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)

[Cari]

Cari,

can you just concentrate on the rugby and leave your sofa antics to the social sites

Dirty beggar...I meant I jump up and down on it with excitement or panic...

[RubyGuby]

You jump up and down on it with excitement or panic !!!- Let's leave it there Cari but it makes for a nice picture

[Feckless Rogue]

It's not as if the first choice Welsh locks have ever dominated a lineout anyway. They'll kick it long down the middle and avoid lineouts. We'll mindlessly run straight into red jerseys until Warburton/Tupuric turn us over or we simply run out of idea's and kick it away. Then they'll mindlessly run straight into us but will make large territorial gains because their backs are so much bigger than ours and mindlessly running straight is actually an effective tactic for them.

[RugbyFan182]

It's not as if the first choice Welsh locks have ever dominated a lineout anyway. They'll kick it long down the middle and avoid lineouts. We'll mindlessly run straight into red jerseys until Warburton/Tupuric turn us over or we simply run out of idea's and kick it away. Then they'll mindlessly run straight into us but will make large territorial gains because their backs are so much bigger than ours and mindlessly running straight is actually an effective tactic for them.

True works well for them. This time though I do think Ireland will get the better of them in my opinion but it will be close.

[RubyGuby]

It's not as if the first choice Welsh locks have ever dominated a lineout anyway. They'll kick it long down the middle and avoid lineouts. We'll mindlessly run straight into red jerseys until Warburton/Tupuric turn us over or we simply run out of idea's and kick it away. Then they'll mindlessly run straight into us but will make large territorial gains because their backs are so much bigger than ours and mindlessly running straight is actually an effective tactic for them.

+1

[RubyGuby]

It's not as if the first choice Welsh locks have ever dominated a lineout anyway. They'll kick it long down the middle and avoid lineouts. We'll mindlessly run straight into red jerseys until Warburton/Tupuric turn us over or we simply run out of idea's and kick it away. Then they'll mindlessly run straight into us but will make large territorial gains because their backs are so much bigger than ours and mindlessly running straight is actually an effective tactic for them.

True works well for them. This time though I do think Ireland will get the better of them in my opinion but it will be close.

Your opinion is noted and respected RF - Enjoy the game

[majesticimperialman]

Wales 86-3 Ireland
England 23-9 Scotland
Italy 13-27 France

RiscaRev

I truly think you are wish full thinking there. Wales 86-Ireland 3? In all honesty when was the last time Wales score 86 points playing Ireland? Well i guess we can all dream now can't we?

[Guest]

Wales 86-3 Ireland
England 23-9 Scotland
Italy 13-27 France

RiscaRev

I truly think you are wish full thinking there. Wales 86-Ireland 3?

Oh shucks, you don't say.

[RubyGuby]

Wales 86-3 Ireland
England 23-9 Scotland
Italy 13-27 France

RiscaRev

I truly think you are wish full thinking there. Wales 86-Ireland 3?

Oh shucks, you don't say.

Those were my thoughts exactly Rev

[AlastairW]

It all kicks off a week on Saturday.

I can't wait!

+1

Calcutta Cup tickets secured! Myself and a Scots mate will be enjoying a day of banter, beers and Rugby. Very excited!

Oh mate you'll have a fab time. Sadly I didn't get tickets for any matches this year, so it's TV and munchies for me...my poor sofa will take a battering again I expect.

It'll be a riot. First Calcutta match I've managed to get tickets for actually. He promised to wear his skirt and battle regalia

The England vs. Scotland women's match is on before hand, so we're heading up to make a day of it and will hopefully catch bits & pieces of the Wales/Ireland match around the stadium.

Roll on next weekend!

[Morgannwg]

Wales 86-3 Ireland
England 23-9 Scotland
Italy 13-27 France

RiscaRev

I truly think you are wish full thinking there. Wales 86-Ireland 3?

Oh shucks, you don't say.

Those were my thoughts exactly Rev

Rev with regards to your Wales opening game prediction; we're playing Ireland first up, not England. Must have got the two mixed up eh.

[majesticimperialman]

Wales 86-3 Ireland
England 23-9 Scotland
Italy 13-27 France

RiscaRev

I truly think you are wish full thinking there. Wales 86-Ireland 3?

Oh shucks, you don't say.

Those were my thoughts exactly Rev

Rev with regards to your Wales opening game prediction; we're playing Ireland first up, not England. Must have got the two mixed up eh.

[RubyGuby]

Nice one Maj

[Guest]

Wonder if the Irish will be more of a fan of Jiffy now? He's predicting Ireland to win. I can't call it really, but I'd be disappointed to lose by more than ten to Ireland in Cardiff (like some are suggesting). I think it'll be close and like 3-5 points in it.

