Since five became six and Italy were welcomed on board nine years ago, the trophy has been landed by just three different countries – England, Wales and France.
Yet the destination of this season’s RBS 6 Nations silverware is perhaps tougher to predict than ever before.
Sportinglife reports that the most recent form guide – the autumn Tests two months ago – suggests Wales are shining lights to successfully defend their Six Nations title.
The challenge for Wales though, is to achieve something not even achieved during their 1970s golden era – winning back-to-back Grand Slams.
But they are a meagre 6/1 chance with the bookmakers to repeat their 2008 clean sweep and Six Nations title success, despite three of their games – against Scotland, France and Italy – being away from home.
Autumn form suggests the bookies may have it right, given that Wales were the only Six Nations side to beat Tri-Nations opposition during a demoralising November for northern hemisphere rugby.
Wales’ victory over Australia underlined their quality – and with an outstanding coaching team of Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards and Rob Howley again at the helm, their tournament favourites’ tag is fully justified.
England were last crowned Six Nations champions in 2003 – and nothing happened during the autumn to suggest they will end that trophy drought this season.
The emergence of full-back prospect Delon Armitage apart, England had precious little to cheer after a demoralising autumn series when they were beaten by Australia, South Africa and New Zealand – conceding 102 points in the process.
New boss Martin Johnson knows his team must deliver. But after what should be a routine opener against Italy, they face games that will make or break their campaign – Wales in Cardiff, followed by Ireland at Croke Park.
Already written off in many quarters, which England will turn up? It could be the roaring lions or the timid pussycats.
Scotland might not have won anything, yet they produced one of the more remarkable statistics of last season’s Six Nations tournament – 656 passes completed, but just three tries scored.
Unless Frank Hadden’s men can find ways of breaking down opposition defences on a consistent basis, rather than rely on goal-kicking to win games, they will continue to struggle.
Their forwards will be a handful for most opponents – hooker Ross Ford and prop Euan Murray could be Lions Test starters in South Africa later this year – and they know an immediate statement can be made by knocking over Wales at Murrayfield on the opening weekend.
Scotland’s professional sides Edinburgh and Glasgow have both performed well this season – suggesting that at 16/1 for the title, the Scots could be worth a flutter – but their lack of tries remains an enormous concern.
The record books show Ireland have won three Six Nations Triple Crowns – but the title continues to elude them in such regular fashion that it has assumed millstone proportions.
Munster’s consistent success in Europe; the thrilling talent of young Leinster backs like Luke Fitzgerald and Rob Kearney; Brian O’Driscoll’s continued mercurial presence in midfield; Ireland, without question, have a lot to be excited about.
But was it not ever thus?
Coach Declan Kidney takes charge of his first Six Nations campaign, yet one cannot help thinking it will be the same old story of promise and potential – but no Six Nations trophy in the cabinet.
Across the Channel, no one quite knew what approach – if, indeed, he had one – France coach Marc Lievremont adopted towards selection in 2008.
Young players came and went, and his line-up that finished last year with an 18-13 defeat against Australia contained just six survivors from the one that started it – including captain Lionel Nallet – against Scotland almost 10 months previously.
Like Wales, France face three games on the road – visiting Ireland, England and Italy – although their mid-tournament Friday night appointment with the Welsh could prove a critical game in terms of the competition’s final outcome.
One would think Lievremont may adopt a more settled outlook on selection this time around, having found his bearings as a Test coach last year – but only time will tell.
Despite the revered former South Africa coach Nick Mallett taking charge of Italy for last season’s Six Nations, it was a campaign that contained wildly fluctuating fortunes.
Italy beat Scotland and ran both England and Ireland close, yet their crushing defeat against Wales in Cardiff illustrated a tactical naivety that can still unhinge their game.
Mallett’s team start this time around against England at Twickenham – where previous Six Nations visits saw them lose 80-23, 40-5, 39-7 and 20-7 – but Ireland, Wales and France must then all visit the wonderfully-atmospheric Stadio Flaminio in Rome.
