2023 Six Nations

[Jim Lahey]

Scotland's big issue is their lack of cutting edge in attack.

Evident against NZ in November, who they really should've put away given the chances and pressure they had. Even the other night in the Embra Sharks game, Embra were 7-0 down but building pressure nicely in the Sharks' 22 with a pen advantage. I had to nip out of the room to take a phone call and when I came back in it was 14-0 to the Sharks . . .

No Darcy Graham intensifies this problem.

[Slick]

Scotland's big issue is their lack of cutting edge in attack.

Evident against NZ in November, who they really should've put away given the chances and pressure they had. Even the other night in the Embra Sharks game, Embra were 7-0 down but building pressure nicely in the Sharks' 22 with a pen advantage. I had to nip out of the room to take a phone call and when I came back in it was 14-0 to the Sharks . . .

No Darcy Graham intensifies this problem.

Look mate, despite mounting evidence that you may be around for a while, I’m too old and been watching rugby too long to take any advice or helpful hints from the Irish without anything but anger and derision.

YOU WERE SHITE FOR 100 YEARS!

[Jim Lahey]

Scotland's big issue is their lack of cutting edge in attack.

Evident against NZ in November, who they really should've put away given the chances and pressure they had. Even the other night in the Embra Sharks game, Embra were 7-0 down but building pressure nicely in the Sharks' 22 with a pen advantage. I had to nip out of the room to take a phone call and when I came back in it was 14-0 to the Sharks . . .

No Darcy Graham intensifies this problem.

Look mate, despite mounting evidence that you may be around for a while, I’m too old and been watching rugby too long to take any advice or helpful hints from the Irish without anything but anger and derision.

YOU WERE SHITE FOR 100 YEARS!

Tbf Scotland are nearly a quarter of the way there. Things pick up once you arrive

[Tichtheid]

Scotland's big issue is their lack of cutting edge in attack.

I'm not sure I agree with that. I suppose one could say that getting turned over after a break is lack of a cutting edge, I'd argue that we do makes those line breaks, but don't follow it up with efficient clean outs.

The problem, imo, lies with accuracy at the breakdown and discipline - we scored eight against Argentina, four against Fiji and two in each of the matches against Australia and New Zealand.
We do get pinged a hell of a lot.

[fishfoodie]

Sir Clive Woodward believes Warren Gatland's Wales will provide an early upset by beating Ireland in their Six Nations opener this coming weekend.

The Irish head to the Principality Stadium as the number one ranked team in the world, with major scalps to their name and hoping to win the tournament in World Cup year.

However, Woodward reckons Wales will put an immediate dent in those hopes with victory thanks to the Gatland factor, the Cardiff crowd and the stellar form of Ospreys stars like Justin Tipuric who have shone in Europe.

[Jim Lahey]

Sir Clive Woodward believes Warren Gatland's Wales will provide an early upset by beating Ireland in their Six Nations opener this coming weekend.

The Irish head to the Principality Stadium as the number one ranked team in the world, with major scalps to their name and hoping to win the tournament in World Cup year.

However, Woodward reckons Wales will put an immediate dent in those hopes with victory thanks to the Gatland factor, the Cardiff crowd and the stellar form of Ospreys stars like Justin Tipuric who have shone in Europe.

It wouldn't be like us to shit the bed in Cardiff in a World Cup year now would it. . . .

And for those hardy souls that say maybe its not a bad time to lose a game as there is plenty of time to remedy the issues (I know a few of these types), they should look at the history books. Ireland need to win and win well.

[GogLais]

Sir Clive Woodward believes Warren Gatland's Wales will provide an early upset by beating Ireland in their Six Nations opener this coming weekend.

The Irish head to the Principality Stadium as the number one ranked team in the world, with major scalps to their name and hoping to win the tournament in World Cup year.

However, Woodward reckons Wales will put an immediate dent in those hopes with victory thanks to the Gatland factor, the Cardiff crowd and the stellar form of Ospreys stars like Justin Tipuric who have shone in Europe.