[mystiroakey]

A week away.

[Cyril]

Wales 12-14 Ireland
England 35-9 Scotland
Italy 9-25 France

[Guest]

Wales 12-14 Ireland
England 35-9 Scotland
Italy 9-25 France

Why? based on what?

[Cyril]

Wales 12-14 Ireland
England 35-9 Scotland
Italy 9-25 France

Why? based on what?

Based on what I think the scores will be. No shocks in my predictions.

[Morgannwg]

Cyril, your first one is wrong though. That's more likely to be 86-3 to Wales.

[Guest]

Wales 12-14 Ireland
England 35-9 Scotland
Italy 9-25 France

Why? based on what?

Based on what I think the scores will be. No shocks in my predictions.

Prediction! i don't do predictions i do FACTS. a FACT is Ireland haven't beat Wales in ages, another FACT Weslh regions never do well in the HC so that argument is out of the window because 3 grandslams in 8 years is a FACT.

[Duty281]

Rights Lads its only 5 days till it all kicks off and what I want you to do is predict the Score for the opening weekend and see who has been getting the right lucky vibes.

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

February 3: Italy v France, 3pm

Ok then:

Wales 15-19 Ireland
England 30-9 Scotland
Italy 7-38 France

[Cyril]

Wales 12-14 Ireland
England 35-9 Scotland
Italy 9-25 France

Why? based on what?

Based on what I think the scores will be. No shocks in my predictions.

Prediction! i don't do predictions i do FACTS. a FACT is Ireland haven't beat Wales in ages, another FACT Weslh regions never do well in the HC so that argument is out of the window because 3 grandslams in 8 years is a FACT.

The game hasn't happened yet so it's a prediction. I didn't raise any of those factors. Let's keep this in some sort of perspective. In other news, I think the caps-lock keeps getting stuck on your keyboard.

[Duty281]

Wales 12-14 Ireland
England 35-9 Scotland
Italy 9-25 France

Why? based on what?

Based on what I think the scores will be. No shocks in my predictions.

Prediction! i don't do predictions i do FACTS. a FACT is Ireland haven't beat Wales in ages, another FACT Weslh regions never do well in the HC so that argument is out of the window because 3 grandslams in 8 years is a FACT.

3 years is not ages.

[Guest]

Wales 12-14 Ireland
England 35-9 Scotland
Italy 9-25 France

Why? based on what?

Based on what I think the scores will be. No shocks in my predictions.

Prediction! i don't do predictions i do FACTS. a FACT is Ireland haven't beat Wales in ages, another FACT Weslh regions never do well in the HC so that argument is out of the window because 3 grandslams in 8 years is a FACT.

3 years is not ages.

It is in International Rugby, i know for the Irish it doesn't seem long because they have fielded the same team for around a century! but you look how many different players the Welsh used in each win over the Irish in the last 3years,it shows that Wales have a strong depth.

[RugbyFan182]

I will put you all in a table from your predictions If you would like?add a bit of spice to the thread I will base it on a simple win or lose tactic and + 4 point for a win and 0 for a loss and because of the nature of a draw and the rarety, those people who call it correctly will recieve 5 points. I know there will be plenty of people on the same points Its simply for fun. It will however give us knowledge of who predictions are correct in the coming weeks and who is telling a load off old cobblers ha!

Sound fair? Any Ideas or anything to add to make it fairer?

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Wales 18 16 Ireland
England 17 19 Scotland
Italy 14 France 26

[maestegmafia]

Wales 18 16 Ireland
England 17 19 Scotland
France 26 14 Italy

A close games is a good call. I think this championship will be closer than last years. Hopefully going down to the last weekend.

Wales 16 - 15 Ireland

England 12 - 13 Scotland

France 22 - 19 Italy

I think Wales and Ireland will be too scared to lose to each other, I don't think this will unlikely be the game we wish it should. Certainly not the thriller of Dublin last year. That was a superb match.

I think England will be introvert scared to lose. Corbisero is a huge loss to the front five, the Scots have a good pack and a good forwards coach.

Italy are on a high, they did well in the AIs particularly in their narrow loss to Australia. They will have loads of confidence going in to this championship.

[RuggerRadge2611]

My predictions :

Wales 12 - 27 Ireland
England 17 - 20 Scotland
Italy 9 - 27 France

[maestegmafia]

My predictions :

Wales 12 - 27 Ireland
England 17 - 20 Scotland
Italy 9 - 27 France

I wouldn't underestimate Italy... They have a very good squad this year. If France can, as you suggest, put 20 points on them in Rome than France will be a league ahead of all other teams. I don't imagine anyone getting a good win in Rome this year.

