Finnegan Posted 29 January 2008 Posted 29 January 2008 Seems to have largely crept up out of no-where this year. The teams that count get off and at each other straight away at "HQ" on Satdee, and what an odd pair of teams! It's the Ospreys vs. England A. Balshaw? Sackey? Tindall? Gomarsall? Has there ever been a less World Class team fielded by England? Barely a Tiger in sight, too, Croft out with an injury and what a shame that is, he looked quality. No place in the SQUAD for the impressive Dan Hipkiss at all! Tait, who had a fairly decent World Cup, is dropped for Balshaw (preparing for the World Cup? Yeah whatever! ) and hyped names Vainikolo and Cipriani are confined to the bench. A predictably sturdy looking pack, mind, though a lot less of the expected "youthful overhaul" around about the side. Respect, perhaps, for the old rivals they face? Maybe. But are we deserving of such a compliament? Thirteen Ospreys! No place for Popham, Jenkins, Shanklin, Roberts or James. Mr. Gatland will have lost a fair few friends in Cardiff and 'Scarlets Country' that's for sure. Still, the unity of thirteen players from the same team may add a much needed bit of solidarity to a shakey national side lacking in confidence in the wake of the World Cup. It's hard to look much past England at Twickenham, though that won't stop me hoping! If we win the forwards battle, I can see Henson and Hook linking up to give the English serious, serious problems. Elsewhere, Ireland start with Italy and French travel to Murrayfield.
Hullfox Posted 29 January 2008 Posted 29 January 2008 I'm off to this. Isn't it in danger of being a tad one sided? The Ospreys are currently 8th (out of ten) in the Magners League, making them the fourth best Welsh Club in that league. It's got banana skin written all over it.
Finnegan Posted 29 January 2008 Author Posted 29 January 2008 Aye, but Celtic league rugby is a strange one to work out. The Scarlets have had an absolutely terrible season by their own standards but were, until recently, the high flying Welsh team in the league. The Ospreys are, you're right, not performing in the league but their priorities have heavily been in Europe and they're looking good to put themselves in the final. Look at the players they've got, look at that Welsh side. Obviously there are a few surprises but it's a very strong team by our standards, I'd be surprised if it isn't competitive. I also think the fact thirteen of them play for the same club team will make them, in theory, a tougher nut to crack. I was disappointed with Sonny Parker's inclusion over Tom Shanklin, most of all, until a friend of mine pointed out that Parker is the Osprey's defense captain, which really makes sense. If Gatland can make us a tough side to beat without stopping them playing with their traditional flair, I think this can be a really exciting tournament for us. That said, I stick by what I've said, I'm not ooooverly optimistic about winning. Twickenham is no easy place to play and England will make this sluggish, physical, slow and tight.
Sparky Posted 29 January 2008 Posted 29 January 2008 A tight 6 nations this year , cant see a grand slam winner and can see home advantage proving crutial , i can see England beating Wales at Twickers although may be tighter than the bookies are making out , Ireland to bounce back from a shocking world cup to beat the ever improving Italians but maybe the best game will be at Murrayfield , i can the jocks putting up a decent fight against the french. Really disapointed with the way Ashton has decided to go , surley Tait at fullback or even Cipriani playing there would be a better option than Balshaw , not sure what Borthwick has done to get in front of kay but a debut at number 8 for Narroway who ive been fairly impressed with when sky have shown Gloucesters matches who knows COME ON ENGLAND
Hullfox Posted 29 January 2008 Posted 29 January 2008 A tight 6 nations this year , cant see a grand slam winner and can see home advantage proving crutial , i can see England beating Wales at Twickers although may be tighter than the bookies are making out , Ireland to bounce back from a shocking world cup to beat the ever improving Italians but maybe the best game will be at Murrayfield , i can the jocks putting up a decent fight against the french.Really disapointed with the way Ashton has decided to go , surley Tait at fullback or even Cipriani playing there would be a better option than Balshaw , not sure what Borthwick has done to get in front of kay but a debut at number 8 for Narroway who ive been fairly impressed with when sky have shown Gloucesters matches who knows COME ON ENGLAND Think you're right Sparky. It will be tight but heart says England, head says France.
