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| Cymro |
6 Nations 2007Just booked my flights for myself and 2 others to fly uo from Manchester to Glasgow to watch the Scotland vs Wales match of the 6 Nations on February the 10th. Staying in Glasgow - Travelodge, and catching the train into Edinburgh on the Satyurday for the match.I think Scotland could do well in the tournament this season. Showed glimpses of it last season beating England and France. What Glasgow pubs are good for 5 Welshmen? My father in law allways swears by the Highland Pubs, where all the Highlanders go when in Glasgow. The Islay Inn is one of them I think? What are they like? |
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| Blackleaf |
England will win it. | ||||||||||||
| Blackleaf |
SIX NATIONS FACTS AND FIGURES (These include when it was also the Five Nations before Italy joined it in 2000)
NUMBER OF TIMES EACH TEAM HAS WON THE TOURNAMENT England - 25 Wales - 23 France - 15 Scotland - 14 Ireland - 10 Italy - 0 ---------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF GRANDSLAMS EACH TEAM HAS WON England - 12 Wales - 9 France - 8 Scotland - 3 Ireland - 1 Italy - 0 ----------------------------- NUMBER OF WINS OF THE TRIPLE CROWN (The triple crown only involves the 4 British teams - England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales - and a team wins the Triple Crown if they beat all the three other British teams in a tournament) England - 23 Wales - 19 Scotland - 10 Ireland - 8 ------------------------------------ Longest periods of time gone by for each team without winning the tournament France - 44 years (37 tournaments: 1910-1954) Scotland - 28 years (21 tournaments: 1938-1964) Ireland - 22+ years (1985-present) England - 18 years (1892-1910) Wales - 11 years (1994-2005) Italy - 7+ years (2000-present) --------------------------- THE YEAR IN WHICH EACH TEAM LAST WON THE TOURNAMENT France - 2006 Wales - 2005 (Grand Slam) England - 2003 (Grand Slam) Scotland - 1999 Ireland - 1985 Italy - Never ------------------------- THE LAST YEAR IN WHICH THE TITLE WAS SHARED 1988 (Wales and France) --------------------------- THE LAST YEAR IN WHICH, INCREDIBLY. ALL THE TEAMS FINISHED ON EQUAL POINTS ARE SO WERE ALL DECLARED WINNERS 1973 (When it was still the Five Nations) |
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| Wolf of Badenoch |
zzzzzzz zzzzzzz zzzzzzz Is he awa yet? |
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| Cymro |
Still think England will win it Blackleaf?
Personaly I think Ireland will get it, though not the Grand Slam. |
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| Blackleaf |
England will win it. We only have to play bloody Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The feeble French aren't doing very well, so we'll beat them. Ad the Italians are no-hopers.
This is gonna be a good winter for English sport when we've won both the Six Nations and the Ashes. |
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| Cymro |
Blackleaf do you actually follow Rugby Union?
Italy vastly improved, England should beat them but no longer Cannon Fodder. Give them another 3 or 4 years and we could well see the 6 Nations heading down there. Ireland, are probably the best team at the moment though ageing. Wales, at there best are a great rugby side, depending on injuries should push but I have a feeling we wont win. Scotland, vastly improved like Italy and seem to be big match players, remember the English against them last season? French, definatly not rubbish. Can go either way - either fantastic or rubbish. But usually against the big teams incl England can raise their match. England, lost 8 out of last 9. Erm, thats about it. |
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| Scott2006 |
Ireland should be good enough to win the 6 Nations, with the mighty England third or at a push second best. | ||||||||||||
| Cymro |
Oh, and Blackleaf, the 6 Nations runs until the spring, so if they did manage to make anything of the tournament, it wouldn't be a good Winter for English sport.
Something tells me you don't really know what you are talking about with Rugby and 6 Nations do you? |
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| SLG |
We don't really get to see much of France here, I'd imagine they'll be there or there abouts. I think it could be another really open competition with everyone apart from Italy in with a shout. Ireland probably just favourites though. | ||||||||||||
| elidir |
Ireland are definite favourites although they have faltered in that position before and an ageing team tends to mean greater chance of injury, if they loose their first choice props they might be vulnerable in an area which has returned to being crucial in the northern hemishpere - the scrum. I'd put Wales and france as joint second favourites, especially if Jenkins can balance his midfield partnership and the backrow (although I'm not sure of Jenkins' tactical acumen so far with playing an unfit stephen jones against the all blacks with Hook and henson's creativity on the bench and two running crash centres in Parker and Shanklin in midfield; France have an abundance of talent but can't seem to get the balance right throughout the team. They may be due for some great performances however.