[Jimpy]

There seems to be quite a lot of confidence in a narrow Scottish win at Twickenham.

If it were at Murrayfield I could perhaps agree. But it isn't, The English injuries are not a disaster, English internationally have demonstrably improved, English clubs going well in both the HEC and LV.

I've said it before but I think (and this is opinion okay) that England can misfire and still win by 7 - 10 points.

[RuggerRadge2611]

I reckon France will slam it this year, and they will have to set their stall out in Rome.

As for England vs. Scotland, it's almost a 100% reversal of last year. England at home and almost certainly the favourites whereas Scotland under Johnson are an unknown entity.

We'll either win narrowly or be destroyed.

I think we'll have Parity in the pack, and it will all come down to what our respective backs do with the ball.

[fa0019]

England won't lose at home to Scotland... unless an almighty storm brews over twickenham.

I can't see how Scotland will score more than 1 try if that.... and with England probably gaining dominance in the scrum and the lineout they aren't going to give easy penalty points away. If Scotland score more than 15 I would be impressed (and thats only if its a tight game... i.e. ENG aren't running away with it).

Scotland are at an almighty low and there is nothing that Johnson can do to turn this side around into immediate victors and 6N contenders.
England on the other hand look like they could make this match very embarassing for Scotland.

[fa0019]

The Ireland game is a must win for Wales.... a must win.

Lose and they head to France in the next round with their heads down and an uphill battle against one of the form teams... away. After that its a tricky away match in Rome... you don't want to go there with a 0-2 record and your heads down.

Going to be a monumental game.... looking at the sides I do fancy Ireland to take the spoils but I think it will be close, home advantage is important but I think the Ireland pack will take an nudge on the depleted Welsh pack and dominate possession.

[thebluesmancometh]

IMHO SOB, Heaslip and Healy will be key, stop these guys going and you stop any Irish momentum, allow them to carry up your belly and your in a whole world of pain in the wider channels with the likes of Zebo, Bowe etc!!!

Lydiate is missed most, and the possibility of Warbs, Tip and Falatau scares me as one of the smallest int back row combos Ive ever seen!!!!

Scrum will be key too, Wales need to hang on without any real bulk in the boiler room, and well if our best can't win a lineout our young guns can only be better?!

If the Wales pack manages to spoil the Irish carriers then turnover ball could prove very usefull, esp if BOD is at 13, fix him and take his outside shoulder (I said similar last year and he was on the cusp of being a liability) the wing and 12 will beleive he's invincable until it's too late!!!

Ireland to win by 3-5 for me, but Wales capable of the upset.

[fa0019]

I think the size of the welsh backrow isn't as important if they hadn't players like North, Cuthbert, Phillips & Roberts to take it in... those guys are de facto backrow players with the ball in hand.

Warburton tackles well above his weight and Faletau is no slouch either.

But certainly the set piece will be a big ask and probably where the game will be won.

[AlastairW]

England won't lose at home to Scotland... unless an almighty storm brews over twickenham.

I can't see how Scotland will score more than 1 try if that.... and with England probably gaining dominance in the scrum and the lineout they aren't going to give easy penalty points away. If Scotland score more than 15 I would be impressed (and thats only if its a tight game... i.e. ENG aren't running away with it).

Scotland are at an almighty low and there is nothing that Johnson can do to turn this side around into immediate victors and 6N contenders.
England on the other hand look like they could make this match very embarassing for Scotland.

It's going to be on/off rain all week down this neck of the woods, so it isn't going to ideal for the back oriented running game, but it couldn't be worse at this time of year to be fair.

Looks to be exact same conditions at both MS & Twicks from the met long term forcast.

[BlueNote]

Realistically, it would be fairly surprising (not staggering) if Scotland or Italy win, although good luck to them both.

The hard one to call is Wales v Ireland. If Wales have viable 2nd row options available (I'd be alright with Ian Evans and Olly Kohn, for example), and if the coaching team raises its game from the AIs, I think Wales would have a slight edge at home, but I fear the second one of those, at least, isn't going to happen.

[George Carlin]

England won't lose at home to Scotland... unless an almighty storm brews over twickenham.

I can't see how Scotland will score more than 1 try if that.... and with England probably gaining dominance in the scrum and the lineout they aren't going to give easy penalty points away. If Scotland score more than 15 I would be impressed (and thats only if its a tight game... i.e. ENG aren't running away with it).

Scotland are at an almighty low and there is nothing that Johnson can do to turn this side around into immediate victors and 6N contenders.
England on the other hand look like they could make this match very embarassing for Scotland.

I think that might be overstating matters fa0019.

