Six Nations 2013 Build Up Thread

[RugbyFan182]

First topic message reminder :

We are less than 30 days from the BIG one. This years RBS Six Nations 2013 is one of the most anticipated in Years. With the decline of GS champs(Wales) in the AI's, the French described as "the best team in the northern hemisphere", England beating the World Champions and Ireland ripping Fiji and the Puma's a new backside so convincingly. What will these ferocious battles hold? How will this dangerous concoction unfold? Discuss.

February 2: Wales v Ireland, 1.30pm and England v Scotland, 4pm

February 3: Italy v France, 3pm

February 9: Scotland v Italy, 2.30pm and France v Wales, 5pm

February 10: Ireland v England, 3pm

February 23: Italy v Wales, 2.30pm and England v France, 5pm

February 24: Scotland v Ireland, 2pm

March 9: Scotland v Wales, 2.30pm and Ireland v France, 5pm

March 10: England v Italy, 3pm

March 16: Italy v Ireland, 2.30pm, Wales v England, 5pm and France v Scotland, 8pm

4 points for winning predictions and +1 for correct points difference between teams, 5 for a correct draw call and 0 for a loss.



Majesticimperialman - 9/12 +1 for correct points difference between Eng and Scotland.
RugbyFan182 - 8/12
SirBiggles - 8/12
Mystirokey - 8/12
Cyril - 8/12
Duty281 - 8/12
FecklessRough - 4/12
Bsando - 4/12
RiscaRev - 4/12
RuggerRadge2611 - 4/12
Luckless Pedestrian - 0/12
MaesticMafia - 0/12
RubyGuby - 0/12



Get Your round 2 predictions in now!

February 9: Scotland v Italy,2.30pm(Edinburgh)

France v Wales, 5pm(Paris)

February 10: Ireland v England, 3pm(Dublin)

[mystiroakey]

it was fluid v NZ and I have also noticed he has done it before.

But yeah if the distribution messes up - tuilagi and ashton dont get a touch.. Which is a shame and we have no fluidity

[thebluesmancometh]

I wouldve looked fluid on that day (not explaining why)

[RugbyFan182]

Yeah that is worrying TBMC! I guess well have to see what happens I wonder how Scotland will do with the new manager.

[thebluesmancometh]

The less said the better I think...

[RugbyFan182]

ha why do you say that? I think they might beat italy this year!

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I wonder how Scotland will do with the new manager.

Wales went to Twickenham with a new manager in 2008. We didn't do too badly.

[maestegmafia]

I wonder how Scotland will do with the new manager.

Wales went to Twickenham with a new manager in 2008. We didn't do too badly.

Scotland England in 2011 was a close game so was last year. England will have to come out and start with some good rugby. I think the scots will be up for it...!

[bedfordwelsh]

I love the 6 Nations and all that comes with it but with Howler in charge, our recent run of losses and the way the fixtures fall for us I am very worried about this years tournament.

If we can get a result against Ireland it will go along way to easing my fears but I think we will be battling out for the Spoon this year.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I'm not so pessimistic, Bedford. We're hit by injuries, yes, but we're not alone in that - and we'll have players coming back as the tournament progresses. The players we have available are, in the main, not bad players at all.

I agree with you that the first match is huge, though. I can't wait!

[bedfordwelsh]

LP,

Its not so much the innuries its Howley himself and his selection policy or lack of it.

One good thing I guess is players who we know will start (Roberts Warburton) are finding a bit of form.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Yeah, that's something.

[George Carlin]

Step awaay from the wooden spoon Bedford. Don't take what isn't yours.

Seriously, there are no expectations on Scotland at all - Scott Johnson has sensibly faced down the press by refusing to speculate on what will constitute success this year, focussing instead on getting a set of good performances out of the players.

Scotland will live or die on the strength of selection and hopefully Johnson will not repeat Robinson's mistakes by picking favourites when there are much better alternatives in good form - we'll know immediately whether this is the case by whether Glasgow's pocket battleship Pat MacArthur gets chosen at hooker instead of the currently woeful Ross Ford.

No Scotland fan will do anything other than be cautious after so many disappointments over the past 5 years but this year, I would say that we have more consistent quality across our first choice 1-15 than I can recall in recent years. Grant is the answer to the Chunk-shaped void at loosehead and should not fear anyone (especially having kept the Kiwi, Aussie and Northampton tight heads at bay this season), Matt Scott is in all probability a 12 of international class (thank Oprah we don't need to play Morrison any more), we finally have options at 13 even with Ansbro breaking his neck, a boiler room with Gray and Hamilton will take shifting by anyone and a back three with the gas of Hogg, Maitland and Visser would have been unheard of even a year ago.

