6N 2022

[GB72]

Agree that there should be a playoff - not sure how often ? Is 3 years too short ?

Tough one, need chance to develop but also do not want a closed shop for too long. If teams are serious about holding a place at a premium tournament, they should show willing to invest before they are promoted. Don't forget, they would need to have reached the standard of the lowest place in the 6 Nations just to get in so would then have 3 years to try and push on. Personally I think that, with the rise of the Argentinian team stopping Italy poaching players has they have done in the past and, already, an unwillingness for ex England players to change allegiances, rugby would all but disappear in Italy if the 6 Nations were taken away, the country are just not that interested whereas rugby is growing and growing in Eastern Europe.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Definitely think Italy need to fight for their place. They have a shocking 6N record and so if there place at the big table is under threat perhaps they'll change things. There is some clear talent and some good players out there. My only concern is would Georgia or whoever came up be any different? The home nations seem to win with "relative" ease at world cups against these second tier sides so aside from the financial rewards is there any benefit to a promotion/relegation for the bottom side?

 

[Carlwm]

Teams for Twickenham announced. Tasty looking England side, with Lawes & Manu back. Faletau's on board for for us which, if he's back up to speed, is good news but I reckon we're clear second favourites if that England back-line clicks. Fingers crossed though.

Interesting that both captains are from Northampton. That's got to be rare, if not unique.

 

[GB72]

Teams for Twickenham announced. Tasty looking England side, with Lawes & Manu back. Faletau's on board for for us which, if he's back up to speed, is good news but I reckon we're clear second favourites if that England back-line clicks. Fingers crossed though.

Interesting that both captains are from Northampton. That's got to be rare, if not unique.

Looking forward to this one. Manu and Faletau both have similar question marks, are they up to speed and how long before they break again. Think Manu has slightly more game time so that is a plus. Glad with stuck with the same scrum half as we need to start transitioning from Youngs, Lawes is a big return for us. Should be a cracking day's rugby. Plan to take to the sofa at 2.00 and that is me done until the evening.

 

[Carlwm]

Looking forward to this one. Manu and Faletau both have similar question marks, are they up to speed and how long before they break again. Think Manu has slightly more game time so that is a plus. Glad with stuck with the same scrum half as we need to start transitioning from Youngs, Lawes is a big return for us. Should be a cracking day's rugby. Plan to take to the sofa at 2.00 and that is me done until the evening.

Planning something similar though I may well be hiding behind, rather than sitting on, my sofa.

Looks like you've cracked the half-back weaknesses that have held you back for the last season or two. With a decent pack and a special looking set of backs, England are on the brink of being a really strong side. You may well be rueing a bad day at the office at Murrayfield, come the end of the championship.

Sadly, Wales are currently looking clueless behind the scrum so even if - and I think we will - gain parity upfront, we're unlikely to capitalize on it. My hope is that we turn it into a slugfest and kick enough points to sneak over the line. Highly doubtful though.

Looking forward to it, nonetheless!

 

[Doon frae Troon]

If you are bottom of the 6N League for three years on the trot I think the top team in the Europe league should be promoted

 

[Deleted member 1147]

Tuilagi out ?

 

[GB72]

Tuilagi out ?

Not the biggest of shocks. Glad sale have his wages and medical bills to cover. He needed a season of club rugby under his belt before even thinking about England

 

[Deleted member 1147]

Not the biggest of shocks. Glad sale have his wages and medical bills to cover. He needed a season of club rugby under his belt before even thinking about England

He’s had what, 2.5 games for Sale since his return?

But he’s so destructive, and can play so rarely , that you have to feel that if he’s able England should use him.

 

[GB72]

He’s had what, 2.5 games for Sale since his return?

But he’s so destructive, and can play so rarely , that you have to feel that if he’s able England should use him.

Trouble is they rush him back without testing his fitness. Staying at the club and building his fitness may have helped in the long term

 

[Carlwm]

From a Welsh point of view, I'm a tad relieved that Manu's out but it's always grim when a world class player like him misses games like these. Poor fellow seems to be made of glass, these days. Hope it's not too serious this time, anyway.

Any news on a replacement? I see that Joe Marchant's back in the squad but I'm not sure he'll go straight into the 15.

 

[GB72]

EJ needs to come take a look at Dan Kelly at Tigers. Great young player and an actual 12 (think we have 3 number 13s in the England Squad at the moment).

 

[Val]

If you are bottom of the 6N League for three years on the trot I think the top team in the Europe league should be promoted

Never happen

 

[Val]

2 dynamic 7's for Scotland tomorrow, not sure that backrow balance is right but we'll see. Weather permitting, I believe we'll see a free flowing game. Scotland need their A+ game tomorrow

 

[Carlwm]

2 dynamic 7's for Scotland tomorrow, not sure that backrow balance is right but we'll see. Weather permitting, I believe we'll see a free flowing game. Scotland need their A+ game tomorrow

Looking forward to it.

I agree that it looks like an exciting one. With two sets of backs that like to chuck it about a bit, I think the teams might well share sixty or seventy points, especially with the Met Office forecasting a dry day.

 

[Val]

France U20's boys look tidy, saw off our boys with 14 men for most of the game then 13 last 10.

 

[Foxholer]

2 dynamic 7's for Scotland tomorrow, not sure that backrow balance is right but we'll see. Weather permitting, I believe we'll see a free flowing game. Scotland need their A+ game tomorrow

Forced change for Scotland https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/60509613
France at home will be tough. In fact, I'm picking them to win by more than 7. I don't think it'll be a 'pretty' 1st half either.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

France looking a bit lively

 

[Neilds]

Wouldn’t like to run into the French No 3 in a dark alley - 24 stone!!! And quite quick off the mark

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Wouldn’t like to run into the French No 3 in a dark alley - 24 stone!!! And quite quick off the mark

I'd avoid most rugby players in a dark alley to be fair but for him I'd certainly cross the road ?.

Cracking game, Scotland have come back well.