2016 RBS Six Nations Predictions

[LukeFitzgerald]

Most/all the players who will make up the welsh pack have been in fine form since the WC for their regions + we've got a strong halfback and center combo. That alone should put us is a great position. The back 3 is a little iffy here and there, but should do a job if the pack supplies them good ball.

We're in a better position that we were going into the knockout rounds of the WC. Things are calming on the injury front, with the key ones being Lee back to full fitness and Jon Davies back.

Historically we're slow starters, but I think that goes out of the window following WC year, because it hasn't been long since the squad were all together. They should be able to pick up where they left off. I know that's the same for all teams, but other teams don't seem to start as slowly as we do.

Ireland are there for the taking imo, although Sexton's return to form this weekend is worrying from our point of view. If we win that one, i'd back us to go on and win the championship, with a grand slam well and truly on.

Wouldn't agree that Ireland are "there for the taking". We have a very strong front row, world class backrow and a world class half back partnership. We're light in the second row in terms of options available. We'll go into the Wales game with a new centre partnership so Wales will probably try to exploit us there.
Ireland will have a better line out and maul. With Sexton's kicking, he'll put you into difficult line out positions where we'll put serious pressure on your line out.
I'd give our scrum the edge as McGrath and Moore/Furlong/Ross are ridiculously strong scrummagers. I honestly don't know who your options in the front row, whether Samson Lee is back, Paul James is set to start etc etc. We murdered your scrum last year but the incompetent Barnes gave everything to you.
Both Biggar and Halfpenny will punish us with penalties much more than we would considering how flakey Sexton is from the tee.
I'd say the breakdown will be 50/50 considering McGrath, Best, SOB and Heaslip (our guaranteed starters) are all very effective over the ball with Henry and VdF on the bench.
I don't know how our kicking strategy will go considering Wales have world class fielders in Halfpenny and Biggar.

It will be a very close game and can't call who will win but don't think Ireland are as weak as our RWC 1/4r final performance suggests that we are.

 

[munstermuffin]

Wouldn't agree that Ireland are "there for the taking". We have a very strong front row, world class backrow and a world class half back partnership. We're light in the second row in terms of options available. We'll go into the Wales game with a new centre partnership so Wales will probably try to exploit us there.
Ireland will have a better line out and maul. With Sexton's kicking, he'll put you into difficult line out positions where we'll put serious pressure on your line out.
I'd give our scrum the edge as McGrath and Moore/Furlong/Ross are ridiculously strong scrummagers. I honestly don't know who your options in the front row, whether Samson Lee is back, Paul James is set to start etc etc. We murdered your scrum last year but the incompetent Barnes gave everything to you.
Both Biggar and Halfpenny will punish us with penalties much more than we would considering how flakey Sexton is from the tee.
I'd say the breakdown will be 50/50 considering McGrath, Best, SOB and Heaslip (our guaranteed starters) are all very effective over the ball with Henry and VdF on the bench.
I don't know how our kicking strategy will go considering Wales have world class fielders in Halfpenny and Biggar.

It will be a very close game and can't call who will win but don't think Ireland are as weak as our RWC 1/4r final performance suggests that we are.

On this I don't know. I hope we are not there for taking but we will be going in to a game with majority of guys in average or poor form. I don't think we are poor but it's madness to think Ireland have a very strong front row. We are good but depends on what area you analyse. Scrummaging we are decent but regards carrying and darts we aren't as great.
We haven't a world class back row regardless who plays. Regardless of form everyone knows Heaslip isn't as effective as he was years ago. And internationally he isn't a stand out. He may be rated the best 8 in Ireland but there's a difference. Ruddock Stander and Henry aren't world class. There's no point saying that. Sean O'Brien hasn't been at his highest standard in a long time. I don't know how you think our line out is better. We have poor throwers, have lost POC calling and POC as well as POM are huge losses from lineout. Of all the possibilities to come in Ruddock is a good lineout player but not at standard of other 2 in that area. But our back row should be carrying good.
Our maul should be up to scratch.
Our half back are a tough 1. Both are world class but both in **** form. Especially Murray. Maybe they'll improve that in an Irish shirt but there's no guarantee about that.