The simple fact is that if Johnson chooses well, Scotland will potentially have the most complete backline it's had in a decade.

What we don't know is how that is going to translate into points on the park.

Even with my one eye firmly blinking, what does seem odd to me is to unequivocally write off Scotland's backline as certainly toothless and incapable of scoring when it will probably contain a back three whose members have (a) been top scorer in the Rabo for 3 consecutive seasons, (b) scored 23 Super 15 tries and (c) scored two tries in a 6 Nations maiden season, respectively.

[Jimpy]

England won't lose at home to Scotland... unless an almighty storm brews over twickenham.

I can't see how Scotland will score more than 1 try if that.... and with England probably gaining dominance in the scrum and the lineout they aren't going to give easy penalty points away. If Scotland score more than 15 I would be impressed (and thats only if its a tight game... i.e. ENG aren't running away with it).

Scotland are at an almighty low and there is nothing that Johnson can do to turn this side around into immediate victors and 6N contenders.
England on the other hand look like they could make this match very embarassing for Scotland.

I think that might be overstating matters fa0019.

The simple fact is that if Johnson chooses well, Scotland will potentially have the most complete backline it's had in a decade.

What we don't know is how that is going to translate into points on the park.

What I do know, however, is that it seems quite strange to write off Scotland's backline as immediately toothless and incapable of scoring when it will probably contain a back three whose members have (a) been top scorer in the Rabo for 3 consecutive seasons, (b) scored 23 Super 15 tries and (c) scored two tries in a 6 Nations maiden season, respectively.

Scotland are demonstrably talented as individuals all over the pitch.. However, collectively, they've shown little in the way of try scoring threat for quite a while. I'm not writing them off, but I think they'll struggle because either they wont click as an attacking threat or they'll be on the back foot against a relatively experienced England side playing at home.

[fa0019]

Having a complete backline is useless if you don't have the ball. I just can't see us competing upfront enough to give us the possession we need to convert (our conversion record is quite poor). Farrell will get the early kicks over and once you're 12 points down.... its a different game.

Robinson was not a bad coach, he wasn't selecting the wrong players. He took them as far as he could. Don't expect a Wales 08 turnaround with Johnson.. its not going to happen like that.

Progress will come much more slower.

[RubyGuby]

Scotlands defense will be more key to their chances of winning than their offense

[fa0019]

in the end this is the team that beat the all blacks on the same day we lost to Tonga a few months ago. It says a lot.

ENG are hardly injury depleted so Tuilagi or not.... its a near impossible ask to expect us to go to Twickenham and grab a victory.

[RubyGuby]

fa0019 whilst I respect what your saying, you butchered so many opportunities against this side in last years 6 Nations and should have won, same goes for the RWC game against England - I would not be overly optimistic but I believe you have a chance here as the last 4-5 matches between the respective teams has shown. Johnson will take pressue off them unlike Robinson, he will get them enjoying their rugby and you have some very talented forwards in that pack

[George Carlin]

Fa0019 - you weren't the sunny kid in class, were you?

No point asking whom your favourite character from Dad's Army was.

[RubyGuby]

Fa0019 - you weren't the sunny kid in class, were you?

No point asking whom your favourite character from Dad's Army was.

+1

[fa0019]

I grew up with the late 80s/early 90s side so those of us of similar age will always be a little sad about how far down our side has gone.... I remember back in the day when we went to NZ and almost beat the then world champs in Eden Park.

We have a decent set of kids however and a few gifted players but we're a long way from being title contenders. Guys like Grey need to step up big time and start playing to his hype... he's been very quiet this season.

[fa0019]

favourite character from dad's army??? not that old dude!

[Barney McGrew did it]

Don't panic!

[maestegmafia]

There seems to be quite a lot of confidence in a narrow Scottish win at Twickenham.

If it were at Murrayfield I could perhaps agree. But it isn't, The English injuries are not a disaster, English internationally have demonstrably improved, English clubs going well in both the HEC and LV.

I've said it before but I think (and this is opinion okay) that England can misfire and still win by 7 - 10 points.

I take it you are basing your theory on the All Blacks win.

England smashed the All Blacks, beat them better than any one else has in a very very very long time. It was remarkable. Too be honest a little too remarkable, it was actually a bit of a shock.

Though a week before England were struggling to pull out wins on far inferior SA and Australian teams.

If England do what the All Blacks did to the rest of us last Autumn, and more, that would prove England have turned a corner and are a very good team.

But a one off win, even against the All Blacks, doesn't change your stars.

[mystiroakey]

england have shown improvement last year- forget the all blacks win- we competed in every game..

There is no reason why we should feel confident

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