Is he putting any money on us?

[Ovals]

They will, but I think other teams will have taken note of their improvement over the last year or so and treat them accordingly, so their results will still be rubbish. Their only win last year was Wales and frankly I wouldn't expect the Welsh approach to this year's game to be anywhere near as flat and lacadaisical even without Gatland returning to give them a kick up the arse.

I think France, Scotland and Wales are all in danger against them. I think Twickenham is a step too far though, if not the England team.

Fair enough, you clearly have a more positive view of them than me, I don't think they'll pose France any trouble at all.

They got royally humped by SA in their last game. They'll have to have improved drastically from last year's 6N to have any real impact - even England squashed them 33 zip away.

This must be the 1st time that we've played a 6N with the top two ranked sides in it. That, and two sides sporting new coaches, makes for a really interesting tournament. For Wales, England and Scotland, 3 wins would be a result (even 2 wins might) - for France and Ireland, anything less than winning the Championship/Grand Slam, will be a big let down.

[Guy Smiley]

I'd forgotten about Clive.

I'll get back onto that.

[Marylandolorian]

I think France, Scotland and Wales are all in danger against them. I think Twickenham is a step too far though, if not the England team.

Fair enough, you clearly have a more positive view of them than me, I don't think they'll pose France any trouble at all.

They got royally humped by SA in their last game. They'll have to have improved drastically from last year's 6N to have any real impact - even England squashed them 33 zip away.

This must be the 1st time that we've played a 6N with the top two ranked sides in it. That, and two sides sporting new coaches, makes for a really interesting tournament. For Wales, England and Scotland, 3 wins would be a result (even 2 wins might) - for France and Ireland, anything less than winning the Championship/Grand Slam, will be a big let down.

With away games against Ireland and England, It’ll be tough for France to get the Grand Slam this time, I’ve the feeling that nobody will this year.

[Ovals]

Fair enough, you clearly have a more positive view of them than me, I don't think they'll pose France any trouble at all.

They got royally humped by SA in their last game. They'll have to have improved drastically from last year's 6N to have any real impact - even England squashed them 33 zip away.

This must be the 1st time that we've played a 6N with the top two ranked sides in it. That, and two sides sporting new coaches, makes for a really interesting tournament. For Wales, England and Scotland, 3 wins would be a result (even 2 wins might) - for France and Ireland, anything less than winning the Championship/Grand Slam, will be a big let down.

With away games against Ireland and England, It’ll be tough for France to get the Grand Slam this time, I’ve the feeling that nobody will this year.

I suspect that Ireland will need a GS to win the Championship - could come down to BPs I suppose but I can't see them losing to anyone other than France who'll then be most likely to take the title.

[Paddington Bear]

They got royally humped by SA in their last game. They'll have to have improved drastically from last year's 6N to have any real impact - even England squashed them 33 zip away.

This must be the 1st time that we've played a 6N with the top two ranked sides in it. That, and two sides sporting new coaches, makes for a really interesting tournament. For Wales, England and Scotland, 3 wins would be a result (even 2 wins might) - for France and Ireland, anything less than winning the Championship/Grand Slam, will be a big let down.

With away games against Ireland and England, It’ll be tough for France to get the Grand Slam this time, I’ve the feeling that nobody will this year.

I suspect that Ireland will need a GS to win the Championship - could come down to BPs I suppose but I can't see them losing to anyone other than France who'll then be most likely to take the title.

Ireland are the most complete side IMO, but so reliant on Sexton.

[OomStruisbaai]

Ireland have everything favoring them. Real depth , draw, nr 1 ranking.

[Ymx]

Ireland have everything favoring them. Real depth , draw, nr 1 ranking.

It’s truly theirs to lose!

[fishfoodie]

Ireland have everything favoring them. Real depth , draw, nr 1 ranking.

It’s truly theirs to lose!

The only thing that can stop us now is SH refs !


.... and the tendancy of some of our players to get sent off ....

[OomStruisbaai]

Ireland have everything favoring them. Real depth , draw, nr 1 ranking.

