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
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Scotland are getting such bad injuries at the moment. Kinghorn out for first two games, Gilco banned for first two games, Darcy Graham injured for unspecified amount of time…
Gilco a walking card machine. He’s a gain imo. Kinghorn and Graham tough to stomach for sure. Won’t miss them as much as next weekend I fear
Yeah that’s fair he’s a card machine. The issue Scotland have is lacking depth up front. I know it’s a cliche that, “the forwards decide who wins and the backs decide by how much”, but just looking at the group games in the world cup clearly demonstrate that there is only so far Finnsanity can take you.
Aye, our 2nd rows have been 2nd class for years now. And front rows get older ans not necessarily better. Hopefully these two new in the squad prove an answer
That was a very dominant display from Ireland. Some beautiful tries from both sides, but France looked very unorganised for half the match. Their second try was tough to call, it was hard to see if it actually made contact or not. Probably the right call to say it did though.
I’m already dreading our last fixture vs Ireland
Yeah it’s a bit scary playing them last lol. I’d rather get it out of the way early.
What an opening weekend though. Italy made for an exciting first half, it’s nice to see them play well. The second half of the Wales Scotland game was fantastic to watch. Exciting down to the very last moment.
Sad that Italy didn’t hold on, that second half was turgid from them. The Scotland kit is minging too, looks like they need to tuck their shirt in!
That was France’s worst home loss of the 6 Nations era in terms of points difference (21 vs previous 10 to Wales in 2013). I’ve watched Ireland play France dozens of times and never seen Ireland dominate physically like that.
It was scary good, Ireland for the championship without a doubt. France looked amateur and never got going at all. Red card didn’t help, but lineout was poor, very little good kicks, and no real turnovers. I bet they fix a lot of that for next week at Murrayfield though
Wales gave a real scare that 2nd half, my heart was racing. What a great opening weekend!
Actually to leave a positive here: I enjoyed Russell’s postmatch interview. He’s clearly top dog in the squad and the words coming out his mouth sounded like a coach. Amazing transformation from a few years ago.
Yeah, he should have been captain last season. What was concerning was these team mates that weren’t listening to him either though. I’m expecting a fairly major changes for next week
I’ve never felt more grumpy about a victory. Scotland just don’t know how to turn the screw when we’re ahead.
Head
France, England, Scotland (very close to call)
Heart
Ireland, Italy, Scotland - all away wins in the opening weekend, tournament would be anyone’s!
Arse
Ireland get away with an early yellow from the captain, but implode all around them. France at home batter furiously with a record points haul, but 3 backs pull their hamstrings in the process #tooEasy
England forget how to play rugby again, kick even more pointlessly, and Italy shred their defense with a series of Finn Russell-esque kick passes and a sexton loop. Record loss
Wales get the roof up (Gatland wanted it up, Toonie vetoed) but all the purpose it serves is to magnify the boos of a record loss at half time, bonus point already given, followed by a second half of 3-0 from Wales
Wales are pish. Can’t buy a lineout
Half time in Rome and it all to play for! Italia attack looking great, England lacking a bit of creativity I think. Really hope they keep pace to 80’