2012 6 Nations
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qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Huge boost for Wales with Roberts and Priestland fit.
WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Rhys Priestland, Michael Phillips; Rhys Gill, Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Ryan Jones, Sam Warburton (C), Toby Faletau.
Replacements: Ken Owens, Paul James, Andy Powell, Justin Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams
WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Rhys Priestland, Michael Phillips; Rhys Gill, Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Ryan Jones, Sam Warburton (C), Toby Faletau.
Replacements: Ken Owens, Paul James, Andy Powell, Justin Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams
Bardon
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Here's the Italian team to play France:
Italy : 15-Andrea Masi, 14-Giovanbattista Venditti, 13-Tommaso Benvenuti, 12-Alberto Sgarbi, 11-Luke Mclean, 10-Kris Burton, 9-Edoardo Gori; 1-Andrew Lo Cicero, 2-Leonardo Ghiraldini, 3-Martin Castrogiovanni, 4-Cornelius Van Zyl, 5-Quintin Geldenhuys, 6-Alessandro Zanni, 7-Robert Barbieri, 8-Sergio Parisse.
Replacements: 16-Tommaso D'Apice, 17-Lorenzo Cittadini, 18-Marco Bortolami, 19-Simone Favaro, 20-Fabio Semenzato, 21-Tobias Botes, 22-Gonzalo Canale.
Italy : 15-Andrea Masi, 14-Giovanbattista Venditti, 13-Tommaso Benvenuti, 12-Alberto Sgarbi, 11-Luke Mclean, 10-Kris Burton, 9-Edoardo Gori; 1-Andrew Lo Cicero, 2-Leonardo Ghiraldini, 3-Martin Castrogiovanni, 4-Cornelius Van Zyl, 5-Quintin Geldenhuys, 6-Alessandro Zanni, 7-Robert Barbieri, 8-Sergio Parisse.
Replacements: 16-Tommaso D'Apice, 17-Lorenzo Cittadini, 18-Marco Bortolami, 19-Simone Favaro, 20-Fabio Semenzato, 21-Tobias Botes, 22-Gonzalo Canale.
Bardon
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Interesting Read: The BBC pundit's predictions for the 6Ns
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16824077
The RBS Six Nations Championship - the showpiece international tournament in European rugby - resumes this weekend. France and Italy open proceedings in Paris on Saturday (1430 GMT), before Scotland tackle England at Murrayfield (1700). Ireland and Wales then open their campaigns in Dublin (1500) on Sunday.
We asked four of the BBC's expert team of analysts - former England centre Jeremy Guscott (JG), former Scotland scrum-half Andy Nicol (AN), former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies (JD) and former Ireland hooker Keith Wood (KW) - for their predictions.
Who will win the Six Nations, and why? Will it be a Grand Slam?
JG: My tip for the Six Nations is Ireland. I don't think they will win a Grand Slam, although it could be possible. The Irish provincial teams are playing so well at the moment and I believe they will carry that form into the tournament.
AN: France because they have, by some distance, the most quality to pick from. They have the strongest squad but this caused the previous coach some headaches and resulted in some weird selections. New boss Philippe Saint-Andre will not make the same mistakes and will select a strong and sensible side for every game.
Any side that can get to a World Cup final and nearly win it when playing so poorly is going to be a major contender in the Six Nations. Also, the fixtures work well for them - they have England and Ireland in Paris. Tough trips to Cardiff and Edinburgh mean that they will win the Six Nations but not with a Grand Slam.
JD: I have a funny feeling it will be France. They have strength in depth, they have a new coach, they didn't play well at the World Cup despite reaching the final, they played well within themselves. I think there is a lot more to come from them, especially with Philippe Saint-Andre taking over. If he can get any kind of team spirit going, they will get better.
They have Ireland and England at home, although they have to travel to Edinburgh and Cardiff, and they don't like going there. Overall I think they just have the edge but apart from Italy, who I don't think have the proper balance between forwards and backs yet, any of the rest could win it if they get a good start. Maybe there won't be a Grand Slam this year because it is so competitive, but it's going to be an interesting Six Nations.
