here are my previews and predictions for this weekend's Six Nations fixtures.

Ireland v Wales

Brian O’Driscoll will win his 100th cap for Ireland in their penultimate game at Croke Park on Saturday.

The Ireland skipper will join prop John Hayes in the 100 club and become only the 14th player to notch up a century of caps.

Wales’ stand-in captain Martyn Williams will also pass a landmark at the weekend. When the 34-year old flanker runs out in Dublin he will pick up his 95th cap and overtake Colin Charvis to become the most capped Wales forward.

Last weekend Ireland pipped England to the post in their 20-16 win at Twickenham, whilst Wales attempted another epic comeback in Cardiff. Warren Gatland’s team were 20-0 down at half time against France, but the men in red heroically fought back after the break. Despite Wales’ best efforts, France were victorious to the tune of 26-20: Freddie Michelak obviously learning from Scotland fly-half Dan Parks’ mistake, as he booted the ball into touch at the final restart.

This week, the absence of Wales skipper Ryan Jones sees the selection dilemma over the captain’s form handily removed for Warren Gatland. Gloucester number eight Gareth Delve has been brought into the starting XV to replace the injured skipper.

Over in the Irish camp, coach Declan Kidney has named an unchanged side. Geordan Murphy keeps his place at full back despite Rob Kearney’s recovery from a knee injury. Kearney will take a seat on the bench, which means Andrew Trimble drops out of the 22.

For me, this is the game to watch this weekend. Ireland are still gunning for the Championship, whilst Wales have a point to prove. If Ireland can get the wheels turning, scrum Wales into the ground and fire up their backline, then the men from the Emerald Isle will be one step closer to winning the Triple Crown.

However, if Wales can drastically reduce their error count and stop Ireland from notching up a healthy lead in the first 20 minutes, then they could rain on O’Driscoll’s parade.

Saying that, I can’t see Wales breaking down the Irish away from the cauldron of the Millennium Stadium.

My prediction: Ireland to win by 5.


Scotland v England

Stick, twist or go bust?

Those were the questions being asked of Martin Johnson ahead of Saturday’s Calcutta Cup.

Most England rugby fans would loved to have seen Johnno take a gamble. He could have started Ben Foden at full back and brought Courtney Lawes and Chris Ashton into the mix. Yes, it would have been quite a Northampton Saints love in, but alas it was not to be.

Instead, the England coach has persisted with the dull looking Delon Armitage at number 15, Joe Worsley replaces Lewis Moody at flanker, James “Mr Anonymous” Haskell keeps his place, and Leicester’s Louis Deacon is still in the starting XV.

Still, at least Foden and scrum-half Ben Youngs are on the bench.

A lot has been said about Johnson’s lack of imagination and how England’s World Cup chances are being severely threatened by his conservatism.

However England are where they are, and Andy Robinson must be rubbing his hands with glee.

The Scotland coach has been quite unlucky recently. Last weekend Scotland became the favourites to win the wooden spoon after they were embarrassed by Italy in Rome. The week before (as if anyone can forget), an eight point lead ten minutes before time was transformed into a 31-24 win to Wales with only 13 Scots left on the pitch. Add to that the horrific injury suffered by Thom Evans and Chris Paterson’s kidney damage and things were looking bleak.

If England are to win the Calcutta Cup then the English forwards need to run at the Scots and tackle hard. Danny Care needs to pass the ball to Wilkinson immediately instead of taking a step, and England’s centres need to pressurise Dan Parks. The Glasgow fly-half controlled the game well against Wales and England need to stop him grabbing the initiative. Oh, and England’s backline needs to come up with some ideas and actually execute them, rather than jogging around aimlessly and kicking the ball away at will.

If Scotland are to win then they need to take England on up front and utilise their pack strength. Parks needs to pay a blinder and Scotland captain Chris Cusiter has to get the better of Danny Care.

Whilst this match has all the promise of being a slow affair with little to excite, I for one hope that Scotland will fly out the blocks like they did against Wales and give England a good spanking. At least that would mean maybe, just maybe, Martin Johnson will make some changes for the game against France.

Then again, probably not.

My prediction: Scotland to win by 7.


France v Italy

Completing this weekend’s Six Nations fixtures are hot Championship favourites France against serial wooden spoon winners Italy.

There’s not much to say other than France will beat Italy and marchons towards their final game with the Grand Slam in their sights.

Italy beat Scotland 16-12 last weekend, but this will not trouble Marc Lievremont’s France one iota.

Lievremont has made two changes in his starting XV to face the Azzurri. One man wrecking machine, Mathieu Bastereaud, will start on the bench after struggling with a calf injury. David Marty comes in to replace the centre, whilst Julien Malzieu also drops to the bench to be replaced by Marc Andreu.

Freddie Michelak is also out after he tore his cruciate ligament when playing for Toulouse last weekend. Scrum-half Dimitri Yachvilli takes Michelak’s place in the 22, which means first choice number nine Morgan Parra will move to fly-half if stand-off Francois Trinh-Duc is forced from the field.

Italy’s main area of strength lies with their pack, but even Martin Castrogiavanni and Carlo Antonio Del Fava will have their work cut out against rampaging French forwards.

The question is not whether France will win, but by how many.

My prediction: France to win by 25.

So what do you think?

Reasons to Love Ben Foden

I like Ben Foden as a rugby player.

I like how he runs with the ball.  I like his attacking flair.  I also like how he doesn't hoof away possession à la Ugo Monye and Mark Cueto.

However watching the following clip made me really start to love Ben Foden.

Anyone who can annoy James "The Hask" Haskell is just fine by me.

Ben, it is a travesty that you won't start for England this weekend.

Still, at least you can rest safe in the knowledge that the entire rugby world will be cheering at the sight of you beating the pumped up, white boot wearing Hask.

From now on I am going to call him Jimmy, as I now know how much it annoys him.  That dear Ben, is all thanks to you.

Ben, I salute you.

Too Much of a Gamble?

Scotland v England, Six Nations, Saturday 13 March

Ben Foden, the in form Northampton full-back is apparently too big a risk for Martin Johnson.

Yes, good old Johnno has flicked the V's at his critics, laughed in the face of the pundits and ignored the calls to revamp his England team ahead of the Six Nations clash with Scotland this weekend.

Apparently Johnno doesn't want to get his hands on the World Cup again

Despite Foden's inspiring display off the bench against Ireland (which eclipsed dull Delon Armitage's efforts), Foden is not in the starting XV against Scotland.