But I'll say nothing more.

[BlueNote]

For me it's probably France, closest challengers England. I'd include Ireland if they had less injury problems in the pack, but not sure what to expect from them in the circumstances. We always say Scotland may surprise us, but I think there's cause to believe that again this year. Italy will probably continue their slow progress towards being competitive. As for Wales, I'd feel reasonably optimistic if (a) Howlers weren't in charge and (b) we weren't decimated in the 2nd row. I'll be thrilled and a bit surprised if we beat Ireland.

[maestegmafia]

My thought is if Wales start vs Ireland as we did vs Argentina we don't stand a chance. If the lads play like they did vs the ABs and Australia, in which we had a similar injury count we might do okay.

Bar the lock crisis we have some good players in our squad, depth too. we are certainly the equal of the others, bar lock. Just depends whether they click as a team and hit form straight away.

Howley struggled to adhere the squad ready for the Argies.

[bedfordwelsh]

Maes,

If we start against Italt let alone Ireland like we did against Argentina then we wont stand a chance.

I agree the second row is going to be our biggest worry but that said we haven't exactly ruled the roast in that area even when have our 1st choice players available.

If Evans and/or R Jones can make the Ireland game it will be a big boost.

[RubyGuby]

I kniow people have a downer on Morrison but he was absolutely awesome this weekend in the centre

[George Carlin]

I kniow people have a downer on Morrison but he was absolutely awesome this weekend in the centre

He has one decent performance every three seasons or so. We hope you enjoyed it.

[maestegmafia]

Maes,

If we start against Italt let alone Ireland like we did against Argentina then we wont stand a chance.

I agree the second row is going to be our biggest worry but that said we haven't exactly ruled the roast in that area even when have our 1st choice players available.

If Evans and/or R Jones can make the Ireland game it will be a big boost.

I thought Charteris and AW jones were fantastic at the RWC in NZ. We have a bit of depth their too, I guess hopefully we will build on that by playing the nippers... Just please not Lou Reed.

[TJ1]

I kniow people have a downer on Morrison but he was absolutely awesome this weekend in the centre

He is a good club player and an honest player - but does not have what is required to play internationals well.

[maestegmafia]

I kniow people have a downer on Morrison but he was absolutely awesome this weekend in the centre

He is a good club player and an honest player - but does not have what is required to play internationals well.

Who would you pick in the scottish backline if you were asked to do so tomorrow?

[George Carlin]

I kniow people have a downer on Morrison but he was absolutely awesome this weekend in the centre

He is a good club player and an honest player - but does not have what is required to play internationals well.

Who would you pick in the scottish backline if you were asked to do so tomorrow?

Assuming the match was tomorrow and therefore that players currently injured (like Cusiter and Ansbro) are out of contention:

9. Laidlaw
10. Jackson
11. Visser
12. Scott
13. Dunbar or Grove
14. Maitland
15. Hogg

Simples.

[UlstermaninGlasgow]

I kniow people have a downer on Morrison but he was absolutely awesome this weekend in the centre

He is a good club player and an honest player - but does not have what is required to play internationals well.

Who would you pick in the scottish backline if you were asked to do so tomorrow?

Assuming the match was tomorrow and therefore that players currently injured (like Cusiter and Ansbro) are out of contention:

9. Laidlaw
10. Jackson
11. Visser
12. Scott
13. Dunbar or Grove
14. Maitland
15. Hogg

Simples.

Bingo...

Best Scottish backline of the currently available players.

And quite possible the one that will start at Twickenham in 2 weeks time.

[maestegmafia]

I kniow people have a downer on Morrison but he was absolutely awesome this weekend in the centre

He is a good club player and an honest player - but does not have what is required to play internationals well.

Who would you pick in the scottish backline if you were asked to do so tomorrow?

Assuming the match was tomorrow and therefore that players currently injured (like Cusiter and Ansbro) are out of contention:

9. Laidlaw
10. Jackson
11. Visser
12. Scott
13. Dunbar or Grove
14. Maitland
15. Hogg

Simples.

Bingo...

Best Scottish backline of the currently available players.

And quite possible the one that will start at Twickenham in 2 weeks time.