A sixth-placed finish again looks likely. But if anyone can turn them around, Mallett is more capable than most.
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Not to late to get your pool entries in.
(I will only approve you if you are an England supporter though.) 😉
Website: http://www.superbru.com/sixnations
Pool code: chiptabs
Pool name: Sharksworld
bettingzone.co.uk’s Tips for the weekend.
England v Italy
England always used to look forward to this fixture as it meant a relatively straightforward victory for them en route to a crack at the Six Nations title. How times change – or not if you’re an England fan. Anyone taking more than a glance at England’s chosen backline for their opener against Italy should be amazed to see the likes of Andy Goode and Mike Tindall in there. Granted, Tindall has played some decent rugby for Gloucester this season but is surely no more than a solid club player at this stage in his career whilst Goode cannot be the only choice at number ten for England despite some high-profile injuries and dips in form. Yet, this is the starting XV that Martin Johnson has chosen to go with for a game that England will be expecting to win at Twickenham on Saturday. The problem is that by trying to be safe, Johnson may well have picked a side that plays right into the Italians hands. The Azzurri have made a bit of gamble themselves by picking flanker Mauro Bergamasco at scrum-half but if he can wind up Ellis for the majority of the match (which shouldn’t be difficult) then England could be in for a long afternoon. It should be a fearsome battle between these two and it could be bloody too. If Italy can keep it tight and really turn the screw on Ellis and Goode, then they can frustrate England and run them close. It’s a little disconcerting to see the Italians lose so many matches after coming so close but an Azzurri upset is on the cards sooner rather than later and England could be on the receiving end. The 7/1 about an Italy victory is very tempting but the 16-point start on the handicap is an absolute steal.
Verdict: England by five.
Ireland v France
The tie of the weekend comes at Croke Park on Saturday evening when Ireland host France. Neither side exactly set the tournament alight last year and will want to change that – and both teams have as good a chance as the rest of achieving this. Keith Wood mentioned this week that this year is probably the last chance saloon for the current crop of Irish players if they want to win a title for their country and this is probably right. However, there is nothing like leaving the best ’til last and Declan Kidney’s men have a real chance of ending 24 years of hurt. The French under Marc Lievremont seem to be struggling to adopt a style of play, having thrown the ball around for the first half of 2008 then concentrating more on the breakdown and fringes in the latter half of the year. They have the talent amongst their squad to be Six Nations champions every year but can quite often get the basics wrong and they do look a little rudderless at the moment. This is forgivable as they are one of the youngest French squads for years but whether the French public are as forgiving is another matter. This is a game that can go either way and it wouldn’t be surprise to see France put Ireland to the sword. However, it’s very unlikely that the Irish will allow themselves to be controlled in this manner and in front of their own fans at Croke Park, they can eke out a victory.
Verdict: Ireland by three.
Scotland v Wales
Scotland take on Wales at Murrayfield on Sunday afternoon knowing that first time out is probably the best time to catch Warren Gatland’s men if you want to beat them. Wales are overwhelming favourites to retain their Six Nations crown after winning the Grand Slam last season and being the only northern hemisphere side to put up any sort of resistance to the likes of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in the autumn internationals. However, their last two Grand Slam winning campaigns started with fairly wobbly wins over England and it’s fair to say they are a side that grows in confidence as tournaments progress. Scotland looked on the brink of something during the autumn and should put up much more of a fight than they did last season. However, their progress may not be over yet and whilst there should be much more to come, it may be that they need another year to achieve this. Wales are a class act but they may well find things a bit difficult this season and I very much doubt another Grand Slam is on the cards. They are deserved favourites but whether they are value at 2/1 is a moot point. I think the layers have given Wales far too much respect here and given the fact that Scotland could easily shake Gatland’s men up here, it’s worth throwing a few quid the way of Frank Hadden’s men as they are more than capable of winning at Murrayfield.
Verdict: Scotland by four.
