NPR

That’s one heck of a first match. Quite likely the tournament decider.

Who are in the squads? Any changes, etc.

Is the Stade de France being renovated or something?

Edit - just realised it’ll be being set up for the olympics.

I'm headed to opener in Marseille on a work jolly. What's the place like in February?

I plan to avoid the booze while there, but am really keen to make up for it with some great food. Any unmissable restaurants?

When will the players with draw from their clubs?

Ymx wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 11:29 am That’s one heck of a first match. Quite likely the tournament decider.

Who are in the squads? Any changes, etc.

Scotland don't have a great record in Wales.

Uncle fester wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 4:09 pm

Ymx wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 11:29 am That’s one heck of a first match. Quite likely the tournament decider.

Who are in the squads? Any changes, etc.

Scotland don't have a great record in Wales.

Yeah but this year is their year. Dark horses and all that.

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 4:30 pm

Uncle fester wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 4:09 pm

Ymx wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 11:29 am That’s one heck of a first match. Quite likely the tournament decider.

Who are in the squads? Any changes, etc.

Scotland don't have a great record in Wales.

Yeah but this year is their year. Dark horses and all that.

Optimistic scenario
Scotland win in Wales because the Welsh are on a down slope. We’ve won three of the last four six nations games at Murrayfield v France, can win that. We’ve only lost one of the last six against England, can win that too. Can win away in Italy for a grand slam decider in Dublin.

Pessimistic scenario
Fuck up in Wales because we never win down there. France are way too good and win at Murrayfield. England are due a win against us and grind one out. Head to Italy needing a win to avoid the wooden spoon before going to Dublin for a kicking.

England could be tough to beat this year and no Farrell makes them a bit of a wild card.

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 4:30 pm

Uncle fester wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 4:09 pm

Ymx wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 11:29 am That’s one heck of a first match. Quite likely the tournament decider.

Who are in the squads? Any changes, etc.

Scotland don't have a great record in Wales.

Yeah but this year is their year. Dark horses and all that.

Think you are correct

Paddy's Weekend home game against Scotland; I don't think we'll see too many away supporters unless it's the decider, as hotel rooms are silly money.

Hard to call Ireland's chances.

Sexton is a huge loss. And team morale must be pretty low after the RWC.

I haven't seen much of Leinster this season, but am I right to think they have been fairly average to-date?

Most of the core from the last few years of success remains, but everyone is getting a bit older etc. Think we'll get pumped in France, win our home games, and Twickers is a coin toss.

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 5:56 pm Hard to call Ireland's chances.

Sexton is a huge loss. And team morale must be pretty low after the RWC.

I haven't seen much of Leinster this season, but am I right to think they have been fairly average to-date?

Most of the core from the last few years of success remains, but everyone is getting a bit older etc. Think we'll get pumped in France, win our home games, and Twickers is a coin toss.

In fairness, any 10 would do better than the walking around the pitch version of Sexton we had against the keewees.

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 5:56 pm Hard to call Ireland's chances.

Sexton is a huge loss. And team morale must be pretty low after the RWC.

I haven't seen much of Leinster this season, but am I right to think they have been fairly average to-date?

Most of the core from the last few years of success remains, but everyone is getting a bit older etc. Think we'll get pumped in France, win our home games, and Twickers is a coin toss.

Even if Ireland are on a downward curve, and England on an upward one (debatable), it'll take more time than this, for the curve's to cross.

Jim Lahey wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 5:56 pm Hard to call Ireland's chances.

Sexton is a huge loss. And team morale must be pretty low after the RWC.

I haven't seen much of Leinster this season, but am I right to think they have been fairly average to-date?

Most of the core from the last few years of success remains, but everyone is getting a bit older etc. Think we'll get pumped in France, win our home games, and Twickers is a coin toss.

Think you might be right. Are France going to be mentally in the right place now the massive WC carrot has gone as well. England are going to be more confident. Italy will be raging. God knows about Wales. All the makings of a classic 6N, which we really, really need after the WC

I like England's fixtures in terms of bedding in what will potentially be quite a fresh looking side.

3rd would be an acceptably good result I reckon. 2nd would be the target. Think we're basically fighting it out with Scotland and Wales for who gets to be underneath Ireland and France.

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 5:35 pm Paddy's Weekend home game against Scotland; I don't think we'll see too many away supporters unless it's the decider, as hotel rooms are silly money.

The Ireland game was our away choice fixture for this year, looked at the accommodation prices when the fixtures were announced and straight away switched to Cardiff.

SomersetJock wrote: ↑Tue Jan 02, 2024 12:08 pm

fishfoodie wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 5:35 pm Paddy's Weekend home game against Scotland; I don't think we'll see too many away supporters unless it's the decider, as hotel rooms are silly money.

The Ireland game was our away choice fixture for this year, looked at the accommodation prices when the fixtures were announced and straight away switched to Cardiff.

I always go to Cardiff but also looked at Dublin this year but can’t justify the cost either. Even looked at staying in Belfast but all too much bother

Ymx wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 11:29 am That’s one heck of a first match. Quite likely the tournament decider.

France have the easiest draw. Its their tournament to lose.

OomStruisbaai wrote: ↑Tue Jan 02, 2024 1:41 pm

Ymx wrote: ↑Mon Jan 01, 2024 11:29 am That’s one heck of a first match. Quite likely the tournament decider.

France have the easiest draw. Its their tournament to lose.

They do, but they start off with what are, probably, their two toughest games, So they'll have to hit the ground running.

I'm not expecting too much from England but they start with two 'winnable' games - so could get a bit of a roll going before facing the Scots away - always a tough ask.