With England's Grand Slam chance gone, why is Johnno still insisting on playing it so safe?

What about Courtney Lawes, Chris Ashton, Shontayne Hape, Steffon Armitage, Nick Kennedy and champagne swilling Chris Robshaw to name but a few?

Why aren't they being given a chance?

Even Lewis Moody has been relegated to the bench.  OK so after his great performances in the autumn Moody hasn't been as effective, but I can't help but wonder if his announcement about leaving Leicester had anything to do with his new role as a bench warmer.

Still, Leicester's Ben Youngs has made it into the 22 which is great news.  And fear not, rugby fans, Leicester's dynamo Louis Deacon is still in the starting XV.

Great.

Hang on.  What's that I hear you say?  Could Johnno be guilty of a Leicester bias?

Never.

The World Cup is approaching fast and Johnno's tediously conservative England are in danger of being so badly undercooked next year when they face Argentina on 10 September it's just not funny.

It really is time that the England coach took a gamble and backed some of England's young stars.

And I mean really back them, not just giving them five minutes at the end of the game

Oh and drop James "The Hask" Haskell.  Please.

Six Nations Week 3: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

The Good

Three from three for France and the Grand Slam is still on for les Bleus.

The French scrum: the best in Europe, no doubt.

Shane Williams' sizzling late try to set up another tantalising finish.  Sadly for Wales, Freddie Michelak kicked the ball into touch at the final restart to deny another buttock clenching finale at the Millennium Stadium.

Another mention for Shane Williams, who passed Gareth Edwards' record of 18 Championship tries for Wales.  And on his 33rd birthday too.  Aw.

Italy's last gasp win over Scotland.  A brilliant try by Pablo Canavosio helped the Azzurri to their 7th win in ten years of the Six Nations.  Something for coach Nick Mallet to write on his calendar then.

Centurion: John Hayes

John Hayes winning his 100th cap for Ireland.  An excellent achievement for any player, but especially so for a front row forward.

Ben Foden, who finally pulled off his tracksuit to replace the injured Delon Armitage.  Foden was a shining star for England with a desire to run the ball forward instead of hoof it aimlessly.

England not kicking the ball away every five seconds.  OK so England didn't win, but they looked pretty evenly matched against Ireland.  Martin Johnson did comment after the match that he thought his team suffered as they tried to run the ball too much.  Oh God, I hope this doesn't mean we can look forward to a return to kicking 101 against Scotland.

The Bad

Wales' string of errors.  Two interception tries?  Check.  Plenty of passes to no-where?  Check.  Failing to see the men in support and not passing the ball for a certain try, Jamie Roberts?  Check.

Yeah I know Shane.  It was really frustrating.

Not so much bad, more not quite there.  Morgan Parra and François Trinh-Duc's partnership at half back is a weak link in the French team.  Parra is a bit selfish and Trinh-Duc retreats into the pocket when put under pressure.

Scotland's failure to score a try against Italy.  And they lost.  Again.  Wooden spoon, Andy Robinson?

Danny Care's sloooooooooow service to Super Jonny and chums. This limited Wilkinson's options and left England's backline looking static.

The atmosphere in Twickenham.  Oh sorry, there wasn't one.

(Not so) Super Jonny's kicking stats.  Only 3/6 for the usually robotic place kicking Wilkinson.  Poor.

The Ugly

Brian O'Driscoll being stretchered off the field.  I hope he'll be fit to pick up his 100th cap in a couple of weeks.

The ridiculous handbags between England and Ireland.  Not really ugly but come on ladies, sort it out.  Still, Danny Care's missus is probably a very satisfied lady looking at Care's excellent throw down skills (as demonstrated on Tomas O'Leary).

Six Nations Previews and Predictions: Week 3

Wales v France

Friday night’s game is a tantalising battle between Grand Slam hopefuls France and comeback Kings Wales.

Who can forget the men in red’s pulsating victory over Scotland in Cardiff in week two?

Confidence will be high in the Wales camp, but the task facing Gatland’s men this weekend is a formidable one.

The Wales coach has focussed his criticism on his back row after the last gasp win over Andy Robinson’s Scotland. With Andy Powell dropped in the wake of Golf Buggy-gate and Martyn Williams and captain Ryan Jones unusually below par, Wales’ forwards need to up their game.

Will Williams (l) and Ryan Jones (r) provide good service to Stephen Jones (c)?

Alun Wyn Jones is out after undergoing surgery on his elbow and Deiniol Jones and Bradley Williams get a chance to impress in the second row. Scrum-half Mike Phillips returns to the bench despite only playing 40 minutes of rugby in the past four months. Dwayne Peel must be left wondering if his move to Sale has scuppered his international career.

France coach Marc Lievremont will be forced to juggle his team again after injuries to Benjamin Fall, Pascal Pape and Fulgence Ouedraogo.

Both winger Fall and lock Pape suffered ankle injuries and will be replaced by Julien Malzieu and Julien Pierre respectively. Pape’s absence means Sebastien “The Caveman” Chabal comes onto the bench and Julien Bonnaire replaces Ouedraogo.

Alexis Palisson has recovered from Jerry Flannery’s can-can kick and starts on the wing.

As for the game, I think the clash between centres Mathieu Bastereaud and James Hook will be a fascinating one to watch.

The forward battle will be the key area though, and France’s powerful scrum will be a stern test for the Wales pack. Gethin Jenkins came off the bench against Scotland but doesn’t feature in the 22 to face France.

If Wales get good service from the pack they will give the flair-packed France a run for their money. However, I can’t see France slipping up at the Millennium Stadium.

My prediction: France to win by 8.


England v Ireland

It’s make or break time for England. After two lacklustre games for the men in white, Ireland will be a much sterner test.

A stuttering performance against Wales and an unimpressive win over Italy mean Martin Johnson’s team is still on for the Grand Slam. However write off Ireland at your peril. Declan Kidney’s men were taught a rugby lesson in France a fortnight ago and only a win against England will keep their championship dreams alive.

Johnson has only tinkered with his match day 22 after criticism over the team’s performance in Rome. He has stuck with (maybe not so) Super Jonny at fly-half and Ben Foden and Joe Worsley both start on the bench.

As for Ireland...  OK so a back to back Grand Slam is no longer possible for Brian O’Driscoll and chums but the Triple Crown is definitely in their sights.