Either these guys have got money to throw away or most of us have read this last game completely wrong.
Scotland to beat Wales?????????? 😯
@KSA Shark © (Comment 1) : once again, no reminder emails.
Ksa- you need to approve McLovin’s application
@robdylan (Comment 7) :
But he’s not an England supporter!?!?!?!?!??!?
I suppose he is a half decent Sharksworlder so I suppose I will have to approve it. 👿
@KSA Shark © (Comment 8) : Had to think long and hard about who I ‘support’. But my mother claims to have an Irish great grandfather (yet unproven) so I went with the Irish.
Oh and I also love Guinness. A lot. 😎
@McLovin (Comment 9) :
At least you picked England for a win. 😉 or else i would never have let you in. 😆
@KSA Shark © (Comment 11) : You’re too kind. 🙄
England v Italy up next.
Swing Looooooooowwwwwww, Sweeeeeeetttttt Charioooooooooooooooot!!!!!!!
Coming forth to cary me HOOOOOOOOMEE.
Alaska’s great race is taking precedence at the moment.
@McLovin (Comment 10) : i think we’ll get on
@McLovin (Comment 10) :
@robdylan (Comment 15) :
Howcome we all get along? I can’t STAND the stuff. Any dark beer is a no no for me.
12 – 0 to England after 19min.
Maybe my margin was to small.
SB picks for England v Italy
Gerhardt England 24
molly England 21
PaarlBok England 21
McLovin England 19
Sandshark England 18
PtaShark England 16
ss England 15
JustPlainSHARK England 15
Wallywong England 14
Whindy England 14
geraas England 13
I-Tie England 13
robdylan England 11
Villie England 9
Milissa England 7
England 22 – 6 Italy
Half time
The graphic isn’t to clear, but it looks like England are under a yellow card at the moment.
Haskell back on for England 5min into the second half after a Yellow.
England 29 – 11 Italy
73min
Cueto goes over and scores NOT puting a foot in touch this time.
Robbing me of the Closest pick point. 👿
England 34 – 11 Italy 👿
And Goode converts to Rob me of a margin point as well. 👿 👿
England 36 – 11 Italy
79min
FULL TIME
England 36 – 11 Italy
Gerhardt Get’s the closest pick BP.
Superbru picks for the Ireland v France game coming up.
Whindy Ireland 12
Sandshark Ireland 9
PaarlBok Ireland 8
McLovin Ireland 7
Wallywong Ireland 7
robdylan Ireland 7
Villie Ireland 5
geraas Ireland 5
JustPlainSHARK Ireland 5
I-Tie Ireland 4
Milissa Ireland 3
=========================
ss France 5
molly France 9
PtaShark France 10
Gerhardt France 12
france are playing sum fine footy
@PJLD (Comment 25) :
this is a very good game this.
Ireland 13 – 10 france
Start of 2nd half
43min and BOD scores a great try
converted.
Ireland 20 – 10 france
44min
Missed a score here
58min
Ire 20 – 18 Fra
65min
Try by Ireland
Converted
Ire 27 – 18 Fra
@KSA Shark © (Comment 26) :i got my tv hijacked.im having to watch alvin and the chipmunks
In the last match with 5min to go i was on my own with a spot on pick and I got nothing. 🙁
What is going to happen here?
france slot the PK
Ireland 27 – 21 France
76min
on 77min Ireland get a PK just outside the french 22 and O’gara puts me back spot on with my pick.
😎
Ireland 30 – 21 France
78min
@PJLD (Comment 31) :
Hehehhehehehehe.
She is a Bulls fan dude, DON’T argue with her.
Time up on the clock
France on attack in the Irish 22
PK France right in front.
Tap and go
Ireland get PK 😳
Clear to touch
FULL TIME
Ireland 30 – 21 France.
I get the closest pick BP. 😎
Whindy
Sandshark
PaarlBok
McLovin
Wallywong
robdylan
Villie
geraas
JustPlainSHARK
I-Tie
Milissa
All on 2 from 2 and in with a shout for a GSP with one game to go.