Not much between Scotland, Italy and england but watch out for Italy there will be an upset IMO. Scotland are difficult to judge as their autumn international wins were against mediocre sides and were beaten easily by an average australia, but have improved greatly. Italy only lost to Australia by one converted try - everyone watch out! England? I'm tempted to say who cares, they lost to Argentina and to a massively understrength springboks (11 players left at home). England don't appear to have a style at the moment (what's new I hear you cry?) - solution? Watch out for a return to the juggernaut pack and a continuation of boring rugby as at the moment that's all they seem to have to offer - deja vu; they may bring back some older players but that will only be a stop gap solution. Actually, Cymro if england play italy away then it might be worth a flutter on Italy. Ireland have the only chance of a grand slam IMO as they play France (and england- but most importantly - france) at home. I think that bar any other major upset only Wales can stop them in cardiff - if we start the campaign well and not slowly as has been the case before. Generally, if Ireland falter it could become a very open championship! O! and Pinkleaf, less of the "bloody" - you objectionable and intolerant little troll! |
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| Cymro |
Just got 3 tickets for the match so everythnig is sorted now! Anyone else going toi any of the 6 Nations Matches? | ||||||||||||
| Blackleaf |
Watchout, Scotland. Jonny Wilkinson is playing for England today for the first time since his Drop Goal in Extra Time of the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup Final against Australia won England the World Cup.
Also playing is Andy Farrell, who used to be a Rugby League player for Wigan Warriors and England but has now switched codes to Rugby Union. This week the Scotland coach admitted that Farrell is probably the best player in the world. Scotland haven't beaten England at Twickenham since 1983. But now Twickenham will be even more intimidating now that it has been enlargened to an 80,000 capacity. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Wilko, fit for purpose by PAUL SIMS 2nd February 2007 
England's 2003 World Cup winning hero returns today against Scotland. He is one of sport's most reluctant superstars. But today - after 1,167 days, 11 injuries and a series of ill-fated comebacks - the spotlight will turn once again to Jonny Wilkinson. England's Rugby World Cup hero has been forced to watch from the sidelines ever since his dramatic extra-time drop goal won the tournament in 2003. Despite the MBE, the BBC sports personality award and reported £4 million annual earnings, his long absence from international duty has left him a tortured soul. For such an obsessive competitor it has been a long and hard road. Limited to a number of cameo appearances for his club, Newcastle Falcons, Wilkinson endured a nightmare of career-threatening injuries, including a fractured vertebrae, knee ligament damage, a torn thigh muscle and, more recently, a lacerated kidney. Many were left asking if the fly-half, the country's record points scorer, would ever play again. The lowest point came in January 2005 when he smashed his knee during a European Cup tie in Perpignan. He later admitted that he sat in the dressing room crying tears of frustration, fearing he may never play rugby again. "I massively lost my way," he said. His misery was compounded when he split up from his girlfriend, Diana Stewart, the former Marks & Spencer model. 
England's greatest sporting moment since 1966: Jonny Wilkinson scores the Drop Goal in Extra Time of the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final against Australia that won England the World Cup Their three-year romance began in 2001 as Miss Stewart, 27, studied for a Spanish and German degree at Newcastle University. They shared a love of sport but Miss Stewart moved to London to attend theatre school soon after graduation while Wilkinson remained in Newcastle. His devotion to rugby and her pursuit of a career with Sky Sports News saw them drift apart and in November 2004 they confirmed that they had split up. Wilkinson refused to give up on his international career and threw himself into training, using the gym every day at the Northumberland farmhouse he shares with his brother. Shunning fast food, chocolate and alcohol, he rediscovered his drive for perfection and control. It was no different to his teenage years. When friends were out partying, Wilkinson was typically in the gym. "I live to play rugby," he said recently. "It has been my life since I was four. Watching was so hard when all I wanted to do was show people I was willing to put my body on the line every week." The reluctant sex symbol, who describes fame as "an empty concept", lives surrounded by those he trusts. His mother Philippa and father Phil, who is his manager, live nearby and his brother Mark also plays for the Falcons. Now, as he prepares to pull on his No 10 jersey for the 53rd time, his dream of picking up from where he left off with England has finally come true. At 4pm in front of 80,000 at Twickenham, he will line up alongside his teammates to face Scotland in the opening game of their RBS Six Nations campaign. Remarkably, considering the run of setbacks, he will do so with a bank balance buoyed by lucrative deals with Adidas, Lucozade, Northern Rock, M&S, Travelex, Boots, and fashion brand Hackett - as well as £250,000 earnings from his club. English sport is holding out for a hero - so, will Jonny be