Rugby - Six NAtions Prediction League

[redzonerocker]

Just checked, I won the league. Well done

yes, well done

there was a clue in pj's last post

[Jaime]

Given that Wales' 6 Nations was already over, their victory over Italy was satisfactory - nothing more, nothing less. Some decent performances and at least the midfield was starting to click as a combination. An end to a frustrating season which saw Wales make more line breaks than any other side in the championship but also make more mistakes, which proved to be very costly in the end.

France deservedly won the Grand Slam but not in the manner most of us would have liked as the game itself was a bit of a bore-fest. Still, they ground out a win against a determined England side who could easily have snatched it. Chris Ashton's rush of blood to the head was criminal - that move should have ended in an England try. Like Wales, poor decision making has cost England at times.

The Scotland - Ireland game was enthralling. I thought Graham Morrison was outstanding in the centre for Scotland against BOD & D'Arcy, as was their back row and line out. I really think Scotland have improved alot this season under Robinson. After his departure from the England set up he now has some decent players at his disposal and he is starting to demonstrate his coaching credentials at international level after guiding Edinburgh to much improved performances.

Overall I think Declan Kidney - magnanimous in defeat - was bang on when he said after the Ire-Sco game that any of the teams can beat each other at the moment and, France apart, that is the way things went. Scotland certainly were unlucky to be contesting the wooden spoon on the last day of the season but they got their just reward in the end. If they had taken their chances against England and kept their heads against Wales that game could easily have been a Triple Crown decider.

My players of the tournament were probably Imanol Harinordoquoy, for his tremendous influence particularly in the early part of the championship, and also Dan Parks for his overall consistency and game management. For me the find of the championship was Wales second row Bradley Davies, who brought some steel to the Wales pack and put in a couple of big performances despite the sad death of his mother.

[pharvey]

Given that Wales' 6 Nations was already over, their victory over Italy was satisfactory - nothing more, nothing less. Some decent performances and at least the midfield was starting to click as a combination. An end to a frustrating season which saw Wales make more line breaks than any other side in the championship but also make more mistakes, which proved to be very costly in the end.

France deservedly won the Grand Slam but not in the manner most of us would have liked as the game itself was a bit of a bore-fest. Still, they ground out a win against a determined England side who could easily have snatched it. Chris Ashton's rush of blood to the head was criminal - that move should have ended in an England try. Like Wales, poor decision making has cost England at times.

The Scotland - Ireland game was enthralling. I thought Graham Morrison was outstanding in the centre for Scotland against BOD & D'Arcy, as was their back row and line out. I really think Scotland have improved alot this season under Robinson. After his departure from the England set up he now has some decent players at his disposal and he is starting to demonstrate his coaching credentials at international level after guiding Edinburgh to much improved performances.

Overall I think Declan Kidney - magnanimous in defeat - was bang on when he said after the Ire-Sco game that any of the teams can beat each other at the moment and, France apart, that is the way things went. Scotland certainly were unlucky to be contesting the wooden spoon on the last day of the season but they got their just reward in the end. If they had taken their chances against England and kept their heads against Wales that game could easily have been a Triple Crown decider.

My players of the tournament were probably Imanol Harinordoquoy, for his tremendous influence particularly in the early part of the championship, and also Dan Parks for his overall consistency and game management. For me the find of the championship was Wales second row Bradley Davies, who brought some steel to the Wales pack and put in a couple of big performances despite the sad death of his mother.

Well, Jamie Butty Bach....... have to say, there's a few points I agree with and others I don't. The Welsh victory was far more than satisfactory - it was the best Welsh display in 18 months.... in fact the only Welsh display that I've actually enjoyed for 18 months. Don't put the Italians down, this was a good Welsh display.... and much bloody needed considering we are playing the world champions plus a 2 test series in NZ come June/July...... The BIG downside is it clearly shows the complete lack of strength in depth..... ALTHOUGH............ we do have a few - what a debut by the young Tom Prydie..... surely worth a mention and a little more than satisfactory? Or shall we have a monster display by Warburton? Come on Jamie... yes a crappy season for Wales, but it ended on a high note with some new blood.

Scotland vs Ireland..... have to agree in the whole - what a game! Scotland as you say have been damn unlucky and have come a long way.

Ireland... what can I say?????

Beelzebub's XV ..... well, didn't see the match and after seeing the score didn't bother - no doubt yet again excitement beyond (?). Although hat's off to them to keep France to 12 and the game so close.

[Jaime]

Yes it was a good performance but because of what had gone before it is difficult to take any real pleasure from the result. Wales were always on a hiding to nothing because of failures earlier in the championship. Italy are a decent side but still one that Wales should expect to beat at the moment.

'What a debut' by Prydie implies that he was outstanding, whereas he was not. Don't get me wrong, he was composed, didn't do anything wrong and, physically at least, seemed comfortable at international level but he had no real opportunity to impress. One for the future but difficult to see how he will improve when he can't get any games for the Ospreys, with Bowe on one wing and Shane on the other! Newport Dragons' Richard Fussell has also now signed for them so where does that leave Prydie?

I agree that Warburton was excellent, as he has been when he came on in earlier games.

[Randy Cornhole]

I'd like to congratulate England on winning the 6 nations...

[Jaime]

Heh heh! I s'pose you mean 2003? Better late than never I suppose!



Players of the championship?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/brynpalmer/2 ... rna_1.html

What do you reckon?

[Randy Cornhole]

No I mean this year...

EnglandGrandSlamSB.jpg (58.2 KiB) Viewed 383 times

[JimmyGreaves]

England were very lucky as Bridget O'Driscoll (expecting baby) and Grainne D'Arcy (heavy periods) could not play any part for Ireland.

[redzonerocker]

England were very lucky as Bridget O'Driscoll (expecting baby) and Grainne D'Arcy (heavy periods) could not play any part for Ireland.