KW: France, with their playing staff, should nearly always be favourites. But I don't think it will be a Grand Slam.
What are your expectations for your home country, and what would success look like?
JG: England will have internal expectations, to play well and get better each game, but externally I don't believe there are any expectations because it will be a very new team. Expectations will come into play after their first outing. Without seeing them play, fourth or fifth would be my prediction.
AN: I am quietly confident about Scotland, but I have been for the last few years with little success. Andy Robinson has a very settled squad to pick from this year and the Scottish based players are buzzing after Edinburgh making the Heineken quarter-finals and Glasgow going well in the Pro 12. Success is Scotland winning three games and I think they will achieve that but they will need to score tries, something they have not been great at for a few years.
JD: Expectations are very high after the World Cup but I think they were brought down to earth a bit with the Australia game (a 24-18 defeat) in December. If Wales can get their set-piece right, they have got a good chance but that is crucial. That is what gives them the platform to go forward and bring their ball-carriers into the game.
There is a lot of composure with Sam Warburton and Rhys Priestland, but they have to manage expectations and only focus on the first game. If they can win in Dublin, they have three home games ahead of them, and the title could be on the line in the last game against France, even if going to Twickenham is tough.
KW: I expect Ireland to be in the shake-up at the end, when they go to Twickenham on the final day. Even though they play France in Paris as well, with three home games, I would anticipate them finishing in the top two.
What are your general expectations about the type of rugby we can expect to see?
JG: The Six Nations is unique and the envy of global rugby in terms of audience, supporters, commercialism. It's not always a rugby spectacle in terms of skill but in terms of emotion, passion, highs and lows it can't be beaten.
AN: I am hopeful of good rugby in the Six Nations but sometimes the desire to win matches prevent them from being high quality. In saying that, every game in the Six Nations is usually hugely exciting and I would expect more of the same this year because there is not much between all of the teams. Most matches will be tight and my hope is that these tight matches are decided by a moment of magic rather than a mistake or a dubious decision by a referee.
JD: I am hoping for a more attacking Six Nations this year. I think England will try to be a bit more expansive under Stuart Lancaster, Ireland's players are going into it with good form from their provinces, with Leinster in particularly playing attractive rugby. I think Scotland just need to win, and get into the habit of winning. Hopefully they will be a bit more attacking rather than just going through the phases and taking points with a drop-goal.
I think France will be a lot better than the World Cup and play more attacking rugby, which Wales are already with the vision of players like Rhys Priestland. Italy have got to play more like Treviso than the way the national team traditionally plays. You just can't be so forward-orientated and expect to win games these days. The key thing for all countries will be generating quick ball. If sides can do that, then we will see more attacking rugby.
KW: I'd expect a bit more open style of rugby with three new coaches [England, France and Italy] trying to impose their influence on their respective countries. Plus it's the start of a new four-year cycle leading to the next World Cup, so hopefully teams will be more willing to try things.
Who is your tip for player of the tournament?
JG: The Six Nations has a number of stars - Sam Warburton, Thierry Dusautoir, Richie Gray, Sergio Parisse, Chris Ashton and Jonny Sexton will all shine.
AN: I think some of the usual suspects will be prominent this year. I would expect to see big performances from the likes of Paul O'Connell, Mike Phillips, Thierry Dusautoir, Sergio Parisse, Ben Youngs and Ross Ford, but I get the feeling someone like Stephen Ferris from Ireland might stand out. He has been brilliant for Ulster and his power and physicality could make him stand out from the rest.
JD: It is different this year with no Brian O'Driscoll and no Shane Williams. If he brings his Leinster form into the Six Nations, it could be Ireland fly-half Jonny Sexton. Flanker Stephen Ferris is another possibility given his form for Ulster, while Wales number eight Toby Faletau is an unbelievable talent.
KW: Wales captain Sam Warburton.
Which new face do you expect to emerge and make their mark?