good? dailymail.co.uk England's 2007 RBS 6 Nations squad Forwards: Alex Brown - Gloucester Rugby George Chuter - Leicester Tigers Martin Corry - Leicester Tigers Louis Deacon - Leicester Tigers Perry Freshwater - Perpignan Danny Grewcock - Bath Rugby Magnus Lund - Sale Sharks Lee Mears - Bath Rugby Lewis Moody - Leicester Tigers Tim Payne - London Wasps Tom Palmer - London Wasps Tom Rees - London Wasps Steve Thompson - Northampton Saints Phil Vickery - London Wasps (capt) Dan Ward-Smith - Bristol Rugby Julian White - Leicester Tigers Joe Worsley - London Wasps ------------------------------- Backs: Iain Balshaw - Gloucester Rugby Mike Catt - London Irish Mark Cueto - Sale Sharks Harry Ellis - Leicester Tigers Andy Farrell - Saracens Toby Flood - Newcastle Falcons Shane Geraghty - London Irish Josh Lewsey - London Wasps Olly Morgan - Gloucester Rugby Jamie Noon - Newcastle Falcons Shaun Perry - Bristol Rugby Jason Robinson - Sale Sharks Peter Richards - Gloucester Rugby Paul Sackey - London Wasps Mathew Tait - Newcastle Falcons Mike Tindall - Gloucester Rugby Jonny Wilkinson - Newcastle Falcons |
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| Blackleaf |
SIX NATIONS TEAM GUIDES
ENGLAND Odds to win tournament: 4/1 Coach - Brian Ashton 
Stadium: Twickenham (capacity 82,000) 
Captain: Phil Vickery Prospects: Since the 2003 World Cup win, England have finished third, fourth and fourth in the Six Nations. They also lost eight of their last nine matches under Andy Robinson, so all eyes will be on the combination of new coach - Ashton was promoted from England attack guru in December - and captain to arrest the slide, initially, and then cobble together a decent defence of the World Cup. Coach's view: "We had to go right back to square one. We've had a massive reality check after losing eight of our last nine games. "We know where we are in world rugby and we've got to do something about it. "But this is a joint venture, not the Brian Ashton show. This is the start of a process. But we have got players who are bright enough and talented enough to evolve the game." Verdict: "England are in a better position than people give them credit for. They've got people coming back from injury and a new coach who will not leave anything behind in the changing room or on the training ground. There's no more excuses. They've got a licence to go and play with ambition." Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson *************************************** FRANCE Odds to win tournament: 5/2 Coach - Bernard Laporte 
Stadium - Stade de France (capacity 80,000) 
Captain - Fabien Pelous Prospects: With the World Cup at home in eight months' time, the Six Nations champions are under serious pressure to perform. France beat Ireland on points difference last year but lost to Scotland along the way. Heavy defeats to New Zealand in the autumn suggest they are still haunted by inconsistency. Coach's view: "First of all we want to defend our title, and then we have the World Cup, so all the players will be motivated to keep their places. About 21 players are already there for the World Cup squad, so there are still nine places available." Verdict: "The expectation is huge in the French team. It's the first time the squad of 40 players will be together for seven weeks. "It's the dream of every player to win the World Cup in France, so for this we need Six Nations success. France will be strong but it's more open than ever with four teams - France, Ireland, England, Wales - capable of winning." Former France captain Philippe Saint-Andre ******************************* IRELAND Odds to win tournament - 6/4 Coach - Eddie O'Sullivan 
Stadium - Croke Park (capacity 82,000. A Gaelic Football stadium, Ireland are using it whilst Landsdowne Road is rebuilt) 
Captain - Brian O'Driscoll Prospects: Most people's idea of the favourites after tying on points with champions France last year and beating Australia and South Africa in the autumn. Runners-up to England in 2003, Triple Crown winners in 2004 and 2006 but blew a title bid in 2005, losing at home to France and again in Cardiff as Wales clinched the Grand Slam. Ireland last won the Grand Slam in 1948 but they could be further inspired by playing at Croke Park - home of the Gaelic Athletic Association - while Lansdowne Road is rebuilt. The 82,300-capacity "Croker" was previously barred from staging "foreign" sports. Coach's view: "The Six Nations is all about momentum and if you can generate it early on you give yourself a chance of coming out on top. But if you don't start well, it can be very difficult. If we live off what we did in the autumn we are not going to go anywhere. We need to park that and get on with the job in front of us." Verdict: "If we play as well as we can, I think we can win all of our matches. I've never said that before. In the past we've needed other sides to play badly, but we don't need that now. A few injuries would put us under pressure - losing Shane Horgan is a big blow - and a lot depends on what goes on with the scrummaging." Former Ireland captain Keith Wood ***************************** ITALY Odds to win tournament: 200/1 Coach - Pierre Berbizier 
Stadium - Stadio Flaminio (capacity 25,000) 