Sco 0 – 3 Wal 16min
Second Scot out cold after making a tackle. 😯 Will probably get a yellow when he wakes up.
And so he does. Ref at least waits till he comes round before showing him the yellow.
First Scot to be knocked out stayed on the field and is now puking. Ref says he must go off.
Wales score a try soon after play resumes. 15 against 14 for the next 10min. Looking bad for Scotland.
Half Time
Sco 3 – 16 Wal
Wales score 40 secs into the second half. 😯
Sco 6 – 21 Wal 55min
Williams scores.
Sco 6 – 26 Wal 59min
We are gonna have a plethora (big word) of GSP BP’s this week. 😎
Wales have missed plenty of kicks.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 50) : plethora? ❓ Is it a mammal?
Picks for this match.
Wallywong Scotland 7
Milissa Scotland 3
==========================
Villie Wales 3
robdylan Wales 7
PtaShark Wales 9
ss Wales 10
PaarlBok Wales 11
McLovin Wales 11
Sandshark Wales 11
Gerhardt Wales 12
geraas Wales 13
Whindy Wales 15
molly Wales 17
I-Tie Wales 19
JustPlainSHARK Wales 20
@McLovin (Comment 52) : related to the platypus (sp?) I think 😛
@KSA Shark © (Comment 50) : not THAT hard to pick 3 winners in the 6N
The commentators sound so cool, when they are complaining, it increases the accent bigtime.
@robdylan (Comment 55) :
Have a look at comments number 2,3 & 4. 😆
Seems the bookies got this last one wrong. I can’t believe they called a scottish win.
Spinning was a blast tonight, BTW. 😎
Williams yellow. Very harsh imo.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 57) : they DID? Are they drunk?
Jocks score.
@robdylan (Comment 60) : Scottish.
@McLovin (Comment 59) :
VERY HARSH!!!!
The ref may have a credit card number lodged at bettingzone.co.uk. 😛
Sco 13 – 26 Wal 70min
@McLovin (Comment 62) :
Hardy Scots
50 deg.F
People in Southern England turn on the central heating
People in Edinburgh plant out their bedding plants.
40 deg. F
Southerners shiver uncontrollably
Glaswegians sunbathe on the beach at Largs.
35 deg. F
Cars in the South of England refuse to start
People in Falkirk drive with their windows down.
20 deg. F
Southerners wear overcoats, gloves and woolly hats
Aderdonian men throw on a t-shirt; girls start wearing mini-skirts.
15 deg. F
Southerners begin to evacuate to the continent
People from Dundee swim in the River Tay at Broughty Ferry.
0 deg. F
Life in the South grinds to a halt
Inverness folk have the last BBQ before it gets cold.
-10 deg. F
Life in the South ceases to exist
People in Dunfermline throw on a light jacket.
-80 deg. F
Polar bears wonder if it’s worth carrying on
Boy Scouts in Oban start wearing their long trousers.
-100 deg. F
Santa Claus abandons North Pole
People in Stirling put on their ‘long johns’.
-173 deg. F
Alcohol freezes
Glaswegians get upset because all the pubs are shut.
-297 deg. F
Microbial life starts to disappear
The cows in Dumfriesshire complain about farmers with cold hands.
-460 deg. F
All atomic motion stops
Shetlanders stamp their feet and blow on their hands.
I’ll say it again, these ou’s sound so cool.
Is there ANY chance we can swop them with Brosnihan and Boom Boom vd Westhuizen for the S14?
Scots throwing everything at the welsh now
76min
13 – 26 Wales
Patterson chips and goes down on the ball behind the line.
TMO pending
Knock on. 😳
FULL TIME
Scotland 13 – 26 Wales
closest pick BP goes to geraas
go wales
Plethora?? Who u trying to impress bru?? 😀
Wales to win the 6N again…
@wpw (Comment 72) :
Just trying to show I know a lot about mammals. 😛