Rugby 6 Nations 2013

[E17yid]

Away in Dublin and Twickenham. They'll deserve it if they do. But I think i's going to be interesting.

Given our poor display in the november internationals you have to fancy England. Having said that we lost all of our games leading up to last years six nations and did well.

If I had to lay my balls on the line I would say England, mainly for the reason you stated above

 

[Arnoldtoo]

Given our poor display in the november internationals you have to fancy England. Having said that we lost all of our games leading up to last years six nations and did well.

If I had to lay my balls on the line I would say England, mainly for the reason you stated above

England are not settled yet, and Flood's gone - not that he was brilliant but it's a new #10 when Farrell goes off. Back line depends on injuries and then finding the right blend and getting to know each other. Pack back 5 are top class, but they're not alone in that. Line-out throwing needs to be better than it has been and props need to be consistent against the best.

So I think I've just talked us out of that one!!

 

[E17yid]

England are not settled yet, and Flood's gone - not that he was brilliant but it's a new #10 when Farrell goes off. Back line depends on injuries and then finding the right blend and getting to know each other. Pack back 5 are top class, but they're not alone in that. Line-out throwing needs to be better than it has been and props need to be consistent against the best.

So I think I've just talked us out of that one!!

Don't go talking about fly halfs to me. We have Biggar and fucking priestland

 

[SugarRay]

If Farrell does have to go off at some point it could be a blessing. Ford is looking very good lately.

Nowell and Watson have untold levels of potential. Could become top, top class these two. Its rare that England give chances to players so young, especially in the back line, and given Lancaster's general negative outlook in this position, it speaks volumes that he seems prepared to blood them this soon.

Its paper thin between the top four sides to be honest. Home advantage and a long rugby year will probably decide who finishes where.

Its interesting that France always win it the year after a Lions tour. Its strange this year though because England's lions contingent all seem to be injured now anyway and of course Welsh players made up a large number of the tourists so perhaps it will tell more on them?

As always it will be great viewing and no doubt one or two on here will end up getting banned again...

If England can win in France then you have to fancy them seeing as Wales and Ireland have to come to Twickenham and Wales also go to Dublin.

 

[Iamlegend]

I have a bet on France to win the grand slam. They always seem to do well after Lions tours

 

[Iamlegend]

Leigh Halfpenny signs for Toulon.

Will the last player to leave Wales please turn out the lights.

Hardly can be blamed can he - the money being offered by French clubs is unreal! Short careers and all that...

 

[Arnoldtoo]

Hardly can be blamed can he - the money being offered by French clubs is unreal! Short careers and all that...

Don't blame him at all. £1.5m over two years. They could have me for half that!

 

[mpickard2087]

Ashton (and Ben Youngs) dropped, never thought I would see the day!

 

[Spurs_Bear]

Ashton has been gash for ages. Marginally more surprised about Youngs.

 

[mpickard2087]

Ashton has been gash for ages. Marginally more surprised about Youngs.

I agree, I meant that he seems to have had a million lives due to injuries etc and coaches showing faith in him, I thought we were stuck with him for ever.

Youngs has been poor for ages too. Leicester's approach seems to be keep playing him and hope he regains form but the opposite has happened. Problem is that Care seems to leave his brain behind at Quins when he steps up to International level...

 

[Spurs_Bear]

I agree, I meant that he seems to have had a million lives due to injuries etc and coaches showing faith in him, I thought we were stuck with him for ever.

Youngs has been poor for ages too. Leicester's approach seems to be keep playing him and hope he regains form but the opposite has happened. Problem is that Care seems to leave his brain behind at Quins when he steps up to International level...

Agreed, every time Care plays I want him to be so much better than what he is. He appears to almost shit himself. Bit like Flood.

 

[gushayes11]

Probably means Care will play. Wigglesworth been playing well but half back is a weakness ATM. Hope Burrell plays centre. Ashton used to be a fav of mine but has gone backwards. Sarries don't play to his strengths either but it's a shame Yarde is injured.

 

[mpickard2087]

Probably means Care will play. Wigglesworth been playing well but half back is a weakness ATM. Hope Burrell plays centre. Ashton used to be a fav of mine but has gone backwards. Sarries don't play to his strengths either but it's a shame Yarde is injured.

Dickson will start I imagine, or should do.

Burrell I'm not sure about at 13, apparently has some issues if he has to defend wider at times. Think Barritt might be the better option for this game to organise things defensively and to lead, with two rookie wings and the prospect of Ford coming off the bench for a debut as well.

 

[gushayes11]

Dickson will start I imagine, or should do.

Burrell I'm not sure about at 13, apparently has some issues if he has to defend wider at times. Think Barritt might be the better option for this game to organise things defensively and to lead, with two rookie wings and the prospect of Ford coming off the bench for a debut as well.

Barrit is the safe option, but I think Lancaster will pick him for the reasons you give. We need more to attack the top teams in the world. Burrell could be the answer whilst Tuilagi is out.

 

[mpickard2087]

Barrit is the safe option, but I think Lancaster will pick him for the reasons you give. We need more to attack the top teams in the world. Burrell could be the answer whilst Tuilagi is out.

I think he will pick Burrell personally, Barritt might be the wiser choice though. A friend who supports Northampton says Burrell is a lot less effective when playing at 13 and doesn't defend as well out wide (which I can imagine, he tends to hurl himself into the tackle and hit hard).

 

[Arnoldtoo]

Whoever plays on the centre has to nullify Bastareaud. I think I'd prefer Barritt for this game, or at least for the first 55 - 60 minutes of it.

 

[gushayes11]

Whoever plays on the centre has to nullify Bastareaud. I think I'd prefer Barritt for this game, or at least for the first 55 - 60 minutes of it.

Bastareaud is a beast. But Fofana next to him is truly world class. I think Barritt will start cause of this.

 

[chrissivad]

closing this one as there is a new thread for the 2014 cup
http://www.spurscommunity.co.uk/index.php?threads/rugby-6-nations-2014.106381/