JG: One to look out for is centre Wesley Fofana, who will make his France debut on the first weekend against Italy.
AN: David Denton is winning his first cap for Scotland and is a big, physical back- rower who looks made for international rugby. I hope we see the young Glasgow stand-off Duncan Weir get a run out for Scotland at some stage because I have a feeling he could cope at this stage in his career, and I also expect Owen Farrell to make a name for himself. Genes, obviously, play a part in this but he looks like he will easily be able to operate in the rarified atmosphere of Six Nations rugby.
JD: Centre Wesley Fofana is playing well and seems to be the only new face coming into the French team. I think England will also put a lot of onus on Owen Farrell. I think he is going to be playing in a "second five-eighth" role as the New Zealanders call it, basically playing as a second stand-off.
KW: Ireland flanker Peter O'Mahony was only a late call-up into the senior squad and is on the bench for the opening game with Wales. He has his work cut out with the strength Ireland have in the back row, but he's impressed for Munster.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16824077
The RBS Six Nations Championship - the showpiece international tournament in European rugby - resumes this weekend. France and Italy open proceedings in Paris on Saturday (1430 GMT), before Scotland tackle England at Murrayfield (1700). Ireland and Wales then open their campaigns in Dublin (1500) on Sunday.
We asked four of the BBC's expert team of analysts - former England centre Jeremy Guscott (JG), former Scotland scrum-half Andy Nicol (AN), former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies (JD) and former Ireland hooker Keith Wood (KW) - for their predictions.
Who will win the Six Nations, and why? Will it be a Grand Slam?
JG: My tip for the Six Nations is Ireland. I don't think they will win a Grand Slam, although it could be possible. The Irish provincial teams are playing so well at the moment and I believe they will carry that form into the tournament.
AN: France because they have, by some distance, the most quality to pick from. They have the strongest squad but this caused the previous coach some headaches and resulted in some weird selections. New boss Philippe Saint-Andre will not make the same mistakes and will select a strong and sensible side for every game.
Any side that can get to a World Cup final and nearly win it when playing so poorly is going to be a major contender in the Six Nations. Also, the fixtures work well for them - they have England and Ireland in Paris. Tough trips to Cardiff and Edinburgh mean that they will win the Six Nations but not with a Grand Slam.
JD: I have a funny feeling it will be France. They have strength in depth, they have a new coach, they didn't play well at the World Cup despite reaching the final, they played well within themselves. I think there is a lot more to come from them, especially with Philippe Saint-Andre taking over. If he can get any kind of team spirit going, they will get better.
They have Ireland and England at home, although they have to travel to Edinburgh and Cardiff, and they don't like going there. Overall I think they just have the edge but apart from Italy, who I don't think have the proper balance between forwards and backs yet, any of the rest could win it if they get a good start. Maybe there won't be a Grand Slam this year because it is so competitive, but it's going to be an interesting Six Nations.
KW: France, with their playing staff, should nearly always be favourites. But I don't think it will be a Grand Slam.
What are your expectations for your home country, and what would success look like?
JG: England will have internal expectations, to play well and get better each game, but externally I don't believe there are any expectations because it will be a very new team. Expectations will come into play after their first outing. Without seeing them play, fourth or fifth would be my prediction.
AN: I am quietly confident about Scotland, but I have been for the last few years with little success. Andy Robinson has a very settled squad to pick from this year and the Scottish based players are buzzing after Edinburgh making the Heineken quarter-finals and Glasgow going well in the Pro 12. Success is Scotland winning three games and I think they will achieve that but they will need to score tries, something they have not been great at for a few years.
JD: Expectations are very high after the World Cup but I think they were brought down to earth a bit with the Australia game (a 24-18 defeat) in December. If Wales can get their set-piece right, they have got a good chance but that is crucial. That is what gives them the platform to go forward and bring their ball-carriers into the game.
There is a lot of composure with Sam Warburton and Rhys Priestland, but they have to manage expectations and only focus on the first game. If they can win in Dublin, they have three home games ahead of them, and the title could be on the line in the last game against France, even if going to Twickenham is tough.