Asha Posted 29 January 2008 Posted 29 January 2008 Easter's early this year as well ain't it. Oh wait, I'm a retard.
SOCCERROO FOX Posted 29 January 2008 Posted 29 January 2008 I'm going to jump on Finners's bandwagon this year and back Wales for the six nations this year gives me an excuse to follow it.
Finnegan Posted 29 January 2008 Author Posted 29 January 2008 I'm going to jump on Finners's bandwagon this year and back Wales for the six nations this year gives me an excuse to follow it. Love you too. I fancy Scotland, actually. Like I was saying to Masters on Satdee, form and momentum make such a difference in the Six Nations. If they beat the French (and what better place than Murrayfield?) it could have the same catalyst effect on them as it did t Wales in Cardiff against England in 05. Their away games are Wales (who, if we get hammered by the English, will be there for the taking) and Italy (who they should thrash) and the Calcutta Cup this year is in Scotland. This makes their hardest game Ireland in Croke, and with the Irish being so greatly unpredictable that could really be a close one. Their regions, well Edinburgh at least, have been really improved as of late and are a tough, tough nut. They've turned over the Scarlets and the Tigers in recent times. They really shouldn't be doubted. I don't think I'm backing this theory enough to bet on it, but if I weren't such a manic Welshman I think it'd be worth a wager. Y'never know, though, they might get mauled by France.
SOCCERROO FOX Posted 29 January 2008 Posted 29 January 2008 Love you too. I fancy Scotland, actually. Like I was saying to Masters on Satdee, form and momentum make such a difference in the Six Nations. If they beat the French (and what better place than Murrayfield?) it could have the same catalyst effect on them as it did t Wales in Cardiff against England in 05. Their away games are Wales (who, if we get hammered by the English, will be there for the taking) and Italy (who they should thrash) and the Calcutta Cup this year is in Scotland. This makes their hardest game Ireland in Croke, and with the Irish being so greatly unpredictable that could really be a close one. Their regions, well Edinburgh at least, have been really improved as of late and are a tough, tough nut. They've turned over the Scarlets and the Tigers in recent times. They really shouldn't be doubted. I don't think I'm backing this theory enough to bet on it, but if I weren't such a manic Welshman I think it'd be worth a wager. Y'never know, though, they might get mauled by France. Scotland are longer odds than the Welsh. 14992 FRANCE 2.40 14991 ENGLAND 3.10 14993 IRELAND 5.00 14994 WALES 8.00 14995 SCOTLAND 13.00 14996 ITALY 81.00 So if you think Scotland my hard earned could be swayed to the hagis eating maniacs
Trav Le Bleu Posted 29 January 2008 Posted 29 January 2008 I foolishly selected this Saturday (a good while back) to walk up Snowdon with some mates (all of whom are more Rugger than Footie ) Boy am I popular! Though the idea of finding a pub in Wales when we get down and signing a few verses of Sweet Chariot has a certain appeal
Finnegan Posted 30 January 2008 Author Posted 30 January 2008 HAHAHAHAHAH. You want to go to SNOWDONIA and sing Swing Low in a pub? Lmfao. And the English complain about being treated oddly. You'll get murdered.
SOCCERROO FOX Posted 30 January 2008 Posted 30 January 2008 Who would win an Exhibiton match between the best players from the Six nations V The best players from the tri nations (SAF,AUS,NZ). Im bored and it got me thinking
Finnegan Posted 30 January 2008 Author Posted 30 January 2008 Very hard to say. Typically the Southern hemisphere is fitter, stronger and more professional. Better organised and better prepared for such outings. They generally tend to get the rub of the green from officials, too, and are much favoured by rugby puritans. That said, purely theoretically, I think a combined Lions + France + Italy side would give a Tri Nations 15 a serious going that could go either way. This is working under the dreamland assumptions that every one of the 30 men on the pitch is on form and having a good game.