Captain - Marco Bortolami Prospects: The recent resurgence of Scotland suggests Italy are looking at a sixth Wooden Spoon in eight attempts, but they are improving year on year and could well spring a few surprises. They possess a powerful pack and a core of talented players but have struggled to make the most of their opportunities. Have only won three matches in the tournament, as well as a draw with Wales in Cardiff last year, and are still chasing a first away win. Coach's view: "We demonstrated last year that we can be competitive for 80 minutes. It is having the experience at a particular moment to win the game that we need to improve, especially at the end of the game." Verdict: "Our target is to be at 100% for all five matches. The first two matches (against France and England) are going to be very tough but we are going to put a lot of intensity into those and perform as well as we can. It is always a small chance to win a Six Nations match but if we stop giving away easy tries and take our opportunities, it will be very interesting for us." Italy captain Marco Bortolami ****************************** SCOTLAND Odds to win tournament: 25/1 Captain - Frank Hadden 
Stadium - Murrayfield (capcity 68,000) 
Captain - Chris Paterson Prospects: New coach Frank Hadden worked wonders in the wake of Australian Matt Williams' ill-fated reign, leading Scotland to shock home wins over France and England en route to third place in last year's championship. But other nations may have made more advances in the interim, while Scotland's cause may be further hampered by the loss for the tournament of injured captain Jason White. Coach's view: "We did reasonably well last year and we have to build on that now. We have got some new targets and we want to continue to be more competitive. I expect us to make continued progress even if we are not at full strength." Verdict: "Hadden has got Scotland playing with self-belief, confidence and the characteristics associated with Scottish rugby - pride, passion and total commitment. The areas of vulnerability are front row and fly-half. To sneak an away win would be magnificent, and certainly we want to win two if not all three of our home matches. My heart says we'll finish near the top, my head says in the middle." Former Scotland skipper David Sole ************************************** WALES Odds to win tournament - 6/1 Coach - Gareth Jenkins 
Stadium - Millennium Stadium (capacity 75,000) 
Captain - Stephen Jones Prospects: Gareth Jenkins' first Six Nations in charge. The 2005 Grand Slam triumph is a distant memory after recording only one win last year. But an opening victory against Ireland in Cardiff could prove pivotal, though Wales then face three straight away matches. Coach's view: "On our day we can beat any side in the world, and my challenge is to make us far more consistent, getting a high quality of performance in place each week. "It is one game at a time and we can't allow ourselves to be sidetracked by looking beyond Ireland (first game). But one thing I want is to win the tournament, and if that means having consistency of selection (rather than experimenting), then I am prepared to do that." Verdict: "Wales have a very talented squad, though we've lost a couple of players through injury. Our strength is an ability to create. We've some very talented footballers in the backline if they are allowed to play their natural game. But they need a solid platform up front. Ireland are pre-tournament favourites with Wales second. " Former Wales captain Ieuan Evans news.bbc.co.uk/sport |
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| Blackleaf |
ENGLAND 42-20 SCOTLAND If Wilkinson - who has hardly played any rugby since November 2003 - carries on performing in the rest of the games the way he did against Scotland today then I have no doubt whatsoever that England will win the Six Nations. What a masterclass performance. I'm now even more sure that England will win the Six Nations than I was before the game. The same with Jason Robinson - he retired in 2005 and it was his first game since retirement and he scored two tries. England are now playing again like the World Champions that they are. The Standings ..................P...W...D...L...F......A...Pts.....PD France.........1....1...0...0...39....3....2.......+36 England.......1....1...0...0...42....20...2.......+22 Ireland........0....0...0...0....0......0....0.......0 Wales..........0....0...0...0....0......0....0.......0 Scotland......1.....0...0...1....20....42...0.......-22 Italy............1....0....0...1....3.....39....0.......-36 |
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| Blackleaf |
There was a new record, too. Wilkinson scored 27 of England's 42 points which, believe it or not, is the most points ever scored by one man in an England/Scotland game. His record beats England's Rob Andrews record.
Wilkinson makes his presence felt when he calmly slots home a penalty to open the scoring and put England ahead 
There was a bit of a worry when blood started pouring from a gash in Wilkinson's face. England fans were thinking: "Oh no. He's not got another serious injury again, has he?" But it was minor and he went on to tear the Scots aparts like lambs in a lions' cage. 
Early in the game Scotland took a surpise lead, scoring this try to go 8-6 ahead. 
But Scotland kept making too many mistakes and gifting England penalties, which were duly slotted away by Wilkinson 
Jason Robinson smiles as he scores the first of his two tries 
His second try coming when Sean Lamont fumbled the ball leaving Robinson to pounce on it. 
Wilkinson, probably getting bored of just kicking goals, then decided that he would score a try, too. ------------------------------------ 
A Magnus Lund try put England 42-13 in front, before Scotland got a late consolation try. So, after a year's absence, the Calcutta Cup is back in England's hands again. But Scotland fans shouldn't be too depressed. They didn't quite leave Twickenham empty handed........ 