KW: I expect Ireland to be in the shake-up at the end, when they go to Twickenham on the final day. Even though they play France in Paris as well, with three home games, I would anticipate them finishing in the top two.
What are your general expectations about the type of rugby we can expect to see?
JG: The Six Nations is unique and the envy of global rugby in terms of audience, supporters, commercialism. It's not always a rugby spectacle in terms of skill but in terms of emotion, passion, highs and lows it can't be beaten.
AN: I am hopeful of good rugby in the Six Nations but sometimes the desire to win matches prevent them from being high quality. In saying that, every game in the Six Nations is usually hugely exciting and I would expect more of the same this year because there is not much between all of the teams. Most matches will be tight and my hope is that these tight matches are decided by a moment of magic rather than a mistake or a dubious decision by a referee.
JD: I am hoping for a more attacking Six Nations this year. I think England will try to be a bit more expansive under Stuart Lancaster, Ireland's players are going into it with good form from their provinces, with Leinster in particularly playing attractive rugby. I think Scotland just need to win, and get into the habit of winning. Hopefully they will be a bit more attacking rather than just going through the phases and taking points with a drop-goal.
I think France will be a lot better than the World Cup and play more attacking rugby, which Wales are already with the vision of players like Rhys Priestland. Italy have got to play more like Treviso than the way the national team traditionally plays. You just can't be so forward-orientated and expect to win games these days. The key thing for all countries will be generating quick ball. If sides can do that, then we will see more attacking rugby.
KW: I'd expect a bit more open style of rugby with three new coaches [England, France and Italy] trying to impose their influence on their respective countries. Plus it's the start of a new four-year cycle leading to the next World Cup, so hopefully teams will be more willing to try things.
Who is your tip for player of the tournament?
JG: The Six Nations has a number of stars - Sam Warburton, Thierry Dusautoir, Richie Gray, Sergio Parisse, Chris Ashton and Jonny Sexton will all shine.
AN: I think some of the usual suspects will be prominent this year. I would expect to see big performances from the likes of Paul O'Connell, Mike Phillips, Thierry Dusautoir, Sergio Parisse, Ben Youngs and Ross Ford, but I get the feeling someone like Stephen Ferris from Ireland might stand out. He has been brilliant for Ulster and his power and physicality could make him stand out from the rest.
JD: It is different this year with no Brian O'Driscoll and no Shane Williams. If he brings his Leinster form into the Six Nations, it could be Ireland fly-half Jonny Sexton. Flanker Stephen Ferris is another possibility given his form for Ulster, while Wales number eight Toby Faletau is an unbelievable talent.
KW: Wales captain Sam Warburton.
Which new face do you expect to emerge and make their mark?
JG: One to look out for is centre Wesley Fofana, who will make his France debut on the first weekend against Italy.
AN: David Denton is winning his first cap for Scotland and is a big, physical back- rower who looks made for international rugby. I hope we see the young Glasgow stand-off Duncan Weir get a run out for Scotland at some stage because I have a feeling he could cope at this stage in his career, and I also expect Owen Farrell to make a name for himself. Genes, obviously, play a part in this but he looks like he will easily be able to operate in the rarified atmosphere of Six Nations rugby.
JD: Centre Wesley Fofana is playing well and seems to be the only new face coming into the French team. I think England will also put a lot of onus on Owen Farrell. I think he is going to be playing in a "second five-eighth" role as the New Zealanders call it, basically playing as a second stand-off.
KW: Ireland flanker Peter O'Mahony was only a late call-up into the senior squad and is on the bench for the opening game with Wales. He has his work cut out with the strength Ireland have in the back row, but he's impressed for Munster.
D
daz
Guest
Cheers Bardon, thanks for the link.
Under 6 hours to go until the start of a fantastic tournament. Very SH viewer unfriendly though, so I will be a walking mess for the next few weekends...
