Six Nations Predictions, what do you think?
1) France.
The best squad with players at their peak and talent in all areas. Dupont is the best rugby player if his generation and the best scrum half I've ever seen. For me, only South Africa has a better team in world rugby. Also, it's after a Lions tour and they are playing England and Ireland at home.
Their defense being erratic in the Autumn and the historic tendancy to blow it are the things that might give something be else a chance.
2( England
The most improving team and convincingly beat the All Blacks in the Autumn. There is a feel-good factor and lit of squad depth now. They play in Paris on the final game for what may or may not be a grand-,slam decider.
3) Ireland
An aging squad has seen a decline in performances over the past two years. Leinster (who have most of their players( has also had a weak start to the season, despite a recent upturn..Farrel faces a tricky job transitioning young players in whilst still maintaining current levels.. They are still a good team though and are capable of being champions, if neither France or England perform.
4) Scotland.
A talented backline led by Finn Russell and they can beat any team in the tournament on their day. I don't see them as potential champions because they don't have the squad depth or the power in the forwards. However, I think they are capable of one big win.
5) Italy.
Much improved from three years ago and score points now with their talented back three. They are a serious tier one team now but there is still a gap between them and the best.
6) Wales
Sorry Wakes fans , but I can't see signs of improvement yet, based on the Autumn Internationals. A perfect storm of financial crisis within the union, a decline in talent production and poor management decisions has left Welsh Rugby in a sorry state. Their taste is to become competitive again and maybe win one game. The Six Nations needs a competitive Wales team.
Opening round winners:
France, England and (narrowly) Scotland.
The best squad with players at their peak and talent in all areas. Dupont is the best rugby player if his generation and the best scrum half I've ever seen. For me, only South Africa has a better team in world rugby. Also, it's after a Lions tour and they are playing England and Ireland at home.
Their defense being erratic in the Autumn and the historic tendancy to blow it are the things that might give something be else a chance.
2( England
The most improving team and convincingly beat the All Blacks in the Autumn. There is a feel-good factor and lit of squad depth now. They play in Paris on the final game for what may or may not be a grand-,slam decider.
3) Ireland
An aging squad has seen a decline in performances over the past two years. Leinster (who have most of their players( has also had a weak start to the season, despite a recent upturn..Farrel faces a tricky job transitioning young players in whilst still maintaining current levels.. They are still a good team though and are capable of being champions, if neither France or England perform.
4) Scotland.
A talented backline led by Finn Russell and they can beat any team in the tournament on their day. I don't see them as potential champions because they don't have the squad depth or the power in the forwards. However, I think they are capable of one big win.
5) Italy.
Much improved from three years ago and score points now with their talented back three. They are a serious tier one team now but there is still a gap between them and the best.
6) Wales
Sorry Wakes fans , but I can't see signs of improvement yet, based on the Autumn Internationals. A perfect storm of financial crisis within the union, a decline in talent production and poor management decisions has left Welsh Rugby in a sorry state. Their taste is to become competitive again and maybe win one game. The Six Nations needs a competitive Wales team.
Opening round winners:
France, England and (narrowly) Scotland.
41-45, M