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| Cymro |
You wrote a lot there Blackleaf, well Cut and Pasted anyway.
So do you think they'll win? England had a good win today, though I'm sure you'll accept that Wilkinsons try was no way a try as his right foot was outside of touch when he put the ball down. I had a bad feeling that Wilkinson might win the game for England when I heard he was selected. I see Ireland winning the 6 Nations again this season. Though potentially if Wales win their first 4 matches as do England the Grand Slam desćder will be the last match of the 6 Nations - Wales vs England at the Millenium Stadium! That would be immense! But (no disrespect Scotland) you didn't really play one of the tournaments largest teams yesterday - if you beat Ireland and/or France by a simmilar score then you are start believing in keeping the World Cup or even winning the 6 Nations. Worrying for the English is that they only won because of Wilkinson. If Wilkinson is injured again will you struggle to win? You need a team win not individual winning games for you. Against the likes of Wales, France and Ireland you will have players who are equally competent (if not better) in scoring from the boot - O'Gara, Steven Jones, James Hook, Gavin Henson, and Skrela. |
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| Blackleaf |
Who cares if it maybe shouldn't have been a try? Even without that try we still would have won by a big margin.
Are you having a laugh, or something?
We still woud have won without Wilkinson. Not counting Wilkinson's try we still scored three tries - two from Jason Robinson and one from Magnus Lund. And I remember the days not so long ago when Wales could only win when Gareth Jenkins was playing for you. |
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| SLG |
Thought Scotland were rubbish. Gone backwards since last year. Think England will be lucky to get results against Ireland and France though. | ||||||||||||
| Cymro |
Did I claim otherwise Blackleaf? It wasn't "Maybe" a try. It definatly wasn't a try! Makes a sham of actually having a TV Ref! Do you think they'll win the 6 Nations then?
Erm, no. Scotland aren't one of the tournaments biggest teams - beat France and Ireland then say you have a good chance of winning it. All England proved on Saturday was that they could beat probably the 5th best team in the 6 Nations in Twickenham.
So that gives you 15 pts. Coversions for these came from Wilkinsons boot. Scotland scored 20. So without Wilkinson even if someone converted you'd have only won by 1 point!
Neil Jenkins, not Gareth Jenkins. And Wales struggled without him. England relied on Wilkinson. If he is injured again they will struggle to find anyone who can score points like he can, as I said Ireland, France and Wales all have several kickers who are equally if not better than Wilkinson at scoring off the boot. So as soon as 1 is injured another can step up. England only other Kicker is Hodgkinson and he's Crap. |
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| Blackleaf |
There was nothing about "mighty Ireland" that scared me yesterday. England will have no problem beating them, after we have 4 points in the bag when we beat Italy at Twickenham this weekend. | ||||||||||||
| Blackleaf |
I certainly do. And now that Wilkinson is back, so do you.
How did you work that one out? If Wilkinson wasn't playing someone else would have kicked the conversions instead and how do you know how many drop goals would have been attempted and scored by this other player?
No, they don't. Wilkinson is the best kicker of a ball in any code of football in the world. And the scary thing for you lot is that he should soon get even better. Wilkinson scored 27 points on Saturday - a mean feat against any team - and he scored everything possible - a try, conversions, drop goals and penalties. Again, that's also a rarity. |
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| Corby Boy |
The typical arrogant Englishman attitude again eh!
Time will tell, if you are right my friend, about winning it :  .
Judging by your boasting which home county is Bolton in, Herts, Surrey, Essex? |
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| Cymro |
Blackleaf, you must have been watching a very different game on Sunday then. The match was scrappy but the defensive match played by Ireland was amongst the best you'll see in Rugby Union, it was brilliant to see appart from for us Welsh because it was too painfull! On the pitch Wales had 2 kickers of qual competance to Wilkinson - James Hook (though his alround play needs to develop a bit more) and Steven Jones who wan't having his best match. But the Irish defended in way which meant the kickers where kept out of the match. Did you see how little penalties etc Wales actually had. Nothing at all barely and that is what the score reflected - the fact that Ireland kept Wales' best chance of scoring out of the game. Well done to them.
What you base your assumptions that Wilkinson is the best kicker in any code? Sorry but that is just the usuall English Arrogance - 1 game and he's the best again. He was clinocal in punishing Scotland but that does not make him amongst the best. I watched the England match and to be honest non of the kicks he got where that difficult for a rugby player. They got the balls down in the right place. England have a lack of good kickers, why do you think Wilkinson having played 40 mins all season was playing? Charlie Hodgkinson is the usuall kicker and is rubbish.And appart from Robinson they have no real try scorers. Ireland can easily block Wilkinson out of the match leaving the match open for them to take. Ireland are probably the best team in the Northern Hempsphere at the moment. Ronan O'Gara is better than Wilkinson in kicking for points. So no Blakcleaf I don't think England will win the 6 Nations. I had a worry ythat Wilkinson would do something for England against Scotland (despite me putting £5 on a Scotland win). Ireland will win it. |
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| Cymro |
Well, I'm off to Scotland tomorrow for the rugby on Saturday. Can't wait.