Rory Best will start at hooker for Ireland after Jerry Flannery was banned after his not exactly subtle kick on Alexis Palisson.

Ireland's first choice fly half: Jonny Sexton

Wunderkind Jonny Sexton snatches the number 10 jersey from Ronan O’Gara with the Munster man relegated to the bench. Rob Kearney is out with injury and he is replaced by Leicester’s Geordan Murphy. A fit again Donnacha O’Callaghan pushes Leo Cullen to the bench.

England is hardly a dynamic force in the world of rugby at the moment, and Ireland will have been busy licking their wounds after the 33-10 hammering in France. Unless Martin Johnson and co’s strategy has undergone a total revamp in the last couple of weeks, then I expect England to kick the ball away ad infinitum which will give Ireland ample opportunity to run it back at them. And past them. And over the line.

The key battle I’ll be watching is Jonny v Jonny. Fly-half of the recent past v fly-half of the future. I wonder who will take control and pull the strings to orchestrate a win? I think it will be Jonny Jnr.

My prediction: Ireland to win by 12.


Italy v Scotland

Andy Robinson’s Scotland committed what can only be called rugby hari kari against Wales two weeks ago. Quite why Mike Blair chose to run the ball rather than boot it into touch when the clock went red only he will know. Add to that the two late sin binnings and 13-man Scotland could only watch as impish Shane Williams skipped over the line to snatch a last gasp win.

Gutting.

So what next? Well, all is not lost as this weekend they face serial wooden spoon winners Italy.

England made tough work of overcoming the Azzurri but Italy looked much more convincing than they did against Ireland. Surely Scotland have enough flair to overcome the tournament whipping boys though?

In a word: yes.

Max Evans returns for the Scots after scoring a try after coming off the bench against Wales. Hugo Southwell and Simon Danielli replace Chris Paterson and Rory Lamont and Allan Jacobsen is in for Alistair Dickinson in the front row. The Scots are looking to turn their fortunes around and end a two-game losing streak in the tournament.

Evans will hopefully take it to the Max.

Italy coach Nick Mallet has named only one change for Italy as Carlo Antonio Del Fava starts in the second row after a remarkable recovery from knee surgery.

Italy will be targeting the game against Scotland as their most realistic chance to notch up a win as Scotland are the only team they have beaten in the Six Nations.

However the Scots will be looking to turn their 70 minute performance against Wales into a full 80 minute win against Italy. If they don’t, the wooden spoon awaits…

My prediction: Scotland to win by 13.

So what do you think?  Will France march on towards a Grand Slam?

Six Nations Previews and Predictions - Week 2

It's Six Nations Predictions time again.

Will Ireland's recent love affair with the Six Nations continue to flourish in Paris this Valentine's weekend?  Will Scotland lose their hearts in Wales, or will England's red roses woo the Italian crowds? 

Here are my previews and predictions for this weekend:

France v Ireland
This game is already being tipped as the championship decider.  The result of this match will crush the Grand Slam hopes of one of this year's main protagonists, and it's a real shame this fixture isn't being saved until the final weekend. 

France won their opening game against Scotland 18-9, with human wrecking ball Mathieu Bastereaud twice bulldozing his way over the line.  Ireland looked rusty against an Italy side lacking in precision which also boasts arguably the most turgid backline in international rugby.  Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll described his team's performance as "mediocre" despite their 29-11 victory.  France's scrum destroyed Scotland, although the return of Stephen Ferris into the Ireland pack is welcome to Ireland's perceived area of weakness.  France are without Aurelien Rougerie and Benjamin Fall who miss the clash through injury so Toulouse's Vincent Clerc and Brive's Alexis Palisson take their places.  O'Gara retains the number ten shirt for Ireland, and Keith Earls makes his first Six Nations start. 

Ireland last won in Paris ten years ago in 2000, when Brian O'Driscoll's brilliant hat-trick helped his team to a 27-25 victory.  Last year, Ireland beat France 30-21 at Croke Park.  This is undoubtedly the game of the weekend, if not the tournament.  It's a tough one to call.  My heart says Ireland but my head says France.  I know it's Valentine's weekend, but my head is overruling my heart on this one.

My prediction:  France to win by 8.

Wales v Scotland
Wales clawed England back to 20-17 in the last few minutes of their battle at Twickenham last Saturday, after Alun Wyn Jones' thoughtless trip cost the men in red 17 points during his stint in the sin bin.  Despite Wales seizing the momentum in the second half England were 30-17 victors.  Wyn Jones will play this weekend after Wales coach Warren Gatland threatened to drop the lock, and the only two changes in the Wales side see Leigh Halfpenny and Jonathan Thomas come in for Tom James and Luke Charteris.  Wales are still missing Lions front row maestros Gethin Jenkins and Matthew Rees which is a blow, especially after Scotland's scrum crumbled against France last week.  Wales need to reduce their error count and not let Scotland off the hook as they did with a series of missed penalty kicks against England.  Oh, and that infamous sin-binning.  I hope to see more from Jamie Roberts and the wonderful James Hook this week.

Scotland welcome back prop Euan Murray to bolster their scrum, and fly-half Dan Parks and Rory Lamont also return.  Godman had a pretty God awful game last weekend and is replaced by Parks who has enjoyed a good season so far with Glasgow. Super sidestepping king Max Evans is also dropped, as is Moray Low.  Scotland coach Andy Robinson has added extra spice to the encounter by preventing Wales from closing the Millennium Stadium roof for the match.  It's all within the rules of course, and I don't blame Robinson for stopping Wales from getting any sort of extra advantage.  To get anything from this game the brothers Sean and Rory Lamont need to put to away their chances against the Welsh.  There were positives from the France game as Scotland did break the line, but then the attacks fizzled out and Scotland came away empty handed.

This is a must win match for both sides.  With home advantage on their side, I'm going for Wales.

My prediction:  Wales to win by 12.
   
Italy v England
Serial wooden spoon winners Italy host a revitalised England on Valentine's Day.  If rugby be the food of love, play on.  Or something like that.  Martin Johnson has made two changes to his starting XV with Dan Cole getting the nod ahead of David Wilson, and a fit again Riki Flutey pushing Toby Flood to the bench.  The replacements haven't been named yet (at the time of writing), and both Steve Borthwick and Simon Shaw have been struck with illness.  Is that Courtney Lawes I see hovering near the starting XV?  Don't be daft, it's Louis Deacon.  Lawes was originally sent back to Northampton but was then recalled, and he will now stay with the England squad.  Shontayne Hape has also been doing the rugby hokey cokey - in, out, in, out - and might yet get to shake it all about with an appearance from the bench.