It’s truly theirs to lose!

The only thing that can stop us now is SH refs !


.... and the tendancy of some of our players to get sent off ....

SH refs don't give cards easily like NH refs.

[fishfoodie]

It’s truly theirs to lose!

The only thing that can stop us now is SH refs !


.... and the tendancy of some of our players to get sent off ....

SH refs don't give cards easily like NH refs.

That's often the problem !

Sexton gets clothes-lined, or hit late, & the ref waves play on.

[Guy Smiley]

The only thing that can stop us now is SH refs !


.... and the tendancy of some of our players to get sent off ....

SH refs don't give cards easily like NH refs.

That's often the problem !

Sexton takes a dive & the ref waves play on.

Fixed that for you.

[fishfoodie]

SH refs don't give cards easily like NH refs.

That's often the problem !

Sexton takes a dive & the ref waves play on.

Fixed that for you.

Always love it when the New Zealanders are bitter, it means we're doing something right

[Uncle fester]

Ireland have everything favoring them. Real depth , draw, nr 1 ranking.

It’s truly theirs to lose!

Too early for that. We're saving the flopping for the world cup.

[Guy Smiley]

That's often the problem !

Sexton takes a dive & the ref waves play on.

Fixed that for you.

Always love it when the New Zealanders are bitter, it means we're doing something right

I’m not bitter about it. We’ve got Ian Foster and you’ve got a flopping Prima Donna. We all have our crosses to bear

[fishfoodie]

We are nailed on as usual. So boring

If we beat the Frogs, I don't care how the rest of the results go.

All that matters is we smack the hosts around, & put some doubt in their minds.

[OomStruisbaai]

The only thing that can stop us now is SH refs !


.... and the tendancy of some of our players to get sent off ....

SH refs don't give cards easily like NH refs.

That's often the problem !

Sexton gets clothes-lined, or hit late, & the ref waves play on.

He throw so many tantrums, the SH ref know how to deal with Aussies like Nick White.

[Guy Smiley]

[clydecloggie]

Ireland have everything favoring them. Real depth , draw, nr 1 ranking.

It’s truly theirs to lose!

Too early for that. We're saving the flopping for the world cup.

Given that the QF is your ceiling, are you seriously suggesting Ireland will fail to get out of the group? I mean, as a Scot I'm delighted but surely that's an unwarranted level of despair?

[Big D]

Are Scotland darker horses than ever this year, or are they lighter horses?

One could argue they are lighter horses as they had a decent autumn and their clubs are doing well in Europe.

Or are they darker because they have England and France away?

Or are they the same dark horses as per usual?

Discuss.

Darker than a dark thing.

[Slick]

We are nailed on as usual. So boring

If we beat the Frogs, I don't care how the rest of the results go.

All that matters is we smack the hosts around, & put some doubt in their minds.

Big picture FF, big picture. We need a NH WC win so best if you don't dent their confidence this year.

[Ovals]

Welsh side for Ireland 952 caps in their starting line up. 12 Spreys in the matchday squad

15. Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets – 97 caps)
14. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 43 caps)
13. George North (Ospreys – 109 caps)
12. Joe Hawkins (Ospreys – 1 cap)
11. Rio Dyer (Dragons – 3 caps)
10. Dan Biggar (Toulon – 103 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 40 caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 17 caps)
2. Ken Owens (Scarlets – 86 caps) captain
3. Tomas Francis (Ospreys – 67 caps)
4. Adam Beard (Ospreys – 41 caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys – 155 caps)
6. Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 6 caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys – 89 caps)
8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby – 95 caps)

Replacements

16. Scott Baldwin (Ospreys – 34 caps)
17. Rhys Carre (Cardiff Rugby – 17 caps)
18. Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Rugby – 45 caps)
19. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 1 cap)
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 4 caps)
21. Rhys Webb (Ospreys – 36 caps)
22. Owen Williams (Ospreys – 3 caps)
23. Alex Cuthbert (Ospreys – 55 caps)

[Jim Lahey]

Decent side that.