Hope the snow doesn't mess things up! Sorry, but I think Wales should win this, though not as much of a win as it has been the last two times we've been up to Murrayfield. But what you did against France and England last season is worrying me a little bit. We'll see...... |
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| Corby Boy |
Enjoy the swallies, Cymro. C'mon Scotland. | ||||||||||||
| Blackleaf |
Berbizier: England still number one
England VS Italy, 1:30pm 
Italy coach Pierre Berbizier has hailed England as the number one side in the world as his side prepare to take England on at Twickenham. England slumped to seventh in the International Rugby Board rankings under Andy Robinson in November but a change in coach and personnel saw them romp to a 42-20 victory over Scotland in their Six Nations opener last weekend. New coach Brian Ashton banished the gloom in one fell swoop by welcoming returning hero Jonny Wilkinson back from injury, Jason Robinson from self-imposed international exile and Andy Farrell from rugby league. And Berbizier - whose side were beaten 39-3 at home to France last weekend - insisted the return of golden boy Wilkinson makes a trip to Twickenham international rugby's equivalent of Everest. "This team is only going to learn from playing the best and England are the best,'' he said. "England are still the world champions and that makes them the number one team in the world as far as I am concerned. "It's important for world rugby to see Jonny Wilkinson back as he makes England the best team in the world but it makes it a lot more difficult for us. "We made a deal with England - we won't touch Jonny Wilkinson if he doesn't touch the ball!'' Victory over Italy will give England their first back-to-back Six Nations wins since they triumphed in Rome a year ago - with a trip to Ireland's Croke Park looming large on the horizon. Only four of the England XV that started against the Scots last week survived the record-equalling seventh straight defeat against Argentina three months ago. Berbizier has made seven changes to the Italy side that suffered stage fright in Rome last weekend - bringing in Italy's most-capped player Alessandro Troncon to replace the ineffectual Paul Griffen at scrum-half. Berbizier added: "This game is very important for Italian rugby, England are the world champions and it's a great opportunity for the team. "We played a high-tempo game against France but we faded in the second half. "We created a lot of chances but didn't take them. If we get opportunities against England, we have to. "We've been training all week to play a high-tempo game and to be competitive for 80 minutes.'' Meanwhile, Italy captain Marco Bortolami has thrown down the gauntlet to his battle-weary side following Saturday's mauling. The Gloucester second row will lead his troops on to the Twickenham field without key flanker Mauro Bergamasco and centre Andrea Masi, both of whom sustained injuries against Les Blues. But the bullish 26-year-old insists the under-strength Azzurri can still give the world champions a headache or two. "Our level of performance against France was very poor - the players were lacking in confidence,'' he said. "Tactically, we made a lot of mistakes and we have been working hard to correct them in training this week. I expect to see a strong reaction from the players. "There is no greater challenge in world rugby than playing England at Twickenham but, if we meet them face on in the contact areas, there's no reason we can't compete.'' Bortolami is no stranger to the England team, having played a key role in Gloucester's rise into the top three of the Guinness Premiership. And Italy's youngest-ever captain would love nothing more than to put one over Kingsholm club-mates Mike Tindall and Iain Balshaw. "It will be very interesting lining up against my Gloucester team-mates,'' he added. "I've spoken to Mike this week and I'll definitely ring him if we win.'' sport.aol.co.uk |
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| SLG |
Hope you had a good time despite the result 
Pretty poor game over all though. |
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| Blackleaf |
England played not too well against Italy - but we've got two wins out of two and now only us and France can win the Grandslam.
I expected Wales (and Ireland) to have done better than what they have been doing - and remember that rugby union is Wales's national sport, whereas it's very much only England's 3rd sport, after football and cricket. Wales are the only team to have not scored any tries so far. THE STANDINGS The table now has a more traditional look to it. ...............P.....W....D....L....F....A......T....Points.....P/D France.......2......2....0....0...59...20...7.....4 .........+39 England......2......2....0....0...62...27...5.....4 .........+35 Ireland.......2......1....0....1...36...29...4.....2..........+7 Scotland.....2......1....0....1...41...51...2.....2 .........-10 Wales........2......0....0....2....18...40...0.....0 .........-22 Italy..........2......0... 0....2....10...59...1.....0..........-49 Next games Saturday 24th February Scotland VS Italy (1500 GMT) Ireland VS England (1730 GMT) France VS Wales (2000 GMT) |
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| Cymro |
Well Scotland deserved to win the match, wasn't a classic by anymeans the amount of passes being dropped by both teams was embarrassing, but Scotland playd much better than Wales - especially in the lineouts.