Uncle Albert Posted 30 January 2008 Posted 30 January 2008 Love you too. I fancy Scotland, actually. Like I was saying to Masters on Satdee, form and momentum make such a difference in the Six Nations. If they beat the French (and what better place than Murrayfield?) it could have the same catalyst effect on them as it did t Wales in Cardiff against England in 05. Their away games are Wales (who, if we get hammered by the English, will be there for the taking) and Italy (who they should thrash) and the Calcutta Cup this year is in Scotland. This makes their hardest game Ireland in Croke, and with the Irish being so greatly unpredictable that could really be a close one. Their regions, well Edinburgh at least, have been really improved as of late and are a tough, tough nut. They've turned over the Scarlets and the Tigers in recent times. They really shouldn't be doubted. I don't think I'm backing this theory enough to bet on it, but if I weren't such a manic Welshman I think it'd be worth a wager. Y'never know, though, they might get mauled by France. Thats to far mate. Ireland for me.
Uncle Albert Posted 30 January 2008 Posted 30 January 2008 Scotland are up and coming, i'm on these. You know what they sing Tevez, "Things can i only get Better" - Take That
Finnegan Posted 30 January 2008 Author Posted 30 January 2008 Thats to far mate. Ireland for me. I'm bored of Ireland. I usually make a habit of cheerin' them on (when they aren't playing us), but they're the dark horses every year and they don't deliver. Short of everyone else having a mare, it's time to admit they just aren't good enough. Well, not under their current leadership anyway. O'Sullivan clearly doesn't have the necessary X factor to get the utmost passion, grit, determination and consistency out of a squad probably talented enough to win it. Scotland have the potential to have that X factor, and they're also a relatively unknown quantity coming into this. Nobody knows what their potential is. There really is a lot you can compare to them in the build up to this tournament and to Wales in '05. Except, like, we had a better team on paper. To be honest, i haven't a fooking clue! I know. I've always known.
SOCCERROO FOX Posted 30 January 2008 Posted 30 January 2008 Hey whens the Six nations start so i can get my bet on The Mighty Scots (only cos finners said so) and wait for payday
Finnegan Posted 30 January 2008 Author Posted 30 January 2008 Personally, I'd risk the slight drop in winnings wait until after the France / Scotland game (it starts this weekend.) If Scotland lose the opener to France then I'm going to go on record and say they have absolutely no chance whatsoever of winning the Six Nations. Where as, if Wales beat England I'd fancy a flutter on us, to be honest. Of course you won't get such good odds, but you're far more likely to get a result. As Keith Wood (I think it was) said, you can really have no idea how each team is REALLY going to play before the start of the tournament.
SOCCERROO FOX Posted 30 January 2008 Posted 30 January 2008 Personally, I'd risk the slight drop in winnings wait until after the France / Scotland game (it starts this weekend.)If Scotland lose the opener to France then I'm going to go on record and say they have absolutely no chance whatsoever of winning the Six Nations. Where as, if Wales beat England I'd fancy a flutter on us, to be honest. Of course you won't get such good odds, but you're far more likely to get a result. As Keith Wood (I think it was) said, you can really have no idea how each team is REALLY going to play before the start of the tournament. Wheres the fun in that. I may do 2 bets.
Milky Posted 30 January 2008 Posted 30 January 2008 Scotland?! Seriously? I really must be out of touch. I've got them down as coming 4th or 5th.
Finnegan Posted 30 January 2008 Author Posted 30 January 2008 Scotland?! Seriously? I really must be out of touch. I've got them down as coming 4th or 5th. Which is exactly where you'd have put Wales before '05. He wants a betting tip, not an obvious call. Of course they're dark horses, but if they do the French I wouldn't bet against them.
SOCCERROO FOX Posted 30 January 2008 Posted 30 January 2008 Which is exactly where you'd have put Wales before '05. He wants a betting tip, not an obvious call. Of course they're dark horses, but if they do the French I wouldn't bet against them. And if they do there's a pint or two waiting for you in Aus
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