Under 6 hours to go until the start of a fantastic tournament. Very SH viewer unfriendly though, so I will be a walking mess for the next few weekends...
Set piece magic
John Solomon (38)
Who should I go for in the six nations? by decent I am 8/16 irish, 7/16 english and 1/16 scottish.
I'm going for Scotland at Murrayfield tonight though
I think in terms of international posters from 6N here we have a majority from Ireland?
I'm going for Scotland at Murrayfield tonight though
I think in terms of international posters from 6N here we have a majority from Ireland?
Set piece magic
John Solomon (38)
Strong start by Italy here in FRA V ITA, with some great execution and nearly scoring a try. just as I say this however France try 21'c. Let's see if they can hit back
Swat
Chilla Wilson (44)
Do you feel internally conflicted? I'd say you should go for Ireland because it's clearly the dominant blood (8/16 = 1/2)
Bruwheresmycar
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
Never knew Matt Burke was ESPN's expert rugby commentator
Bardon
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Yes it was a much better game than France v Italy. As soon as things because even slightly unstructured Italy had no scramble defence whatsoever.
I thought TMO was going to award the try to Scotland. But they had other chances to score and messed them up. Same old same old from Scotland really but as you say Denton was impressive.
I thought TMO was going to award the try to Scotland. But they had other chances to score and messed them up. Same old same old from Scotland really but as you say Denton was impressive.
qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
I cannot understand why the try was not given. It was clear the Scotland player got a hand to the ball because the ball's momentum changed, it stopped rotating for a moment as it hit the ground, there was no seeable gab either. Clear try...
That said Scotland did have their chances, Ross Renie absolutely butchering one for starters. There were a few of the Scottish forwards that had top games along with Denton, Ford and Gray were everywhere. I'm still amazed at Richie Gray, how does someone have such athleticism and workrate for someone so big and tall? Lineout guru as well.
Dan Parks has to go, Laidlaw used the backline much more effectively.
I think the Lions will spank us next year, so much young talent to chose from at the moment.
That said Scotland did have their chances, Ross Renie absolutely butchering one for starters. There were a few of the Scottish forwards that had top games along with Denton, Ford and Gray were everywhere. I'm still amazed at Richie Gray, how does someone have such athleticism and workrate for someone so big and tall? Lineout guru as well.
Dan Parks has to go, Laidlaw used the backline much more effectively.
I think the Lions will spank us next year, so much young talent to chose from at the moment.
Blue
Andrew Slack (58)
Surprised at the optimism by the couple of posters here.
England and Scotland need to come up with something or they will get reamed by the French.
Nothing has changed for either team has it? Same poor skills, terrible decision making and total predictability. The word "angle" seems to have been erased from the English back line dictionary. Would have through England would have tried to play some rugby but I guess with Charlie at 10 that was never going to happen. I though the England team sheet looked underwhelming and their performance was just that. Their back row is totally unbalanced. Three guys who do more or less the same things. Warburton and O'brien will skin them alive.
Long way to go for England. Scotland is just what hey have always been. Tough to break down but totally unimaginative. Dan Parks. Dear God.
Qwerty I agree about the Lions but those exciting players for the most part will come from Ireland and Wales.
Having said all that, the Poms will be a different team with Flood at 10.
England and Scotland need to come up with something or they will get reamed by the French.
Nothing has changed for either team has it? Same poor skills, terrible decision making and total predictability. The word "angle" seems to have been erased from the English back line dictionary. Would have through England would have tried to play some rugby but I guess with Charlie at 10 that was never going to happen. I though the England team sheet looked underwhelming and their performance was just that. Their back row is totally unbalanced. Three guys who do more or less the same things. Warburton and O'brien will skin them alive.
Long way to go for England. Scotland is just what hey have always been. Tough to break down but totally unimaginative. Dan Parks. Dear God.
Qwerty I agree about the Lions but those exciting players for the most part will come from Ireland and Wales.
Having said all that, the Poms will be a different team with Flood at 10.
