Menu
Forums
New posts
Search forums
What's new
New posts
Latest activity
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles and first posts only
Search titles only
By:
New posts
Search forums
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Help Support The Rugby Forum :
Forums
Featured
2024 Guinness Six Nations
2016 RBS Six Nations Predictions
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="dullonien" data-source="post: 777539" data-attributes="member: 13739"><p>I'm quite confident that the Wales pack will go well this 6 nations. </p><p></p><p>Gatland has a decision to make at looshead. Jenkins and James are both nearing the end of their careers, so it's whether he sticks for the time being or twist and play the younger Rob Evans/Nicky Smith. I think he'll retain Jenkins and James for the time being, introducing Evans/Smith slowly. Jenkins has been in great form for the Blues this season, with new coach Wilson having a positive impact on his scrummaging (Wilson always improves the scrummaging of the teams he's involved with). So I'm happy to see Jenkins add to his 119 caps, so long as the youngsters get plenty of game time too. James has also been in fine form for the Ospreys....</p><p></p><p>We're pretty settled at hooker, with Baldwin and Owens good quality international players.</p><p></p><p>Lee at tighthead is now fully fit after playing barely half fit in the WC.</p><p></p><p>I think we've easily got the best second row pairing in the championship in AWJ & Charteris. They offer the complete package as a pairing.</p><p></p><p>Our backrow aint too shabby either. I'm not overly worried by Warburton's or Faletau's minor injuries. Both should be fit in advance of the 6 nations, and both have been short term injuries. There's Lydiate and Tipuric to pick from too, both of which are in some of the best form of their careers at the Ospreys. As ever it'll be interesting to see how 4 go into 3, but likelihood is Gatland will continue with Lydiate-Warbs-Faletau with Tips offering impact off the bench. I'd prefer to see Tips starting...</p><p></p><p>It's the backs that are looking less settled, with some injuries in key positions, namely fullback. We'll have a strong halfback & midfield though, and with many of those injured players due back shortly, the backline should improve as the championship develops.</p><p></p><p>This is a difficult 6 nations to predict. A lot will depend on how England and France respond to their new coaches. They could fire from the off, or they could struggle all championship long to adjust. Ireland have a lot to overcome as well, including key injuries, retirements, and shaky form of some key players. Scotland could have a big say in what happens too. I don't see them finishing above 3rd at best, but they could get one or two big wins if they continue to improve on their WC form.</p><p></p><p>At a push, I'd predict the following:</p><p></p><p>Wales. Most settled side, and most of the fit players are in fine form, particularly up front.</p><p>Ireland. Second most settled side, but may struggle in a few of their games.</p><p>England. I think they may start slowly, but should develop during the course of the championship.</p><p>Scotland. I hope they can push on.</p><p>France. Not sure a new coach can get the results straight away. Unlike England who had a fairly settled squad, France were a real mess.</p><p>Italy. A worse team than they have been in recent years. Plus I believe they are missing Parisse.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="dullonien, post: 777539, member: 13739"] I'm quite confident that the Wales pack will go well this 6 nations. Gatland has a decision to make at looshead. Jenkins and James are both nearing the end of their careers, so it's whether he sticks for the time being or twist and play the younger Rob Evans/Nicky Smith. I think he'll retain Jenkins and James for the time being, introducing Evans/Smith slowly. Jenkins has been in great form for the Blues this season, with new coach Wilson having a positive impact on his scrummaging (Wilson always improves the scrummaging of the teams he's involved with). So I'm happy to see Jenkins add to his 119 caps, so long as the youngsters get plenty of game time too. James has also been in fine form for the Ospreys.... We're pretty settled at hooker, with Baldwin and Owens good quality international players. Lee at tighthead is now fully fit after playing barely half fit in the WC. I think we've easily got the best second row pairing in the championship in AWJ & Charteris. They offer the complete package as a pairing. Our backrow aint too shabby either. I'm not overly worried by Warburton's or Faletau's minor injuries. Both should be fit in advance of the 6 nations, and both have been short term injuries. There's Lydiate and Tipuric to pick from too, both of which are in some of the best form of their careers at the Ospreys. As ever it'll be interesting to see how 4 go into 3, but likelihood is Gatland will continue with Lydiate-Warbs-Faletau with Tips offering impact off the bench. I'd prefer to see Tips starting... It's the backs that are looking less settled, with some injuries in key positions, namely fullback. We'll have a strong halfback & midfield though, and with many of those injured players due back shortly, the backline should improve as the championship develops. This is a difficult 6 nations to predict. A lot will depend on how England and France respond to their new coaches. They could fire from the off, or they could struggle all championship long to adjust. Ireland have a lot to overcome as well, including key injuries, retirements, and shaky form of some key players. Scotland could have a big say in what happens too. I don't see them finishing above 3rd at best, but they could get one or two big wins if they continue to improve on their WC form. At a push, I'd predict the following: Wales. Most settled side, and most of the fit players are in fine form, particularly up front. Ireland. Second most settled side, but may struggle in a few of their games. England. I think they may start slowly, but should develop during the course of the championship. Scotland. I hope they can push on. France. Not sure a new coach can get the results straight away. Unlike England who had a fairly settled squad, France were a real mess. Italy. A worse team than they have been in recent years. Plus I believe they are missing Parisse. [/QUOTE]
Verification
Post reply
Forums
Featured
2024 Guinness Six Nations
2016 RBS Six Nations Predictions
Top