Wales will be strong scrummaging and I've no doubt they have the better lineout. I worry their back row is more lethal and could hurt us on the ground. Webb has had Murrays number last few times which is a worry too. The way the Welsh backs line out will tell a lot too and it'll say much about their game plan. Gatland too is very cute and will have figured Schmidts percentages game and it'll be interesting to see what we do to alter our game.

 

[dullonien]

Guys, Webb and Halfpenny are injured. Webb is due back end of Feb, Halfpenny not till the end of the season sometime.

Gareth Davies will likely play at 9, and with Liam Williams only due back a week or so before the Ireland game, fullback is up in the air.

I think Wales will be much improved at the scrum. Wilson has improved Jenkins' scrummaging, and Lee is back fit. Ireland could certainly edge that battle though, as I think there they have some fine scrummages in their front row. Not world class, but pretty handy.

I have plenty of faith in Wales' lineout these days. Charteris is a big boost there + we have good jumpers in the back row. I'd back us to edge Ireland in that department.

I will back Wales' back row (whatever combo Gatland goes with), against every 6 nations side. There is so much quality there. Is Heaslip expected to be fit after his clash of heads? Didn't look great coming off the field!

The form of Murray and Sexton (to a lesser extent) must be worrying going up against Davies and Biggar. Biggar had a rare off day with the boot v Leinster, but that won't happen v Ireland. Sexton looked better this weekend, but his form has been woeful post WC for the majority.

The reason I say Ireland are there for the taking is due to the form of many of Irelands' key players. Couple that with retirements and key injuries, and I think that if we can put Ireland under pressure early, and get in front on the scoreboard, Ireland may struggle. This doesn't mean that I think Ireland are especially weak and will roll over, just that if we add everything up, this appears to be one of the better opportunities to go to Ireland and get a result.

It's in the same way that I think the upcoming tour to NZ is probably our best chance of getting a result out there. Retirements, and players leaving for Europe will mean a big reshuffle, and in that sense they will be there for the taking if we can play well enough.

Right, hopefully I've sufficiently dug myself out of that hole

 

[munstermuffin]

Guys, Webb and Halfpenny are injured. Webb is due back end of Feb, Halfpenny not till the end of the season sometime.

Gareth Davies will likely play at 9, and with Liam Williams only due back a week or so before the Ireland game, fullback is up in the air.

I think Wales will be much improved at the scrum. Wilson has improved Jenkins' scrummaging, and Lee is back fit. Ireland could certainly edge that battle though, as I think there they have some fine scrummages in their front row. Not world class, but pretty handy.

I have plenty of faith in Wales' lineout these days. Charteris is a big boost there + we have good jumpers in the back row. I'd back us to edge Ireland in that department.

I will back Wales' back row (whatever combo Gatland goes with), against every 6 nations side. There is so much quality there. Is Heaslip expected to be fit after his clash of heads? Didn't look great coming off the field!

The form of Murray and Sexton (to a lesser extent) must be worrying going up against Davies and Biggar. Biggar had a rare off day with the boot v Leinster, but that won't happen v Ireland. Sexton looked better this weekend, but his form has been woeful post WC for the majority.

The reason I say Ireland are there for the taking is due to the form of many of Irelands' key players. Couple that with retirements and key injuries, and I think that if we can put Ireland under pressure early, and get in front on the scoreboard, Ireland may struggle.

Thought they said on Sky Friday Webb was back in next week or 2. Might have misheard. From what I heard Heaslip will be ok but I'd agree that Wales back row can match anyone on their day and both the locks are in very fine form.

I think Ireland biggest issue this year is we really lack leadership.
Best is only real natural leader. Sexton is a guy who can be brilliant when pressure is on but just as easily gets very knarky. Heaslip has poor record as a captain and I don't think he's a top leader. Rob Kearney is a good speaker but I always thinks it's hard from 15 to do it in 1 sense it allows better vision but it's hard to communicate from their. But worryingly after all the mentioned there is no other leaders.