They have all loked pretty strong, i like Jackson but he hasn't really become the player I thought he might. He is though, the sort of ten that Johnson likes.

[Exiledinborders]

If Ireland can beat Wales first up. Keep momentum in their if home games and win in Edinburgh and Rome this could well be their year.

You are right if Ireland win all their games they could do well!

[maestegmafia]

If Ireland can beat Wales first up. Keep momentum in their if home games and win in Edinburgh and Rome this could well be their year.

You are right if Ireland win all their games they could do well!

I see you are getting the basics...!

[Jimpy]

Every year we have this rubbish, Scotland will be up for it against England, blah, blah, blah....

Sorry fellas, Scotland will be fighting it out for the wooden spoon with Italy. England wont even have to play at their best to beat Scotland at Twickenham.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Ah, so that's how it works: England beat the All Blacks, so now they are the All Blacks.

I hope Stuart Lancaster isn't half as complacent as you.

[maestegmafia]

It would be a huge set back for England if the scots beat them. They have some good players and dean Ryan is the kind of shrewd forwards coach that might make a difference to their pack.

They are, as yet, an in-known entity...!

[AlastairW]

I hope Stuart Lancaster isn't half as complacent as you.

He won't be.

[George Carlin]

Every year we have this rubbish, Scotland will be up for it against England, blah, blah, blah....

Sorry fellas, Scotland will be fighting it out for the wooden spoon with Italy. England wont even have to play at their best to beat Scotland at Twickenham.

Good grief Jimpy, if we didn't all know you better as a gentleman and scholar, I would suggest that might be a WUM.

[Jimpy]

Ah, so that's how it works: England beat the All Blacks, so now they are the All Blacks.

I hope Stuart Lancaster isn't half as complacent as you.

I didn't say that and fine well you know it.

Lancaster wont be complacent either, don't twist my words boyo.

Based on current form, England will not have to play at their best to beat Scotland, clearly, when they play at their best, they can beat the best in the world, unlike other Celtic teams I could mention.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

So you'll be expecting Lancaster to name a second-string side for a week on Saturday?

[mystiroakey]

I think the good problem SL has is that we do have alot of options LP..

So what is second string anyway..

I honestly dont believe he will do that though. I fully expect us to play the best side that SL thinks is the best side...

I will fully respect every team in this 6n's..

enough of the 'england in progress' - time to play full strength!

[Luckless Pedestrian]

England look a very good side indeed, Mysti; I just don't like seeing posters dismissing other sides. Confidence is fine, but disrespect is another thing.

[Jimpy]

So you'll be expecting Lancaster to name a second-string side for a week on Saturday?

Don't be ridiculous, I never suggested that either. As I said, stop twisting my words.

Lancaster will name his strongest possible squad, as he will in all the 6N matches. What I actually said was, if you would care to read it without adding your own little twist, is that to beat Scotland, at Twickenham, England will not have to play at their best.

Note, I did not say that Lancaster would be complacement, but based on current form and circumstance, England should beat Scotland without having to pull rugby out of the top draw.


If you're unable to understand that, it will confirm what I thought about you..

[mystiroakey]

true lp..

But i think Jimpy is just being confident and realistic. However my main concern is that scotland love playing against us they do bring a good game.. And the other problem is how we have started all tours/comps under SL - started weakish then got progressively better..

[RuggerRadge2611]

For the last 4 matches between Scotland and England there has been very little between the 2 teams.

Scotland 6 – 13 England
England 16 – 12 Scotland (RWC)
England 22 – 16 Scotland
Scotland 15 – 15 England
England 26 – 12 Scotland
Scotland 15 – 9 England

History is with England on this one, but the games have been tight. Very Tight. With a Desperate Dan Parks charge down, a failed restart and Tom Croft brilliance winning the day for England on the last 3 occasions.

Anyone who saw the matches would be hard pressed to say England "dominated" or were "clear winners".

The Calcutta Cup is always hotly contested and I can't see it being any differant this year. In truth we have come full circle. England under the guidence of Lancaster were the unknown element at Murrayfield last year, whereas now Scotland are the Unknown element at Twickers this year.

Johnson has played his cards well by not being drawn into making sensationalist claims regarding our targets or results.

He has simply said he wants good performances. I agree. If we start playing better rugby the results will come. Whether it starts on the 1st weekend is unimportant to me.

What I can say though is what George Carlin has said, it's been a long time since we have had a real attacking threat to compliment our solid pack, this will be the 1st time for us where we might not have to win through attrition alone.