Italy are without injured lock Carlo Del Fava and scrum-half Simon Picone.  Sergio Parisse is out for the entire competition due to a knee ligament injury.  Italy coach Nick Mallet will confirm his team to face England on Friday 12th, but I expect to see pretty much the same starting line up as last weekend, injuries aside.  Craig "Controversy" Gower was pretty anonymous in Italy's 29-11 defeat to Ireland, and the entire Italian backline was so ineffective England really should stamp their authority on this game.

My prediction:  England to win by 25 points.

So what do you think?  Are my predictions right this week or am I wearing my rose-tinted spectacles?

Six Nations Week 1: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

The Good...

A 30-17 win for England, despite a strong comeback from Wales in the second half.
England's line out.  Excellent work again from messrs Borthwick and Shaw.
Jonny Wilkinson.  Another 15 points in the bag.  Easy.
James Hook's solo try.  Is he Barry John in disguise?
France's Mathieu Bastareaud, an 18 stone double try-scoring powerhouse.  Ireland beware in Paris next week.
The French front five.  Dominated scrum time, solid in the line out and great in the loose.

The Bad...

Scotland's scrum which looked totally feeble.  Please hurry back Euan Murray.
Wales' goal kicking.  A couple of misses for James Hook which let England off the hook early on.
Ireland's second half performance.  Brian O'Driscoll said it was "mediocre" and "frustrating".  I nearly drifted off to sleep.  Ireland have got to step it up before their trip to Paris next weekend.
Rob Kearney's sloppy clearance, straight into the arms of Kane Robertson, who skipped over the line for an easy try.

The Ugly...

Italy's tediously slow work at the breakdown.  The BBC commentator said Italy's backs could make a cappuccino in the time it took their scrum-half Tebaldi to dig the ball out.  I think it would have been quicker if I had swum across the Irish sea to Croke Park and got the ball for him.  Zzzzzz.
Gonzalo Garcia's attempted spear tackle on Brian O'Driscoll.  Tut, tut.  A well deserved yellow card for that one.
Alun Wyn Jones' stupid trip.  Cue a ten minute sin-binning and England scoring two tries against 14 man Wales.  D'oh.

Six Nations Top Trumps: Scotland

“We are in control of our destiny. We control whether we win or lose. If we attack well and control the scoreboard and then defend well, we’ll win the game. It’s down to us. It’s not about the opposition. It’s not about the referee. It’s about what we do." said Scotland head coach Andy Robinson.

Robinson, the first English man to coach Scotland's national rugby squad, has successfully moved on from his disastrous tenure as England coach and has picked up the reins north of the border.  Eyebrows were raised when Robinson landed the job, but after Scotland's 9-8 win over Australia at Murrayfield in November, a narrow 9-6 defeat by Argentina and a 23-10 victory over Fiji, there were reasons to be cheerful.  With less players to pick from, Robinson's chances of making any selection howlers (see Jamie Noon and Mike Tindall) are limited, and after licking his wounds and rebuilding his reputation slowly but surely as Head Coach of Edinburgh, Robinson is once again in the international spotlight.

So how will Robinson's Scotland side fare in this year's Six Nations?  Here is what I think:

Scrum: 61/100.
The forwards have to perform against the might of the French and Welsh scrums in particular.  If Scotland are to stand any chance of climbing out of the bottom half of the table this year then their tight five have to create a decent platform.  British and Irish Lion Euan Murray will miss the opening game against France as he no longer plays on Sundays due to his religious beliefs.

Line-Out: 65/100.
Lions hooker Ross Ford has Nathan Hines and Alastair Kellock to aim at in the line out.  Not bad.  Scotland need to win all their set piece, especially as their back line isn't as dazzling as the other nations.  Well, with the exception of Italy.

Defence:76/100.
Strong defence won the day in Scotland's brilliant victory over Australia. It was a low scoring game but it was far from dull.  Scotland poured their heart and soul into the game and repeatedly put their bodies on the line.  If they can do this in the Six Nations then they won't be a simple walk over for their competitors.

Attacking Flair: 62/100.
Thom and Max Evans and Sean Lamont are the main attacking threats in the Scottish backline.  Chris Paterson isn't exactly brimming with flair, but he is a solid presence at full back and has a good boot which will help gain territory.  Captain Chris Cusiter is a nippy scrum-half who loves to break the line.

Stadium: 67/100.
Murrayfield.  Capacity 67,500.

Snore Factor: 45/100.
Scotland don't have the world famous stars or the flair and flamboyance of other teams, but under the influence of coach Andy Robinson they have demonstrated guts and firm belief in their abilities.  With belief comes the confidence to try things, and this will make for entertaining rugby.

Phwoargh factor:  78/100.
Chris Cusiter is a curly haired cutie and a big favourite of mine.  Thom and Max Evans and Hugo Southwell all starred in this year's Dieux Du Stade calendar and showed off their six packs (amongst other things).  All very easy on the eye as I'm sure all the ladies will agree.

Scandal Potential: 20/100.
Erm, I can't think of anything really.  It will be a massive result if they can turn over France in their opening game, but I wouldn't call it a scandal.

As for the standings:

Last year: 5th.
Prediction for this year: 5th.

Six Nations and LV= Cup Previews and Predictions

The Six Nations kicks off this weekend, and there is plenty more rugby in the LV= Cup.  Here are my previews and predictions for this weekend.

The Six Nations

Ireland v Italy
2009 Grand Slam champions Ireland play wooden spoon winners Italy in the opening clash of the tournament.  Italy have leaked an average of 29 points per game since this time last year, and with Ireland's sizzling backline of stars I can't see this changing on Saturday.  Italy has a strong scrum containing Castrogiavanni, Del Fava, Bortelami and Bergamasco, although the loss of World class eight man Sergio Parisse is huge.  Despite this Italy will look to target the perceived weakness in Ireland's front row, and Cian Healy will have to scrummage for his life.  Ronan O'Gara is back in the 10 jersey for Ireland due to an injury to Jonny Sexton, and Brian O'Driscoll's centre partner from Leinster, Gordon D'Arcy, is also named in the starting XV.  With Italy's backline lacking in spark, Ireland will walk this game.

My prediction:  Ireland by 23.