 

[LukeFitzgerald]

Guys, Webb and Halfpenny are injured. Webb is due back end of Feb, Halfpenny not till the end of the season sometime.

I think Wales will be much improved at the scrum. Wilson has improved Jenkins' scrummaging, and Lee is back fit. Ireland could certainly edge that battle though, as I think there they have some fine scrummages in their front row. Not world class, but pretty handy.

I have plenty of faith in Wales' lineout these days. Charteris is a big boost there + we have good jumpers in the back row. I'd back us to edge Ireland in that department.

I will back Wales' back row (whatever combo Gatland goes with), against every 6 nations side. There is so much quality there. Is Heaslip expected to be fit after his clash of heads? Didn't look great coming off the field!

The form of Murray and Sexton (to a lesser extent) must be worrying going up against Davies and Biggar. Biggar had a rare off day with the boot v Leinster, but that won't happen v Ireland. Sexton looked better this weekend, but his form has been woeful post WC for the majority.

The reason I say Ireland are there for the taking is due to the form of many of Irelands' key players. Couple that with retirements and key injuries, and I think that if we can put Ireland under pressure early, and get in front on the scoreboard, Ireland may struggle. This doesn't mean that I think Ireland are especially weak and will roll over, just that if we add everything up, this appears to be one of the better opportunities to go to Ireland and get a result.

Yeah I thought I heard Webb was fine and just assumed Halfpenny was back.

I honestly don't know much about Wilson so I can't comment on how good he is. However, we took your scrum to the cleaners last year, where we had Ross playing with Moore out injured. If we go with Ross, I think we could be in trouble. Best is a great scrummager and hooker of the ball also. Heaslip has ridiculously good control of the ball at the back of the scrum.

The loss of O'Mahony will certainly give Wales a massive boost considering how dangerous he is at defending line outs.

Disagree that the Welsh backrow will take out the Irish. We have serious options with Henry, Ruddock and Stander to fight for the remaining spot as SOB and Heaslip are nailed on (yes Heaslip will be back in time). Ruddock is a serious unit and an explosive, dynamic carrier. I don't think either backrow will dominate the other.

Sexton has been playing well over the last few weeks but I agree, his post RWC form was pretty pathetic. He was in great form on Friday (one horrible offload aside). Completely outshone Biggar in every aspect of play. Murray is harder to judge considering the lack of quality he is playing alongside and the management who are coaching him. He was decent enough against Stade, however.

Post RWC, the only players who have been quite poor were Sexton (up until a few weeks ago), Henshaw (who has been injured but has played really well), Earls (who shouldn't start), D. Kearney (for the first few games when he came back, he's been very good recently) and Rob Kearney (bar the last few weeks).

I think Wales have a good chance to win if they start well, but I doubt there'll be more than a score between the teams.

 

[dullonien]

Thought they said on Sky Friday Webb was back in next week or 2. Might have misheard. From what I heard Heaslip will be ok but I'd agree that Wales back row can match anyone on their day and both the locks are in very fine form.

Webb deff won't be available till late Feb. He was hoping to be back earlier, and said that to Scrum V last week, but it appears he was being overly optimistic. Even if he was, I'd have still expected Davies to start. Webb wouldn't be match fit.

AWJ and Charteris have been in blistering form from what I've seen. I rate both very highly. Charteris is often overlooked, but he's close to a perfect lock when he's not injured. His size is such a big asset, both his height in the lineout, and his weight in the scrum. His size doesn't affect his mobility either, as his workrate is great, both in defence and offering himself as a ball carrier. He's one of the top defenders of mauls out there as well, which is a nice bonus.

His performance against Ireland last year was nothing short of exceptional.

I honestly don't know much about Wilson so I can't comment on how good he is.

Sorry, that's my fault for confusing things. Wilson is Cardiff Blues mew head coach. He's renowned for his scrum coaching, improving just about every team's scrum he's been a part of. He was coach of Wales U20 when they beat the baby blacks, destroying their scrum in the process. He helped out with the Scarlets early last year (or was it year before?), and improved their scrum to be one of the best in the League. It's slipped since though!