In Maitland, Hogg, Visser and with the likes of Scott, Dunbar or Horne in the midfield we will hopefully look to cause defences problems. Furthermore with the likes of Brown and Beattie hitting purple patches of form we'll have a fercious backrow with the likes of Denton, Hamilton and Gray all playing a part.

Taking nothing for granted here, but I hope we can produce some good rugby this 6N.

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

I'm locking this thread while I clean up a few things.

And I'm currently resisting the urge to make some seriously nasty assertions about the parentage of several of you.

As I said on another thread recently, if you're too stupid to debate without getting personal, sod off and play somewhere else.

[A World Cup and 3 Finals]

Jimpy please stop, you're just giving ammunition to the trolls. Of course England have the better team and should win, which I think every Scot would agree with but don't forget 2000 - anything can happen when 15 men play 15 men. Throw in the Mel Gibson/Haggis rubbish and the Scots are quite capable of an upset, unlikely though it is. Let's be confident but not overly so, please.

[A World Cup and 3 Finals]

I'm locking this thread while I clean up a few things.

And I'm currently resisting the urge to make some seriously nasty assertions about the parentage of several of you.

As I said on another thread recently, if you're too stupid to debate without getting personal, sod off and play somewhere else.

What???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

[Tattie Scones RRN]

Fair play Pete.

Just getting rid of two English posters (from this thread) will probably do a decent enough job.

As for the topic.....hard to see past France with perhaps England a close second...depending on how they do on the road.

Looking at the French HC performances, they are frighteningly good at the moment.

[R!skysports]

I'm locking this thread while I clean up a few things.

And I'm currently resisting the urge to make some seriously nasty assertions about the parentage of several of you.

As I said on another thread recently, if you're too stupid to debate without getting personal, sod off and play somewhere else.

What???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

That seemed a little bit harsh - although if we want to have this record breaking thread taken seriously, we do need a few warnings


:-)

[mystiroakey]

yeah strong words from Kiwi. Fair enough though.. Love his parenting comment, almost as funny as the pull a pig one- the rest of it was ridiculas...

[A World Cup and 3 Finals]

I can't see any comments that were personally insulting, true I only just joined the thread and haven't read it all but come on.
If this board won't accept differences of opinion, and a little heated debate then the over zealous Big Brother mods will kill it off.
Bring back the old 606, sure there were some who got carried away but at least it was fun.

[mystiroakey]

they got taken off..I dont think Kiwi was being over zealous in this case. TBH i dont think he ever is

[RuggerRadge2611]

I can't see any comments that were personally insulting, true I only just joined the thread and haven't read it all but come on.
If this board won't accept differences of opinion, and a little heated debate then the over zealous Big Brother mods will kill it off.
Bring back the old 606, sure there were some who got carried away but at least it was fun.

It's got nothing to do with differanced of opinion. It't to do with personal insults being exchanged.... read the rules man!

[RugbyFan182]

Here's some short Six nations 2013 teasers to whet your appetite!



Welsh one:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA680kcu0BE


Irish ones:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHIOOU9njE8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaErm2q5iQw&NR=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acAEluGqJ8E




Please let me know if any other nations teasers or advert become available.

[A World Cup and 3 Finals]

I can't see any comments that were personally insulting, true I only just joined the thread and haven't read it all but come on.
If this board won't accept differences of opinion, and a little heated debate then the over zealous Big Brother mods will kill it off.
Bring back the old 606, sure there were some who got carried away but at least it was fun.

It's got nothing to do with differanced of opinion. It't to do with personal insults being exchanged.... read the rules man!

Read my posts dear fellow. As I said, "what personal insults"? I don't see any.

[GunsGerms]

Here's some short Six nations 2013 teasers to wet* your appetite!

*Whet - sorry couldnt resist.

Thanks for the videos.

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

I can't see any comments that were personally insulting, true I only just joined the thread and haven't read it all but come on.
If this board won't accept differences of opinion, and a little heated debate then the over zealous Big Brother mods will kill it off.
Bring back the old 606, sure there were some who got carried away but at least it was fun.

It's got nothing to do with differanced of opinion. It't to do with personal insults being exchanged.... read the rules man!

Read my posts dear fellow. As I said, "what personal insults"? I don't see any.

That's because I deleted them

Differences of opinion are fine. Calling someone an idiot because they happen to disagree with your opinion isn't.

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