Really enjoyed myself in Glasgow on Friday night, singing Karaoke in some pub (can't remeber what it was called) on Beuchanan Street and as a result my voice has completely gone. I really enjoy Murrayfied but I've never known a colder stadium ever. And as a result of that I'm now full of cold too. Still, all worth it! Looking forward for the next trip in two years now! |
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| fiferjohn |
cymro the islay is a great we pub loads of folk from the uists drink there it is home away from home for them the park tavern is another | ||||||||||||
| Corby Boy |
Glad you enjoyed Cymro. Get some Drams down yer neck it will sort the cold out. I am sure Wales will beat Italy, to avoid the spoon.
Bit of a shake up needed in the camp. |
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| Cymro |
Definatly enjoyed, will have to wait for 2 years time now!
I think Wales have players that are good enough to win the 6 Nations (not this year obviously) but just don't seem to have the want or the confidence to go out and do it at the moment. We could have beaten Scotland last Saturday but made some basic mistakes which should not ben done on an International Rugby pitch. Scotland punished Wales for those and well done them. It was the same vs Ireland. That game was there for the taking but Wales seemed to panic when option A didn't work allowing Ireland do punosh Wales. Ireland defended fantastically but Wales had the ability to try options B and C but didn't allowing the Irish to take a win. We've got France next. We'll have to see how that goes. That will be followed by Italy then the English (at Cardiff). |
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| Blackleaf |
England's Irish history lesson
By Brendan Gallagher 17/02/2007 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Conor O'Shea, the former Ireland full-back and captain, has been brought in to address the England team at a special meeting on Monday about Croke Park and the significance of next Saturday's first game between Ireland and England at the Gaelic Athletic Association citadel. 
The history man: Ireland's Conor O'Shea O'Shea, whose father Jerome was a Gaelic football legend and won All-Ireland finals playing for Kerry at Croke Park in 1953, 1955 and 1959, has been asked by England coach Brian Ashton to put the RBS Six Nations Championship game in historical perspective and explain the strong emotions that could be unleashed. On Nov 21, 1920, 14 Irish citizens, including the Tipperary captain Mick Hogan, were shot dead by British forces on the field of play at Croke Park in an act of reprisal for the earlier assassination of 14 British secret agents by the IRA on what has become known as Bloody Sunday (not to be confused by the Bloody Sunday of 1972 when the British shot dead 26 Irish civil rights protesters). The Croke Park killings only underlined the GAA's determination never to allow alien "British" sports such as rugby and football at the venue but the move towards peace in Ireland has seen many barriers come down and last Sunday the GAA staged the first game of rugby at their 82,300 capacity home, against France. "This is obviously going to be a very special match given all the circumstances and Brian Ashton asked me if I could call into the team hotel in Bath and tell the England lads all about it," said O'Shea, who won 35 Ireland caps and is now the Rugby Football Union's National Academy manager. "In one way England must treat it as just another game against world-class opposition but it will be more than just another game for Ireland and it's brilliant that Brian wants England to understand the background," O'Shea added. "In Ireland we learn the story from an early age but I will be brushing up on my history over the weekend to make sure I get no facts wrong." It is also understood that the RFU and the Irish Rugby Football Union are considering suggestions that the two teams walk out together as an act of friendship next Saturday night - as they did on the famous occasion in 1973 when the England team ignored IRA death threats to play Ireland at Lansdowne Road after Wales and Scotland had declined to play there. telegraph.co.uk |
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| azzuri |
It's astonishing this attitude. The fact that England see themselves as 'Britain' in this case does them no favours whatsoever. I don't imagine the same talk would have been dished out to the Scottish or Welsh lads before a game at Croke park? | ||||||||||||
| Corby Boy |
Same old thing though Azzuri.
England = Britain in the eyes of many home and away. I am glad that we Scots are not saddled by this political guilt, whatever you want to call it and don't need this sort of PR/history lesson. |
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| Cymro |
What the hell happened to Scotland yesterday. Couldn't believe what I was seeing - 3 Italian tries in 7 minutes! 
Really nervous for Wales against Italy next week. Think Wales played well (well better than the last two matches) against a very confident and strong French team. Unfortuantly we are now bottom of the table and prime contenders for the wooden spoon (at least we'll can claim to have won some trophy for our efforts!). And as for England vs Ireland. Hmmm, fantasic result by Ireland, well played. Let's look back at what Blackleaf had to say a few weeks ago (purely to gloat)
Say again Blackleaf?
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| Corby Boy |
An F***ing disaster to be honest. But happens all too often unfortunately.