Cardiff Blues scrum has been much improved this season too, with Jenkins looking far more powerful in that department than he has done for the last few years. That's what my comment was aluding to.

We've got a few options at looshead, Jenkins, James, Rob Evans & Nicky Smith. I expect Jenkins to start though.

 

[valley commando]

Just reading their and interestingly Ireland's Sunday games record is desperate. But what are the Welsh looking like. Gatland very quiet.

Talk from inside the Welsh camp are that the squad they start the 6N with will be stronger than the WC squad.

 

[AzaMatt]

Talk from inside the Welsh camp are that the squad they start the 6N with will be stronger than the WC squad.

i can see how thats true. lee is much more match fit and almost back to his best, Charteris has been outstanding for racing metro. we've got jon davies back and he's playing well for clermont as well.

the only drop in quality i can think of will be the loss of scott williams, he was outstanding in the WC

 

[valley commando]

i can see how thats true. lee is much more match fit and almost back to his best, Charteris has been outstanding for racing metro. we've got jon davies back and he's playing well for clermont as well.

the only drop in quality i can think of will be the loss of scott williams, he was outstanding in the WC

Yes he was outstanding but Johny Fox is back and playing well at Clermont and Cory Allen's also fit and playing well.

 

[AzaMatt]

Yes he was outstanding but Johny Fox is back and playing well at Clermont and Cory Allen's also fit and playing well.

yea cory allen has been playing well too. i dont understand why he never looks pleased with anything though. if you watch any clips of him scoring a tries etc he just is a robot

 

[valley commando]

yea cory allen has been playing well too. i dont understand why he never looks pleased with anything though. if you watch any clips of him scoring a tries etc he just is a robot

Perhaps he's married

 

[AzaMatt]

Perhaps he's married

that would explain it haha

 

[valley commando]

Hallam Amos, Gareth Anscombe and Sam warburton all back from injury.

 

[AzaMatt]

Hallam Amos, Gareth Anscombe and Sam warburton all back from injury.

great news for us, just hope they are not rushing them back too soon. Amos apparently has 1 more fitness test to go through, Anscombe should be available this weekend and Warby the following weekend. just waiting on news of liam williams now

(edited) also Lydiate is currently injured, hopefully thats not a significant knock though

 

[iINDOMINUSxx]

My predictions

1. Ireland
2. England
3. Wales
4. Scotland
5. France
6. Italy

 

[Thingimubob]

Yes he was outstanding but Johny Fox is back and playing well at Clermont and Cory Allen's also fit and playing well.

He's been good in the game and a half he's had so far, but definitely needs a few more before being considered back on form. Nice finish and all vs the Scarlets, but that was all made by Lee-Lo!

Still don't think he's quite hit his potential - I actually thought he was quite poor vs Uruguay, his passing and handling weren't great and he made a lot of unforced errors. Him scoring the hat-trick glossed over all that a bit.

Hallam Amos, Gareth Anscombe and Sam warburton all back from injury.

Good stuff! Amos and Anscombe need game time asap, as I imagine one of those will slot into 15 vs Ireland! I'd lean towards Anscombe as he looked very promising there vs South Africa.

Amos could be in line for one of the wing spots too - praying Cuthbert isn't there, so should hopefully be a fight between Amos, Walker and Dirksen.

 

[AlynDavies]

Wales and Ireland is always the same, a bounce of the ball, a referees decision, a mistake is normally the difference.
I'd make Ireland favorites simply because Wales always start badly and finish strongly. The Welsh players normally have to be terrified of failure and for the Welsh public to start getting angry with them before they pull their finger out and start trying.
As usual I don't think there is going to much between Wales, Ireland, France and England.

I've no idea what to make of England with Eddie Jones in charge, Eddie Jones never seems to have his teams playing at the correct level for their talent, their either terrible or over achieving in spectacular fashion. I do think Eddie jones is going to want to have some retribution against Wales, he got a little when Japan beat the Welsh third team during the last Lions tour. but I don't think he'll ever forgive us for getting him the sack when Wales beat Australia last time.

