TACKLEMAN BLOG: SIX NATIONS PREVIEW

Happy New Year everyone. Can we still say that even though it’s already February? Where did January go?

Tackleman here, scribbling down a few thoughts before heading out to gasp my way through a New Year’s Resolution gym visit.

So, here we are, Rugby World Cup Year; fantastic!

So, here we are, Rugby World Cup Year; fantastic! England, with a little help from Wales, is revving up for the big kick off and there really is genuine excitement about the place. For those of you wondering whether the traditional non-rugby towns can actually get their football brains around the oval ball game allow me to reassure you. All the games are sold out and on New Years Eve in Newcastle, thousands cheered as the Tyne Bridge was lit up by fireworks proclaiming “tha’ Toon” as a host city.

6 Nations
But before all that, the long, dramatic build up begins. The 6 Nations in the North, Super Rugby in the South. There is so much to discuss but so little time. Forgive me, but I will concentrate this month on the 6 Nations and delve into life in the Southern Hemisphere next time out.

A new 6 Nations trophy awaits the champions; redesigned to represent better the participating nations (six sided now rather than the old five, but still gold lined so the champagne doesn’t tarnish the silver and still with a specially designed lip for the players to drink from it; essential touches).

As fans across Europe’s rugby heartland reach for their passports and book rooms in the cheapest of hotels, the players are now in camp ahead of what may well be the tightest competition in recent years.

Ireland look to be favourites. In Joe Schmidt they have one of the sharpest rugby brains and a Kiwi who knows Irish rugby inside out. He gets it; he understands the psyche, he gets the most out of his team and, more importantly, he has quality at his disposal.

Wales v England
Wales will challenge hard if they can dispatch England next Friday night under the closed/open roof of the Millennium Stadium. Gatland has already started the mind games over the setting for the game and I wish he wouldn’t bother. He’s a class coach with an impeccable record but when it comes to goading the opposition there’s room for improvement. He either lobs his verbal grenades way too early or so wide of the mark to make them laughable. Warren; stop it.

England have been ravaged by injuries but you know, I think that might do them good. It forces Lancaster to pick George Ford and possibly reintegrate Cipriani. Second row cover is fine but it’s the midfield where life could get interesting. Surely now is the time to play Jonathan Joseph alongside Luther Burrell? Luther was awful against Racing Metro in the Champions Cup but, with a few missing, Burrell and Joseph would be my call.

Perfectly unpredictable
Scotland is on the rise. Vern Troyer, sorry, Vern Cotter has blooded the young boys and they are responding. Watch out for Richie Gray’s shorter but better little brother Jonny at lock, and Alex Dunbar is the real deal at centre.

And that’s how we love the 6 Nations. Colourful, traditional,
unpredictable. Perfect.

Now to Italy, are they in danger of being left behind? With three matches in Rome, I hope the Azzurri will be competitive throughout the tournament and perhaps spring a surprise or two. This year is all about momentum and currently Italy have very little after a disastrous 2014.

So what of the French? Who knows? Philipe Saint Andre has so much talent at his disposal but it’s anyone’s guess as to how he uses it. There is so much breath taking ability on show but, like their teams in the Champions Cup, the sublime can soon become a disaster. Look at Toulouse. Pretty much guaranteed a place in the knockout stages, now out of the competition through an inability to close out.

And that’s how we love the 6 Nations. Colourful, traditional, unpredictable. Perfect.

Until next time, enjoy your rugby.

Yours,
Tackleman

Follow me @DHLRugby (#tackleman) and www.facebook.com/DHLRugby

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