The autumn internationals have finished and they produced fantastic international spectacles, from Scotland beating Australia, to the Irish defeating South Africa in a foggy Croke Park.
Within the next few months we will be looking forward to more action in the Guinness Premiership, the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge cup.
However just on the horizon is the prestigious 6 Nations tournament. The question is, who is going to win come the end of the 20th March next year?
Having looked at the fixture list, I have come up with a quick preview about what to expect.
In my opinion, I think that Ireland will come out victorious for the second time in a row. However the decisive test in my opinion will fall on the second weekend, Ireland travel to Paris to face the French at the Stade de France.
The French are dangerous at home, but if the Irish get under the French early on then the fickle home crowd will quickly turn against ‘le blues.’
The tournament is about being consistent, Ireland have shown this throughout 2009 and the autumn internationals. However I do not believe this will be a grand slam year.
England travel to Murrayfield in the Calcutta cup, this fixture holds a special resemblance not just because of the history between ye olde enemy, but England have not won in Edinburgh since 2004.
Within the next few months we will be looking forward to more action in the Guinness Premiership, the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge cup.
However just on the horizon is the prestigious 6 Nations tournament. The question is, who is going to win come the end of the 20th March next year?
Having looked at the fixture list, I have come up with a quick preview about what to expect.
In my opinion, I think that Ireland will come out victorious for the second time in a row. However the decisive test in my opinion will fall on the second weekend, Ireland travel to Paris to face the French at the Stade de France.
The French are dangerous at home, but if the Irish get under the French early on then the fickle home crowd will quickly turn against ‘le blues.’
The tournament is about being consistent, Ireland have shown this throughout 2009 and the autumn internationals. However I do not believe this will be a grand slam year.
England travel to Murrayfield in the Calcutta cup, this fixture holds a special resemblance not just because of the history between ye olde enemy, but England have not won in Edinburgh since 2004.
Andy Robinson was in charge of the England squad who lost in 2006 and it will be interesting to see what happens when he faces the team that put a black mark on his career for a few years.
Wales have the potential to do well, but will need to improve on their recent form for their trip to Dublin, as do England when they travel to Paris. There are many positives that Andy Robinson has brought to Scotland, however, we are still yet to see Scotland score tries.
The Scots will struggle if they fall back on their old game plan of relying on Phil Godman or Chris Paterson to kick their way to victory.
Italy are constantly the under dogs, but teams can never underestimate them as in the past, the Italians are known for causing an upset.
My prediction for the 6 nations table is:
Ireland
France
Scotland
Wales
England
Italy
What do you think?
Wales have the potential to do well, but will need to improve on their recent form for their trip to Dublin, as do England when they travel to Paris. There are many positives that Andy Robinson has brought to Scotland, however, we are still yet to see Scotland score tries.
The Scots will struggle if they fall back on their old game plan of relying on Phil Godman or Chris Paterson to kick their way to victory.
Italy are constantly the under dogs, but teams can never underestimate them as in the past, the Italians are known for causing an upset.
My prediction for the 6 nations table is:
Ireland
France
Scotland
Wales
England
Italy
What do you think?
Here is video highlights of last years 6 nations tournament, where Ireland won the Grand Slam after a 61 year wait.
yes I agree it will be Ireland's year but not a grand slam. They were consistent this autumn but not world beaters yet. Calcutta cup is shaping up for another Scotland home victory for sure and good luck to Andy Robinson. The Italians are showing good skill now but lack the discipline...they will always be a soccer team to me.
ReplyDeleteLoved the highlights from this years series. Brought back some great memories for Ireland.
So long as Declan can get the party animals to train seriously after the new Year then we should be fine!
Ulster Monster