How has Biggar been playing in France?

[Raggs]

I looked at that side and thought there's some old fellas knocking about in that team, then I remembered we'd brought Dan Cole back...

[Torquemada 1420]

Ireland GS [/EOT]

[Jim Lahey]

Ireland GS [/EOT]

It wouldn't be like the French to surrender this early . . .

But yeah, you're right. The rest of you carnts may as well not bother showing up, or else you'll just have your arses handed to you's by a bunch of privately educated Dublin schoolboys and a couple of Kiwis. And PoM with his angry face.

[Slick]

I looked at that side and thought there's some old fellas knocking about in that team, then I remembered we'd brought Dan Cole back...

With a couple of exceptions it doesn’t feel like that side has changed in decades

[Hal Jordan]

6. Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 6 caps)

There's a forename crying out for a prosthetic K.

[S/Lt_Phillips]

I see the bookies are giving geriatric Wales a better chance of beating Ireland than they're giving Scotland to beat England.

Based on the Autumn Internationals, this would appear to be bollocks (not that I expect Scotland to win, of course).

But home advantage and new coach bounce seem to move the dial an awful lot...

[GogLais]

I looked at that side and thought there's some old fellas knocking about in that team, then I remembered we'd brought Dan Cole back...

With a couple of exceptions it doesn’t feel like that side has changed in decades

I don’t know whether Gatland failed in not bringing players on the late 2010s or whether the talent wasn’t there.

[clydecloggie]

We are nailed on as usual. So boring

If we beat the Frogs, I don't care how the rest of the results go.

All that matters is we smack the hosts around, & put some doubt in their minds.

Big picture FF, big picture. We need a NH WC win so best if you don't dent their confidence this year.

No chance in hell I would see an England or Wales (pffrrrttt) RWC victory as a good thing. France, yes. Ireland, very grudgingly, yes - it's amazing how they've turned their fortunes around and probably deserve the ultimate prize for that. But not the other two.

I mean, Georgia winning it would be a great story but realistically there isn't another NH side that could win it.

If England or Wales make the RWC final (and due to the ludicrous draw, they could), I'm definitely supporting whichever SH side they're up against.

[Slick]

I looked at that side and thought there's some old fellas knocking about in that team, then I remembered we'd brought Dan Cole back...

With a couple of exceptions it doesn’t feel like that side has changed in decades

I don’t know whether Gatland failed in not bringing players on the late 2010s or whether the talent wasn’t there.

It is the big conundrum, why change a team that was being far more successful than anyone expected i guess, but my guess is it's coming back to bite them on the arse

[SaintK]

If we beat the Frogs, I don't care how the rest of the results go.

All that matters is we smack the hosts around, & put some doubt in their minds.

Big picture FF, big picture. We need a NH WC win so best if you don't dent their confidence this year.

No chance in hell I would see an England or Wales (pffrrrttt) RWC victory as a good thing. France, yes. Ireland, very grudgingly, yes - it's amazing how they've turned their fortunes around and probably deserve the ultimate prize for that. But not the other two.

I mean, Georgia winning it would be a great story but realistically there isn't another NH side that could win it.

If England or Wales make the RWC final (and due to the ludicrous draw, they could), I'm definitely supporting whichever SH side they're up against.

Ah, one of the ABE brigade.

[sockwithaticket]

If we beat the Frogs, I don't care how the rest of the results go.

All that matters is we smack the hosts around, & put some doubt in their minds.

Big picture FF, big picture. We need a NH WC win so best if you don't dent their confidence this year.

No chance in hell I would see an England or Wales (pffrrrttt) RWC victory as a good thing. France, yes. Ireland, very grudgingly, yes - it's amazing how they've turned their fortunes around and probably deserve the ultimate prize for that. But not the other two.

I mean, Georgia winning it would be a great story but realistically there isn't another NH side that could win it.

If England or Wales make the RWC final (and due to the ludicrous draw, they could), I'm definitely supporting whichever SH side they're up against.