Between the French and the Irish I fear, with home advantage in that game probably proving pivotal. As long as the French don't get any long term injuries. Will be interesting seeing how England perform under the new management. Got to win the opening game and show a little flair, still feel personally that Farrell holds our backs back from being the attacking force they could be .
Looking forward to this year's 6 Nations, Ireland and France clear favourites, England out to make an impression, Scotland much improved as are Italy and don't write off the Welsh who will be looking to forget last season. I feel there will be a surprise this weekend...
All was looking so rosy until England appointed CB and Wales WG. That changes everything, although no way either manager can have their team purring yet. Ireland Most settled team and squad. Unlucky WG is back as winning in wales is extremely difficult. Funny enough i think this is the only game we will lose. We should have enough to beat France and England at home as home advantage in the 6 nations is massive. I’m hoping we don’t unravel (as usual) in a World Cup year. France Best team in the world at the moment. Will be very difficult to beat in the World Cup. Think they will lose in Dublin and Twickers. England Going to be a different prospect under CB. He’ll restore the passion. If England get back to the basics and sort their discipline, they will be very tough to beat. Tricky first assignment. Fancy England to beat France. I’m going for Ireland to lose 1, England to lose 1 and France 2
Going to be an interesting tournament - whilst I’m hopeful that Gats can weave his magic, I suspect that the Ireland match has come at the wrong time given the ‘eventful’ last couple of weeks since the BBC Wales programme on the ingrained issues at the WRU, which culminated in the departure of the CEO. That said, I used to hate speaking and dealing with Steve Phillips when he was WRU CFO - he was one of the least helpful guys I have ever had the misfortune to come across, and played a part in my decision to walk away from Regional Rugby almost 5 years ago - his continuous negativity against the Regions was draining to say the least. Whilst Ireland and France are, in my view the favourites, England have the most depth of talent. If Steve Borthwick can galvanise the squad, they could go close, and I expect them to do well in the RWC later this year. I actually think that if England had gone for Scott Robertson, they could have gone all the way in the World Cup - who knows, perhaps SB can weave the same magic
My half Welsh son, who is fully Welsh when it comes to rugby, just left the room when the third try went over. Gatland out. Great start from Ireland. Sexton was grinning running back to the half way line after his first two conversions. Perhaps he’s spotted that this might be an easy afternoon. Welsh give away the seventh penalty in 27 minutes, Sexton scores, 27-3. Welsh shambles.
A team full of players that were super 5 years ago. Still think WG will have them very competitive come the WC
Improved second half from the Welsh, but no way were Ireland ever going to let that slip, always in control.
Yea Really surprised at just how poor Wales were. Ireland didn’t have to hit 3rd gear. WG has his hands full but wales will improve. Ireland’s scrum always an area of concern. looking forward to the next game now.