England v Wales
A new look England play Wales in a match that celebrates a centenary of matches between the countries at Twickenham.  Riki Flutey and Mathew Tait return and form yet another centre combination, whilst Delon Armitage starts at full back.  Nick Easter is back at 8, and Foden and uncapped prop Dan Cole appear on the bench.  Compared with November's team, on paper this version of England has a lot more flair.  Wales have an experienced pack which includes Lions props of Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins.  Shane Williams, another Lions man, is out on the wing, whilst Jamie Roberts will look to punch holes in England's defence.  Mike Phillips and Dwayne Peel are side lined due to injury which is a big loss to Wales coach Warren Gatland.  Both sides are under pressure after lacklustre performances in November,

My prediction:  England to win by 6.

Scotland v France
Defence is the keyword for Scotland who will look to dampen the French attack as they did in their 9-8 victory over Australia in November.  The boot of Chris Paterson and the dogged determination of the forwards are crucial if Scotland are to stand a chance of turning over France.  Imanol Harinordoquy is a big danger man for the visitors, both at the line-out and in the loose.  Sebastian Chabal, Fabien Barcella and Damien Traille are all injured and will miss the game, and scrum-half Jean-Baptiste Elissalde replaces the banned Julien Dupuy. Scotland will be hoping that the brothers Lamont will step up and score tries and get their tournament off to a flier.

My prediction:  France to win by 12.
 

 
LV= Cup
 
Ospreys v Leeds Carnegie
The Ospreys were crushed 40-19 by the Dragons last week on the back of their Heineken Cup win over Leicester.  Leeds were also defeated last weekend at Headingley by Saracens, with Leeds' woeful home form continuing after their torrid 18-9 Amlin Cup defeat by Bourgoin.  Unlike the Ospreys, Leeds aren't affected by international call ups, but with their current form I can't see Leeds taking anything from this game.

My prediction:  Ospreys by 12.
 
Bath v Sale
Bath lost 27-11 to Leicester in the last round, and Sale lost 20-14 at home to Northampton.  Both of these teams look unlikely to progress in this competition, both sitting third in their respective pools.  Bath have ground out a few results with home advantage, whilst Sale's performances away from home have been woeful this season.

My prediction:  Bath to win by 7.

Northampton v Leicester
Pool 1 leaders Leicester travel to Franklins Gardens to play the only English team remaining in the Heineken Cup.  Last week the Tigers dispatched Bath at Welford Road 27-11 with a strong second string side, whilst the Saints beat Sale 20-14 away from home.  With Foden, Lawes and Hartley missing for Northampton and Moody, Flood, Deacon and Cole missing for the Tigers, the second strings will battle it out again.

My prediction:  Leicester to win by 9.

Scarlets v Cardiff Blues
Both teams are top of their respective pools, and both teams come into this game on the back of a win in the last round.  The Blues demolished Newcastle 45-24 and ran in six tries, whilst the Scarlets beat Wasps 18-13 away at Adams Park.  Both sides will be stripped of their Welsh stars and step out a shadow of the sides that both bowed out of the Heineken Cup.  Separated by one place in the Magners League it is a tough one to call, but I think the Scarlets will edge it.

My prediction:  Scarlets to win by 5.

Worcester v London Irish
When these teams last met in the Guinness Premiership on 5 December at the Madejski Stadium, the result was a 16-16 draw.  Both teams have won one game from three in this competition.  Last week, Irish lost at 16-13 home to Harlequins whilst Worcester were defeated 17-5 by Gloucester at Kingsholm.  The Exiles will miss the Armitage brothers whilst Worcester will be without Matt Mullen and Alex Grove.

My prediction:  Another draw.

Harlequins v Gloucester
Harlequins have been the Kings of inconsistency this season.  They failed to win a single pool game in the Heineken Cup but have shown flashes of brilliance in the Guinness Premiership.  Sitting second behind Cardiff Blues in their LV= Cup pool, last week Harlequins beat London Irish away from home.  Gloucester lie second in their pool after beating Worcester 17-5 last weekend.  When they met in the Guinness Premiership on 28 November, Harlequins' Danny Care and Nick Evans ran riot and led Quins to an impressive 35-29 victory.  Care is on England duty, but I think Quins will win again.

My prediction:  Harlequins by 8.

Newcastle v Wasps
When these side last met in the Guinness Premiership at Adams Park Newcastle pulled off a shock 12-6 victory.  This was thanks to the Falcons dominance at the scrum, as Carl Hayman and John Golding demolished the Wasps' pack.  Last weekend Wasps suffered against the Scarlets, losing 18-13 at home.  Newcastle also suffered a defeat away to the Cardiff Blues.  With psychological advantage after their last meeting, I think Newcastle will win again.

My prediction:  Newcastle to win by 6.

Saracens v Newport Gwent Dragons
Saracens won 28-5 against Leeds Carnegie in the last round, and are second in their pool on points difference.  The Dragons beat the Ospreys 40-19 last weekend and also lie second in their pool.  The Dragons' form in the Magners League has been inconsistent as they have won five of their ten matches.  Saracens are second in the Guinness Premiership, one point behind leaders Leicester with a game in hand.  Based on consistency of performances, I'm tipping Saracens to win.

My prediction:  Saracens by 11.

So what do you think?  Have I got my predictions right this week?

Six Nations Top Trumps: France

“Our team is very fit, but the Top 14 schedule is very punishing and we do not get a lot of time with the players. It’s tough, but we’re in good shape," said France coach Marc Lievremont.

Looks like he spoke too soon.  Lock Sebastien Chabal misses France's opening game against Scotland with a back injury and France will also be without injured centre/wing Damien Traille and prop Fabien Barcella.  Lievremont has made a few changes to his squad since November, with talented scrum-half and kicker Jean-Baptiste Elissalde replacing the banned Julien Dupuy.  Centre Mathieu Bastareaud returns after being dropped for the November tests and utility back Fabrice Estebanez also joins the squad.  There are a few shock omissions as once again Lievremont keeps everyone guessing.  Fly-half Frederic Michalak, full-back Maxime Medard, wing Cedric Heymans, and Stade Francais fly-half Lionel Beauxis, have all been left out.

In 2009's competition, France finished third behind Grand Slam champions Ireland and their auld enemy England.  France will be looking to build on their impressive 20-13 win over South Africa in November and forget about the 39-12 defeat against New Zealand.  With home games against their biggest rivals, Ireland and England, this could be France's year.

So how will they fare?