Blackleaf's an eejit. |
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| Cymro |
And a very quiet one at that! | ||||||||||||
| Cymro |
Difficult game for Scotland this weekdn against the Irish. After the shocking defeat against the Italians two weeks ago the Scots will have a lot to prove this weekend! Ireland will be pushing for that Triple Crown which they will win if they win this match.
I'm really nervous about Wales - not exactly se tthe competition on fire this season, and the Italians are going to be up for it, playing home too. Gareth Thomas is back though so we'll see what happens. Wales have everythning to prove. How do you think England will get on oh quiet Blackleaf? |
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| One O'Clock Gun |
he is being rather quite on this thread of late.
Maybe he's off researching for his next post. |
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| Cymro |
Anyone fancy a spoon? It's wooden. | ||||||||||||
| Blackleaf |
Well it was for France. |
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| Blackleaf |
Surely we'll beat Wales (played 4, lost 4) next week.
All we need now is for Scotland to beat France and Italy to be Ireland then we'll win the Six Nations. And who needs Wilkinson when you've got Flood? Come on Scotland! |
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| azzuri |
Scotland won't beat France I'm afraid Blackleaf. I think Ireland had a bit of an off-day at Murrayfield and I'm sure they'll be back to their best against Italy.
Who knows though.... |
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| Cymro |
Welcome back Blackleaf, found your tongue now England have won again eh?
Ireland will beat Italy, France should beat Scotland - they'll be out to do right for a pitifull performance yesterday. To quote the Stereophonics "as long as we beat the English, we don't care", but unfortunatly I don't see it. The English where already responsible for us loosing on Saturday - a weak ref Chris White and the 4th Official. Sore |
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| Corby Boy |
I would love it if we beat France but can't see it.
I am glad your lot are doing us a favour Cymro! I am averse to spoons manufactured from wood. |
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| Cymro |
Glad to be of assistance Corby! Did you see what the ref did at the end of the match?
Wales where 3pts down, and won a penalty with 10 seconds to go. James Hook asked the ref whether they had time to kick the ball out for a lineout inorder to push for the try and therefore the win. He said yes. Then as soon as Hook kicked the ball out, the ref Chris White blew the wistle therefore stopping Wales from taking the lineout. You could hear the 4th Official tell White to blow the whistle. However it's White that has the last word and the rules state that Wales should have been allowed to take the lineout and the game would have come to an end the next time the ball goes out. Not impressed. Italy deserved the win, but to loose like that hurts. |
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| Corby Boy |
As hard as losing by one point when we could have won the game!!!!!
There is always next year or the world cup, perish the thought. |
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| Cymro |
Ho Hum. Blackleaf, did you watch the mighty English yesterday?
Great win by Wales, doesn't make up for loosing so poorly against the other teams, but hopefully now this is the confidence booster needed for the World Cup, the Tour of Australia and next years 6 Nations. The players showed they could do it, they just need to do it all the time! |
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| elidir |
"Surely we'll beat Wales (played 4, lost 4) next week."
Ah well! Surely that should now read "surely not" "And who needs Wilkinson when you've got Flood?" And who needs either when we now have Hook in his rightfull position! |
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| Corby Boy |
End of another depressing 6 Nations!
Well done Wales. (Shame it didn't do us any favours). Roll on world cup umm! |
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| Cymro |
I find it brilliant how Blackleaf comes here saying England will Win the 6 Nations, Johnny is God, England will beat Ireland and Wales. And when they don't still spends his time posting messages about Wembley, about building projects on the Wirral yet ignores posts after England have lost.
Nothing like a sore looser, and England seems to be good at creating those! Anyway, shame Scotland got the wooden spoon Corby. It was a choice though of helping out our Celtic cousins in Scotland or getting one over the English. It's always good to get one over the Saeson (English) though! An ideal situation would have been to beat England giving them the Spoon made of Wood. Hey, at least you've got a prize to show for the campaign! |
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| Corby Boy |
Genuinely, please for you guys it always feels good that. I am not sure we can take too much cheer away from that campaign. Chris Paterson's boot one of the few things to be cheery about. But there are glimmer's of hope that we can build something there. It is just gonna take time.
Blackleaf is just so typical of many unfortunately. I have a genuine respect for English sport when it is merited and if the national teams do well in tournaments etc.. but unfortunately, there is that badge of arrogance that so many who follow England have, which I find faintly irritating. If that arrogance was missing I would happily support England as my second team after Scotland, but I can't really say that. Neutrality is the best my wife can hope for! |
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| Cymro |
"If that arrogance was missing I would happily support England as my second team after Scotland"
Don't be silly now Corby! 
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| Corby Boy |
Cymro, I did say that as I am half English (technically), however it was silly and I think I need to have a lie down now in a darkened room! | ||||||||||||
| Cymro |
lol | ||||||||||||
| Babygael |
New zealand Vs Scotland Rugby......
www.youtube.com/my_favorites?page=1 |
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