Post by Lukiebakercafc on Jan 30, 2010 2:53:49 GMT
What the hell has happened to my beloved 'Other Sports' board? Hidden away in Player's Lounge like a family skeleton in the closet, no posts since November, this was always secretly my favourite board as well Don't make me start posting American football or Boxing threads up that no-one has any real interest in again!!!!!
Anyway, 6 Nations starts next weekend and it's wide open this year with no stand-out team and any one of Wales, France, England or Ireland could win it. The Lions Tour may have matured some of the Home Nations players but will this help them? Here's how i see the teams.
England: Had to blood youngsters in the Autumn Internationals due to catastrophic injuries but key players return for the 6 Nations. Martin Johnson was a heroic captain but he's no manager and this will cost England. His bias towards the old guard/anyone in a Leicester shirt is horrific and Steve Borthwick as captain is an abomination when he shouldn't even be in the team. Talented players and Wilko's in form, on their day could challenge but until Johnson (or at least the coaching staff) is replaced they will come up short...
Prediction: 3rd
Ireland: Last year's winners with the sensational Brian O' Driscoll they finally broke their grand slam duck. Had good Autumn Internationals and are a very strong outfit despite some ageing players. However, question marks remain over the fly half position as O' Gara can be a liability and Johnny Sexton will only be put in when O' Gara mucks up by which point it may be too late. The Emerald Isle could still win it comfortably but imo the key game is vs France, in Paris... Were it at Croke Park I would back the Irish but at the Stade de France I believe the French will prevail breaking Irish hearts...
Prediction: 2nd
Scotland: Will they ever be a force again? A weak pack, essentially a lottery as to who plays in the backs and an England coaching disaster in between world cups is now head coach. doesn't bode well does it... There's a reason they had no-one in the starting Lions' test teams and they insist on benching their one weapon, Chris Paterson, the best kicker in World Rugby. A wooden spoon play-off against the Italians once again beckons, take your pick which side wins, even the Scots and Italians find it hard to care, I'll say Italy and the Sweaties left embarrassed once again...
Prediction: 6th
Wales: An odd side. Plenty of talent but the once talismanic Shane Williams is starting to look mediocre and is returning from a long injury. They have the best front row in the competition and the backs have the ability to scythe through anyone on their day yet I don't see them winning it... They have a chance of course but I can't see them being crowned champions come 20th March. Strange...
Prediction: 4th
France: Ah, the French... Always there or thereabouts, the mercurial Frenchmen have the talent and support but also the tendency to arse things up. Someone will go off sulking, there'll be discord however there'll be brilliance and flair. Certain players in the back line can change a game, your Jauzion's, Rougerie's and Clerc's which often covers other frailties. Key games against Ireland and England at home which will be the difference maker imo and this will once again be the year of the French.
Prediction: 1st
Italy: Every year I think they'll show improvement and elevate themselves above whipping boys/laughing stocks. Ever year I'm wrong. Although recently they've had the Scots to keep them company so it's not all bad. When Italy entered the 6 Nations back in 2000, my 9 year old self predicted that by 2015 Italy would have win the competition. It's not looking good is it... A couple of good players but mostly average no-names. Until Rugby becomes even as remotely as popular as Football, Cycling or even Handball in Italy we won't see a drastic improvement. Shame really but gives us home nations an excuse to go to Rome...
Prediction: 5th
There we go. I fancy the French to do it this year, just pipping the Irish but I can't wait for the tournament to start, it's really up for grabs!!
Anyway, 6 Nations starts next weekend and it's wide open this year with no stand-out team and any one of Wales, France, England or Ireland could win it. The Lions Tour may have matured some of the Home Nations players but will this help them? Here's how i see the teams.
England: Had to blood youngsters in the Autumn Internationals due to catastrophic injuries but key players return for the 6 Nations. Martin Johnson was a heroic captain but he's no manager and this will cost England. His bias towards the old guard/anyone in a Leicester shirt is horrific and Steve Borthwick as captain is an abomination when he shouldn't even be in the team. Talented players and Wilko's in form, on their day could challenge but until Johnson (or at least the coaching staff) is replaced they will come up short...
Prediction: 3rd
Ireland: Last year's winners with the sensational Brian O' Driscoll they finally broke their grand slam duck. Had good Autumn Internationals and are a very strong outfit despite some ageing players. However, question marks remain over the fly half position as O' Gara can be a liability and Johnny Sexton will only be put in when O' Gara mucks up by which point it may be too late. The Emerald Isle could still win it comfortably but imo the key game is vs France, in Paris... Were it at Croke Park I would back the Irish but at the Stade de France I believe the French will prevail breaking Irish hearts...
Prediction: 2nd
Scotland: Will they ever be a force again? A weak pack, essentially a lottery as to who plays in the backs and an England coaching disaster in between world cups is now head coach. doesn't bode well does it... There's a reason they had no-one in the starting Lions' test teams and they insist on benching their one weapon, Chris Paterson, the best kicker in World Rugby. A wooden spoon play-off against the Italians once again beckons, take your pick which side wins, even the Scots and Italians find it hard to care, I'll say Italy and the Sweaties left embarrassed once again...
Prediction: 6th
Wales: An odd side. Plenty of talent but the once talismanic Shane Williams is starting to look mediocre and is returning from a long injury. They have the best front row in the competition and the backs have the ability to scythe through anyone on their day yet I don't see them winning it... They have a chance of course but I can't see them being crowned champions come 20th March. Strange...
Prediction: 4th
France: Ah, the French... Always there or thereabouts, the mercurial Frenchmen have the talent and support but also the tendency to arse things up. Someone will go off sulking, there'll be discord however there'll be brilliance and flair. Certain players in the back line can change a game, your Jauzion's, Rougerie's and Clerc's which often covers other frailties. Key games against Ireland and England at home which will be the difference maker imo and this will once again be the year of the French.
Prediction: 1st
Italy: Every year I think they'll show improvement and elevate themselves above whipping boys/laughing stocks. Ever year I'm wrong. Although recently they've had the Scots to keep them company so it's not all bad. When Italy entered the 6 Nations back in 2000, my 9 year old self predicted that by 2015 Italy would have win the competition. It's not looking good is it... A couple of good players but mostly average no-names. Until Rugby becomes even as remotely as popular as Football, Cycling or even Handball in Italy we won't see a drastic improvement. Shame really but gives us home nations an excuse to go to Rome...
Prediction: 5th
There we go. I fancy the French to do it this year, just pipping the Irish but I can't wait for the tournament to start, it's really up for grabs!!