Scrum: 79/100.
Barcella's injury is a blow to France as he turned in strong performances against South Africa and New Zealand in the autumn.  The French back row is impressive though, with Dusautoir, Picamoles and Harinordoquy.  Chabal will miss the first game, but on the whole the scrum is an area of strength for France.

Line-Out: 68/100.
The second row looks a bit iffy for France, especially if Chabal misses more than the opener with his back trouble.

Attacking Flair: 88/100.
With Heymans and Medard left out in the cold, a certain amount of French flair has gone out the door with them.  However, Harinordoquy is an agile forward who scores tries and Rougerie's form has been good this season.  Poitrenaud and Clerc are both brilliant attacking players as is Malzieu.  France do seem to have a weakness at fly-half which might dampen the Gallic flair, but this is a team of flamboyant risk takers, which is exactly what I want to see from France.

Defence: 55/100.
Pah!  It's all about attack!

Stadium: 85/100.
Stade de France.  Capacity 80,000.

Snore Factor: 8/100.
Very low.  France are risk takers who play flamboyant, running rugby.  Dull is not the word.

Phwoargh Factor: 78/100.
Dieux Du Stade, anyone?

Scandal Potential: 76/100.
High.  I don't like to raise the subject again, but there's always the chance of a backlash over Gouge-gate.

As for the final standings:

Last season: 3rd.
Prediction for this season: 2nd.

Six Nations Top Trumps: Wales

"We need to get off to a good start. If you don’t get off to a winning start, there is that added pressure and you’re always chasing.”

I couldn't agree with you more, Warren Gatland. 

Beware Martin Johnson's England on 6 February when Wales arrive at Twickenham.  Wales' coach Gatland is certainly talking the talk.  Gatland has focused on the inexperience of the England scrum as a weakness that will be targeted by his British and Irish Lions filled pack.  But will Wales fire in 2010?  In last year's tournament they slipped to a disappointing 4th place after clinching the Grand Slam in 2008, and losses to Australia and South Africa at Cardiff in November wasn't the ideal preparation.  Wales have two tough games away from home: at Twickenham on the opening weekend and then across the Irish sea at Croke Park.  With key players sidelined due to injury and with pundits questioning Wales' mental toughness, the pressure to perform is on. 

Here are their ratings:

Scrum: 85/100.
Wales have an excellent tight 5 including an all Lions front row in Adam Jones, Matthew Rees and Gethin Jenkins.  Alun Wynn Jones and either Ian Gough or Luke Charteris will add power in the boiler room.  Wales' opening game is against England at Twickenham, who with the absence of Sheridan and Vickery, are likely to field an internationally inexperienced front row.  Games are won and lost based on what happens up front, and the scrum is where Wales will look to dominate.  And I think they will.

Line-Out: 70/100.
With Alun Wynn Jones, Gough/Charteris and Ryan Jones as the jumpers, and Matthew Rees as the hooker, this is another set piece where Wales should excel.

Attacking Flair:  71/100.
Shane Williams is fit and will play on the wing, as will fellow Lion Leigh Halfpenny.  It's a shame that scrum-halves Mike Phillips and Dwayne Peel both miss the competition due to injury, as both are classy playmakers who snipe around the fringes of the scrum.  Richie Rees has been in fine form for the Cardiff Blues at this position though and is one to watch.  World class full back Lee Byrne will play against England after having his ban for being the Ospreys' 16th man in the Heineken Sup game against Leicester overturned.  Stephen Jones might not be a flamboyant fly-half but his magic point scoring boot more than makes up it.  And then there's Lion and Baa-Baa, Jamie Roberts, who is yet another world class player in the Wales team.  All in all, there is attacking flair oozing from this team, but can they string it together?

Defence:  45/100.
Wales' defence was well and truly dismantled in the 33-12 defeat by Australia in November.  The Wallabies ran in four tries which almost made Wales' defence coach, Shaun Edwards, implode with anger.  With such an array of attacking backs, Wales will have to tighten up on their defence to avoid leaving gaping holes on the counter attack.

Stadium: 73/100.
Millennium Stadium.  Capacity 74,500.

Snore Factor: 35/100.
It all depends if the Wales squad of 2010 will emulate their inconsistent performances of last year or their Grand Slam campaign of 2008.  I think it's likely to be somewhere in between based on their opposition, with flashes of brilliance balanced with a certain lack of incision.

Phwoargh Factor: 55/100
Lee "Tango Tan" Byrne, James "I'll play anywhere" Hook and Jonathan "No, not the pundit" Davies are the main attractions in this category.  Mike Phillips is a big loss in this department, and some might argue that the lesser spotted Gavin Henson will be missed.  On the whole it's slim pickings though, unless you like big hair that is.  If that's the case, then Adam Jones is the man for you.

Scandal Potential: 34/100.
Medium.  Nothing too controversial, but I'd suggest that Wales' opposition keep taking a quick headcount during the game, just to make sure that Lee Byrne hasn't sneaked on from the sidelines.

As for the final standings:
Last season: 4th.
Prediction for this season: 4th.

Six Nations Top Trumps: Italy

“Our objective is to be competitive and keep the margins down, within 15 points. We’d like to win every game, but that’s where Italian rugby is at the moment," said Italy coach Nick Mallet.

Italy will look to improve their finishing position in the Six Nations competition this year and avoid taking home the wooden spoon yet again.  Another dismal showing in this year's tournament will pile the pressure on Mallet, who took over the role as head coach in 2007.  Since his involvement, the Azzurri have only won one game in two Six Nations tournaments and have conceded an average of 26 points a game.  In November, Italy beat Samoa 24-6 but unsurprisingly lost to the rugby super powers of South Africa and New Zealand.  Still, there are glimmers of hope in the squad of Italian stallions, but it's going to be a tough ask for Italy to finish any higher than sixth this year.

Here are my ratings:

Scrum: 70/100.
The scrum is the main area of strength for Italy, with Leicester's Samson-esque Martin Castrogiavanni fit and named in the squad to face Ireland on February 6.  Strength is the keyword, as the Italian pack will also feature Mauro Bergamasco, Carlo del Fava and Marco Bortelami.  There is one glaring omission however: Sergio Parisse, the Stade Français number eight and arguably the best eight man in the world.  Parisse will miss the entire tournament with a knee injury which is a massive blow for Italy.

Line-Out: 55/100.
Italy need to win the vast majority of their set piece play to build pressure on their opposition, especially as the Italian backline isn't exactly electrifying.

