6 Nations Rugby

Had the pleasure of being present at Croke Park for the Ireland France match on Saturday. Terrific game of rugby. It looks like Kidney has really unified the team and all the players showed a level of confidence and ambition that was sorely missing in latter years under O’Sullivan. It may be a bit premature to say that Brian O’Driscoll is back to his best but he showed that he’s still a class act on his day. O’Connell led the pack superbly and Heaslip had a stormer off the base of the scrum.

France have been our bogey team for many years now so beating them in the opening match should give Ireland huge momentum. I’m not sure how good a French side that was though clubs have been poor in the Heineken Cup), but their back three in particular looked very dangerous when O’Gara and O’Leary kicked loosely. Chabal and Harinordoquy had big games up front and it would be no surprise to me if the French still have a big say in this years championship. That said I’m mystified as to how they can afford to leave the likes of Ellisalde, Mignoni and Bonnaire out.

I only caught some of the England Italy match in the pub but the general consensus in the media is that it was an awful match. Bergamasco at scrum half was certainly an awful decision and it contributed hugely to the Italians downfall. I’m not sure what to make of England at the moment. I don’t think they’re in as bad a shape as some people are making out but I think Johnson will need to be a bit more ambitious in his selections if they are to put it up to the Welsh at the weekend. The likes of Croft, Crane, Geraghty, Simpson-Daniel and Olly Morgan should be given a go.

Wales are justifiably favourites after their clinical performance in Edinburgh. Scotland were very poor but Wales could only beat what was put in front of them. I just have a feeling with the Welsh though that overconfidence might get the better of them. Their supporters and press seem to be very confident and while Gatland and Edwards will be keeping their feet on the ground, it can be difficult to stop that type of talk from seeping through to the players. Most people seem to have next Saturday’s match chalked up as a Welsh win but England with the likes of Vickery and Sheridan will go for the juggular up front and the front five is probably the weakest sector of the Welsh team. I still think Wales will win but I might back England +9 with Paddy Power.

If I was asked to pick the Championship winner now I’d give a tentative nod to the Welsh. The French match in Paris will be a critical match for them though. Ireland have a great chance with the way the fixtures pan out but I don’t think we represent any value at around the 2/1 mark. It was all doom and gloom over here before Saturday and now suddenly we’re world beaters again. A lot of people seem to think we’re certain to be going to Cardiff on the last weekend with the Grand Slam on the line. The reality is though that if O’Gara was to pick up a knock we’d be completely fecked. England will be coming to Croker looking for revenge for the humiliation they suffered two years ago and I’ve watched too many defeats in Edinburgh to ever be confident about an Irish team travelling to Murrayfield. In contrast though our recent record in Cardiff is excellent and I wouldn’t fear facing Wales but I hope the Irish team don’t start getting ahead of themselves.

Any other Rugby Union fans out there???