6 Nations 2023 . . .

The 2023 6 Nations kicks off this weekend with Wales hosting Irela nd, England hosting Scotland and Italy hosting France.

I see the bookies have it as a 2 horse race this year between Ireland and France while giving England a small chance. You can pretty much write your own ticket if you're backing Wales, Scotland or Italy.

I reckon they've got it about right. The clash between Ireland and France next weekend (in Dublin) could well prove to be the decider but England are certainly capable of beating anyone on their day and I think the bookies odds for Scotland (20-1) are pretty generous. Scotland looked like a very good side at times last year (like beating England) but lacked consistency and looked ordinary in others like when they lost to Wales.

I'll be supporting Wales as usual but I must say, looking at their squad they should be worried that they're not producing any new talent. It's all the same old names like Owens, AWJ, Faletau, North and Halfpenny . . . no new and exciting talent to speak of.

Oh well, hope it's a great tournament. Come on Wales!

Wales should be better than last season...despite the old faces.

Borthwick had to keep most of the squad intact as he was only allowed to make a limited amount of changes to Eddie’s squad. 

Well, unfortunately they’re the rules ! The squad was chosen by Eddie, he got sacked but most of the players have to remain. 

With some key coaching changes, this 6N is going to be about ironing out systems and preparing for the World Cup. I expect some surprises, and for the 6N to not necessarily reflect the strength of the teams at the WC. 

This is just a dry run for the world cup, as with the 4 nations. No one really cares who wins, it is just about getting combinations and set plays on a song for the real tournament while keeping a few cards hidden. 

My predictions are:

1. France -    Probably a grand slam, finishing undefeated- with many points clear of 2nd place.
3. Ireland -    Sexton is still the key man. While a good team, lack pace and game breakers
3. England - The Darkhorse. Either an improvement or a disaster with a new coach.
4. Scotland - On their day, they are very good. However, not every day is their day. 
5. Wales  -     Can Gatland turn this lost ship around? Not sure...
6. Italy -       Will remain useless.

Ireland is a good unit, better than they are on paper man for man.
Their passing and support runners give them lots of continuity on the attack. It is easy for them to go wide, even without much space. Everyone seems in tandem. 

They looked good before the last two world cups but peaked before each one.  
They have not carried the favourites tag well, after getting it. 

The EPS squad of 45 was chosen by Eddie; Borthwick was allowed to change some but not all.

Of course it has been ! The rules are usually a change of five players plus injury changes. 

Brave of him to drop Manu Tuilagi. 

Tuilagi has had so many injury issues that you'd think on the rare occasion he was fit he'd be an automatic pick . . . but then again, I'm not really qualified to comment as I don't know what his recent form has been like.

We’ve had a lot of injuries since he selected the squad so we’ve had to mix and match a bit. 

Farrell is only at centre because we lost three of the five selected. Hopefully someone will be back fit before the end of the 6 Nations and Farrell can go back to ten. 

Ludlum, I don’t agree with at all, but what do I know ?! 

Malins I wouldn’t have selected, I’d have had Murley instead. 

Tuilagi is not the threat he used to be, Rooinek. I think we might have seen the last of him in the team….although I’m wrong about everything, it seems, so just watch this space . 

No team ever managed to win two slams back to back.

EN has a proper route to the final victory. Teams that start are not the same as teams that finish a tournament. EN has all the time in the world to build a winning team and get the momentum.

That’s incorrect; teams have won back to back Grand Slams but they’re not common.

When.

Wales 1908/9

England 1913/4

England 1923/4

England 1991/2

France 1997/8

Vatso!!

Wales 1908/9

England 1913/4

England 1923/4

England 1991/2

Better not to forget to include an instruction manual. Who knows otherwise.

Man, that's an all time low. Being one-upped by Mrs Searle of all people. The poor dear must be so elated her dairy bells will be clapping for joy.

@TheTraditionaist,

Have you considered a Guillotine?

Blackboyo reverts to his favorite material….the male arse.

Mrs Searle can't help but reveal herself. What a tit 

Very true…we know how “you” struggle with basics

Absolutely. The same struggle that prevents from seeing a quota policy in SA rugby.

Yep, better to join an instruction manual and have the material tested on a quota person. To give confidence. That is all to be expected from SA rugby supporters.

Still no answer.

IT joined the tournament in what year?

@TheTraditionaist,

"Absolutely. The same struggle that prevents from seeing a quota policy in SA rugby"

We see this quota policy you mentioned here, quite clearly..... every single day, in every single South African sporting code...

It is the very reason why we cannot always field our best teams to represent our country.....

Mediocrity is the national norm..... 

I have it on good authority that the poster named "Blackboy" is a kiwi who posted under the same nick on a now defunct kiwi rugby site.

Parrot .