I'm not holding out ANY hope for Scotland, despite all the talk about improvements etc... bottom line is Scotland haven't actually beaten ANY of the old 5 Nations, or the old Tri nations, since their 12-8 win over Ireland on the 24th February 2013! No shame in not beating South Africa, New Zealand or Australia, but to not beat Wales, Ireland, France or England for three years is bloody awful! Basically all their success has been against Italy, USA, Canada and Japan who they always try to play regularly. Wales have actually won 12 of their last 13 against them, with the only loss being when Gareth Jenkins was coach!

Wales haven't lost anyone of note since the World Cup to retirements, truth be told we probably increased our strength in depth during the World Cup. Put bluntly we should beat France, Scotland and Italy all at home, and it's not beyond the possibility that our experienced squad could take out England (again) at Twickenham, especially with an inexperienced team, and new coaching set up. Wales have a terrible attitude problem, and seem to look stale and bored at times, then basically Gatland has to threaten them that if they don't buck up they won't play for Wales again, then suddenly we look dangerous and determined. Hopefully Wales can skip the lazy part this season.

France, I don't think it's going to work out for them this year. To me, putting Guy Noves in charge of France is a bit like putting Alex Ferguson in charge of the Scotland football team. Noves built Toulouse around him to the last detail, he won't be able to do that with France. He was coach of Toulouse from 1993, to 2015 and had a magnificent career, coaching some of the best players on the planet, however i think only 4 of his squad are from his old club team and I can't see the new players simply accepting him as France's savior. All of the previous French coaches in recent memory have been former internationals, with massive prestige in the French game and none of them have inspired these lazy, untalented, disinterested French players.

Ireland have been to good for too long, I hope to god they start to tail off a little! They lose Ronan O'Gara and Sexton appears. I'm hoping losing Paul O'Connell leaves a massive gap, but someone will step up. It's going to be an interesting year for them.

 

[FrenchFan]

France, I don't think it's going to work out for them this year. To me, putting Guy Noves in charge of France is a bit like putting Alex Ferguson in charge of the Scotland football team. Noves built Toulouse around him to the last detail, he won't be able to do that with France. He was coach of Toulouse from 1993, to 2015 and had a magnificent career, coaching some of the best players on the planet, however i think only 4 of his squad are from his old club team and I can't see the new players simply accepting him as France's savior. All of the previous French coaches in recent memory have been former internationals, with massive prestige in the French game and none of them have inspired these lazy, untalented, disinterested French players.

Agree with all of it :bravo:
This is a pre-retirement gig for Noves. He is not coming in to save les Bleus. The medias are delusional. The union will typically hide behind his appointment. Their timing is atrocious as usual. It was too early for Lievremont. It's too late for Noves.
His job will be to pick a group of vaguely interested players who might occasionally drop in on their way back from work to put in an appearance for the cockerel.

 

[Hendo74]

Hoping Anscombe gets the nod at 15 - agree that he looked very promising against SA. Also looks to have a good boot on him when it comes to spot kicks (if needed).

 

[valley commando]

He's been good in the game and a half he's had so far, but definitely needs a few more before being considered back on form. Nice finish and all vs the Scarlets, but that was all made by Lee-Lo!

Still don't think he's quite hit his potential - I actually thought he was quite poor vs Uruguay, his passing and handling weren't great and he made a lot of unforced errors. Him scoring the hat-trick glossed over all that a bit.



Good stuff! Amos and Anscombe need game time asap, as I imagine one of those will slot into 15 vs Ireland! I'd lean towards Anscombe as he looked very promising there vs South Africa.

Amos could be in line for one of the wing spots too - praying Cuthbert isn't there, so should hopefully be a fight between Amos, Walker and Dirksen.

Yes agree Anscombe if fit and firing should get the 15 jersey, if Walker stays fit and this seems to be one of his longer periods of fitness I'd go with him on one wing, although I don't think we'd loose much if either Amos or Dirksen got the nod, it does look like we have developed strength in depth in certain positions and the way Gats slots a player in every now and again is commendable, admittedly some selections are forced by injury.