Round 1
Here it is ladies and gentlemen, the biggest annual tournament in terms of attendance and eyeballs, the best in Europe duking it out for the title of 6 Nations champion. Ireland with the Grand Slam (winning every match) from last year to defend!
France v Ireland
The match many predicted as a likely world cup final, a bit late, but it’s finally arrived! Both squads without some key players, sexton and du pont, and likely some cobwebs to brush away, but this match is being talked about as the tournament decider before even any points have been scored! This is one tasty opener and you better believe it will live up to it
Italy vs England
England with a good world cup despite plenty of criticism and churn of players and coaches in the last 18 months and are looking for a good start to get themselves rolling. Italy seeking a win, any win, and will be looking to take advantage of a fairly inexperienced England squad. Expect both teams to play wide exciting stuff with a slight whiff of desparation - neither side can afford a loss here
Wales vs Scotland
Wales are in trouble, and have been for some time, but at home with an impressive record against the Scots, Gatland will want to throw the kitchen sink at them and will be able to with new faces. Scotland will be looking for a victory and a bonus point, and know every point will be vital in order to challenge Ireland or France into even a 2nd position in the tournament
Under 20s
The U20s also kicks off tonight, and is a great watch to get the tournament started. Can Scotland get a win this year?
There we are then, my match narratives for yous, please, head, heart, and arse predictions in the comments before kick offs, score predicrions in kicktipp, and reactions during/after matches! I’ll do half time and full time for all 3
France were absolutely awful. Willemse did a good job showing why he wasn’t even in the squad before a run of injuries left a space for him.
Lucu is a great player, and he and Jalibert have been on fire in the top 14, but he just doesnt seem to have “it” when he’s had a chance as starting 9. Not sure if that’s nerves, not being able to make the step up, or just trying to hard to come out of Dupont’s shadow. I’m not one for panicking, but would be minded to give Le Garrec a chance.
Italy getting better, tho been saying that for years. Not looking forward to playing them tho. I think with so many of their olayers plying their trade in top 14 they’ve performed well against us for years.
No idea what the fuck that Wales-Scotland game was about. Literally. No idea how to extrapolate anything from that give them each team seemingly only wanted to play for 40 minutes.