Attacking Flair: 24/100.
Zzzzzzzzz.  Don't get me wrong, Italy's backs will have a go, but in the recent past they generally ended up drawing a blank.  Oh, and a flanker playing at scrum-half is a BAD idea Mr. Mallet - just in case you're thinking of repeating last year's torrid Mauro Bergamasco experiment.  He was so bad he made England's Ugo Monye look like an accomplished international full back.  Yes, really.

Defence:  26/100.
Let's look at the stats.  I have to say they're not pretty.  Since the start of last year's Six Nations, Italy have played 11 games, won one, and conceded and average of 29 points per game.  In the ten games they lost, the points difference was an average of 22.  By giving teams a 20 point head start, Italy are going to struggle to grasp any victory.  Maybe that's why Nick Mallet is realistically targeting a 15 point margin for this year's tournament.

Stadium: 61/100.
Stadio Flaminio.  Capacity 42,000.

Snore Factor: 76/100.
The uplifting Italian national anthem and Rome's bright cobalt blue skies enliven the rugby spectating experience when Italy play at home.  When they're playing away, they'll still have their never ending anthem but other than that they're a bit dull.  Chances of their opposition running in a rake of tries is high though, which should stop the crowd from dozing off.

Phwoargh Factor: 90/100.
Brothers Mauro and Mirco Bergamasco both featured in this year's Dieux Du Stade calendar and they are sort of good looking.  However, the new Dolce and Gabbana campaign featuring several of the Italian team kicked the Bergamasco brother's efforts well and truly into touch.  Behold:

Sergio Parisse, Denis Dallan, Ezio Galon, Andrea Masi and Gonzalo Canale as you've never seen them before.

Scandal Potential: 12/100.
Low.  I really can't think of anything particularly scandalous with the Italian team.  Well, maybe apart from the pants they're wearing in the above picture.

As for the final standings:


Last season: 6th.
Prediction for this season: 6th.

Six Nations Top Trumps: England

"This is the best squad we have had in my time being in charge," Martin Johnson stated this week.

Yes I think you're probably right Johnno. 

Johnson has come in for a lot of stick recently (including from myself), but with players like Toby Flood, Delon Armitage and Riki Flutey back from injury and the addition of young guns Ben Foden, Courtney Lawes, Dan Cole and Matt Mullen into the squad, there is plenty to placate those who sneered after England's 'performances' in the November tests.  Still, it all comes down to how Johnson's bunch of merry men perform on the pitch, and whether they will continue to play a rather lacklustre game of rugby by numbers or if they are allowed to go out and play instinctively.  Will Johnson choose the powering blunderbuss of Danny Hipkiss at outside centre or will he go for the flair of Mathew Tait?  Who will be selected in the second row?  Will Johnno actually mix things up after the dismal displays of the autumn?  It might not be possible to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear but I'm pretty sure the reverse is possible if players are coached in a way that prevents them playing their natural game, as was demonstrated very effectively in the games against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

In last year's Six Nations, England finished second behind Grand Slam winners Ireland by virtue of a superior points difference over France and Wales, who were both tied with England on six points.  I don't think anyone is tipping England to win the tournament this year as the team doesn't have the settled look of Ireland or the flashes of brilliance displayed by France.  However I think England might well be the dark horse of the competition, as although England should expect great things of MJ and his boys, after the dismal displays last autumn, no one really expects that much.  Write England off at your peril.

Top Trump time:

Scrum: 65/100.
With an injury hit first choice front row (Sheridan out as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder and Vickery nursing his neck injury), Tim Payne (who was taught a serious lesson the other week by Leicester's Dan Cole) returns, and there is also a call up for Cole into the squad.  Worcester's Matt Mullen has been plucked from under Mike Ruddock's nose and is also included, so there is an element of international inexperience in the England front row that may well start against Wales.  Still, we can't have it all, and after calling on Johnno to look to next year's World Cup I can't complain.  Saints captain Dylan Hartley completes the front row and with Borthers wearing the captain's armband and Simon Shaw, James Haskell, Nick Easter and Lewis Moody likely to start, England's pack is a combination of youth and experience. 

Line-Out: 88/100.
Despite critics complaining about Steve Borthwick's lack of dynamism and questioning his leadership, the cold hard stats show that he is one of the most consistent line-out men in the business.  During last year's Six Nations, England lost only one of their 49 line-outs, a feat attributed to the skill and organization of Borthwick.  Wasps and Lions hero Simon Shaw looks likely to join him in the boiler room, and with the solid Louis Deacon and Courtney Lawes on the bench, England are looking strong in this area.  It's just a massive shame that Tom Croft will miss the tournament as his line out skills are also excellent.  This is an area in which England should excel during this year's competition.

Attacking Flair: 45/100.
England have all the right ingredients to cook up a feast of attacking rugby that is brimming with flair.  The question is, how will Martin Johnson use the likes of Riki Flutey, Delon Armitage, Ben Foden and Mathew Tait?  Has the style of rugby that England were seemingly coached into playing last November changed to allow these players to showcase their undoubted talents in this area?  I hope so, but I'm not too sure.

Defence: 59/100.
Defensively, England weren't too bad in the November tests as they only conceded three tries.  However the pressure exerted on them by Australia and New Zealand led to them concede plenty of penalties, and if Dan Carter had put on his kicking boots at Twickenham then the score line would have looked a lot less favourable than the 19-6 New Zealand win shows.  England need to improve all over the pitch in the Six Nations, and if they can do this and keep the penalty count down then I think they will be in a much better state defensively.

Stadium: 89/100.
Twickenham.  Capacity 82,000.

Snore Factor: 86/100.
Potentially very high based on recent performances.  Remember when England were booed off at half time when they played Argentina in November? Snore-tastic.  I'm hoping for a big improvement in the Six Nations, but looking at their current form they've got to score highly in this category.

Phwoargh Factor: 56/100.
Erm.  Well Super Jonny's not the young, fresh-faced player he once was, and Lewis Moody and Steve Borthwick aren't going to win any beauty pageants.  Please don't get me started on Tim Payne.  Then again, I suppose Ben Foden is a bit of a pin up boy, Ugo Monye and Delon Armitage are OK, as is Dylan Hartley.  Sort of.  Oh and don't forget James "The Hask" Haskell who is fresh from modelling for the Dieux Du Stade calendar.  Still, they're all pretty average.

Scandal Potential: 30/100.
Daylight robbery anyone?  That was the cry of the Twickenham crowds last November.  If Martin Johnson's England decide not to don their Adam Ant-style Highwaymen outfits and rob the rugby going public of the price of their ticket, then unless there's another bout of players snorting random drugs or spitting out fake blood then I think England deservedly score a pretty low mark in this category.

As for the final standings:

Last season: 2nd.
Prediction for this season: 3rd.

Six Nations Top Trumps: Ireland

“You never defend anything. You give back the trophy, and then you try and win it again.”

So said Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll at the Six Nations launch press conference earlier this week.
Go get 'em tiger.

Ireland remained unbeaten in 2009 and clinched last season's Six Nations Grand Slam on the way to a victory over current World Champions South Africa.  2010's Six Nations competition looks to be a little tougher for the men in green, as the big games against France and England are both on the road and away from the bubbling cauldron that is a packed Croke Park.  Despite this, Ireland are many people's favourites to win a back to Six Nations title, if not a repeat of last year's Grand Slam.

Ireland is a team packed full of world class talent, which is where they have an advantage over the other home nations.  How many of the England starting XV would make it into a World XV?  Probably none.  Wales?  3?  4?  Scotland?  Zero.  Contrast that with Ireland who have the shining stars of Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell, Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe and Jamie Heaslip: all of who are world class players and are bang in form.  Oh, and don't forget Jonny Sexton, Ireland's new rugby darling, and quite rightly so after his performances with Leinster and Ireland.  (Did you see his calm and collected last gasp drop goal to secure a home draw in the Heineken Cup quarter finals for Leinster last weekend?  Exactly).

Anyway, on to the Unofficial Top Trumps.  All categories are scored out of a maximum 100.

And here's why:

Scrum: 62/100.
A perceived area of weakness for Ireland after the internationally inexperienced Cian Healy was taught a lesson or two against Australia.  Other sides will look to target this chink in Ireland's well polished armour.

Line-Out: 81/100.
With Munster men and fellow Lions, Paul O'Connell and Donnacha O'Callaghan as targets to aim for in the line out, provided that the selected hooker (Flannery, Best or Cronin?) can hit his man, this is a set piece that should win a lot of ball for Ireland.

Attacking Flair: 79/100. 
Where do I start?  Brian O'Driscoll looks likely to be partnered with his fellow Leinster centre Gordon D'Arcy after O'Driscoll's partner from the November tests, Paddy Wallace, was included in the Ireland 'A' squad.  D'Arcy is in a purple patch of form at the moment, as is O'Driscoll, Horgan, Bowe, and Kearney (despite him looking uncharacteristically shaky under the high ball recently).  Ireland also demonstrated the ability to grind out games last year in the 20-20 draw against Australia, but their glittering back line is packed full of talent who enjoy running from deep.

Defence:  65/100.
Ireland seem to have a never say die attitude both in attack and defence.  Just please no last minute crazy challenges in the potentially Grand Slam winning game this year, eh Paddy Wallace...

Stadium:  91/100.
Croke Park.  Capacity 82,300.

Snore Factor: 23/100.
Low.  No rugby by numbers here.  Take note Johnno and chums.

Phwoargh Factor:  88/100.
Very high.  I mean, the ladies are really spoilt for choice with crinkly eyed BOD, smouldering Rob Kearney, hunky Jamie Heaslip, drop dead gorgeous David Wallace...  The list goes on and on.

Scandal Potential:  69/100. 
High.  With Stephen Ferris the current eye-gouging victim of choice, when Ireland take on France at the Stade de France on 13 February there could be an anti-ban backlash from the French crowd after the 70 week ban of Stade Francais' David Attoub and the 23 week ban of Julien Dupuy.  Quelle horreur.

As for the final standings:

Last season: 1st with the Grand Slam
Prediction for this season: 1st but with no Grand Slam.  I tip them for the Triple Crown though.

Unofficial Six Nations Top Trumps

I love this time of year.  Six Nations fever is starting to grip the home nations, France, and to a slightly lesser extent Italy, and rugby pundits, bloggers and aficionados are all starting to weigh up the pros and cons of each country's chances of winning this prestigious tournament.

Here at Studs On The 22 it is no different.  I love the Six Nations.  As a young girl I used to watch the Five Nations with my nose pressed up to the TV screen, whilst my Mum dozed off on the sofa and my Dad shouted at me to get out of the way.  Apparently I made a better door than a window.  Anyway, the Five, now Six Nations has always had a place in my heart and I can't help but wade into the pre-tournament hype.

The Rugby Blog is previewing all the runners and riders in fine style, noting the key men, each country's strengths, weaknesses along with a prediction of their finishing position.

I'm going to do this too, only with a slight tongue in cheek twist.

Do you remember Top Trumps?  There are loads of different Top Trump sets, from Harry Potter to Supercars, and dinosaurs to Hannah Montana.  As the Six Nations approaches, I've decided to unveil the Studs On The 22 Unofficial Six Nations Top Trumps.

There's going to be all the usual sort of categories (like scrum, line-out and stadia), but I'm also going to throw in some leftfield ones (basically to give England the chance of winning).

My rugby themed Top Trumps will begin tomorrow with last season's Six Nations Grand Slam champions, Ireland.

Best go and sort out the categories...

Captain Fantastic

Lo and behold, Martin Johnson has finally annouced who will captain England for (at least the first game) of the Six Nations.

It's....

(drum roll).

Still Steve Borthwick.

Ah.

Borthers looking quite dynamic for a change

So let me get this straight.  Based on form alone, Borthers would probably only make it onto the England bench behind the masterful Simon Shaw and his apprentice Courtney Lawes.  Hmm.  Call me old fashioned, but surely the captain should be a man who would make the starting fifteen?  Shouldn't the captain's name be the first on the team sheet, as it was in the days of Johnson himself?

Apparently not.

Oh well.  Consistency is a good thing I suppose.  Well, if you want England to be consistently shit that is.  I know that a captain's performance doesn't make or break the entire team, but it's a pretty good place to start.  Maybe being conservative really is the new black...

All this does make me wonder if we will be be treated to more of the same ineffective rugby from England in the Six Nations.  Hopefully not.  I mean, a flying pig might land on MJ's head during the England v Wales game, and in his concussed state he might choose a better captain for the rest of the tournament.  Like Moody or Hartley for example.  I doubt it will happen though...

Oink oink.