Highlights at Foxsports
http://www.foxsports.com.au/Rugby/s...262910426?subcat=1225914702672&site=FoxSports
http://www.foxsports.com.au/Rugby/s...262910426?subcat=1225914702672&site=FoxSports
Bardon
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Nice analysis of the two back rows for tomorrow's game from Martyn Williams
Ireland's Six Nations clash with Wales on Sunday is not short of interesting sub-plots and storylines.
But even 16 months out from the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, the back-row battle is ripe with intrigue.
Ireland duo Jamie Heaslip and Stephen Ferris have already played for the Lions, in South Africa in 2009, while team-mate Sean O'Brien and Wales opponents Sam Warburton and Toby Faletau (plus the injured Dan Lydiate) are also strong contenders - fitness and form permitting - to feature on the next trip down under.
"If you were picking a Lions squad tomorrow, you would be hard pushed to leave out any of them; they are all phenomenal players," says former Wales and Lions flanker Martyn Williams, who won the last of his 99 Wales caps last August.
Williams has played alongside or against (and in some cases both) all of the back-rowers whose contest at Dublin's Aviva Stadium will go a long way to deciding the outcome. The Welsh legend gives us his lowdown on the individuals involved.
Wales successfully negated the threat of Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris in their World Cup quarter-final. Photo: Getty
BLIND-SIDE FLANKER
IRELAND - STEPHEN FERRIS (AGE 26, 6ft 4in, 17st 8lb, CAPS 30, including 9 in 6N): He is an absolute beast. I got to know him on the Lions trip to South Africa (in 2009) and he would definitely have started in the Tests if he hadn't got injured. He has been unlucky with injuries but the way he plays, he is going to pick them up - he only knows one way. He is as hard as nails and so dynamic, and has been in outstanding form for Ulster. Even when Ulster were not as strong as they are now, he still stood out.
WALES - RYAN JONES (AGE 30, 6ft 5in, 17st 13lb, CAPS 58 - 27 in 6N): Dan Lydiate has become integral to Wales in the last 18 months with his graft and hard work, and when you do a de-brief on a Monday morning and his stats come up, you realise what a huge cog he is in the team. As much as he will be missed, this is one position where we have good strength in depth. Ryan is similar to Dan; his work-rate is phenomenal - his tackling, his carrying. He is a natural leader and one of the most experienced guys now Shane [Williams] has gone. He showed with a man-of-the-match display in the World Cup third/fourth place play-off what he still has to offer. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he is a huge part of the squad, helping the younger guys.
OPEN-SIDE FLANKER
IRELAND - SEAN O'BRIEN (AGE 24, 6ft 2in, 16st, 13lb CAPS 15 - 6 in 6N): Sean exploded on to the scene last season but I remember playing against him a few times when he was a young kid and thinking 'This lad is a handful'. His ball-carrying is second to none - he always offers himself and constantly gets over the gain line, he is an absolute handful. I think his preferred position is six, where he gets more freedom and is more effective as a carrier, rather than having to hit so many rucks and clear-outs. If you are not on the front foot as a seven, it is more difficult to get your hands on the ball. Ferris and O'Brien both excel at six but can equally play at seven and I suspect they will play 'left and right'.
WALES - SAM WARBURTON (AGE 23, 6ft 2in, 16st 3lb, CAPS 24 - 8 in 6N): He is absolutely world-class. Him and Dan [Lydiate] are two of the real modern-day pros -so professional on and off the field, and they are reaping the rewards. They analyse games so well. Sam maybe surprised a few people outside the UK at the World Cup but he didn't surprise me. He was outstanding but he has been doing that for a while, and has been brilliant for the Blues since he came back, particularly in the big European games. He has got the nod as captain again which is great for him. He leads by example and has an old head on young shoulders. He is very mature, very well spoken, and is totally comfortable with everything that goes with the job. What works in Warby's favour is that he is quite laid-back, and like with all great players, it doesn't matter what age you are, just the way he plays is good enough.
NUMBER EIGHT
IRELAND - JAMIE HEASLIP (AGE 28, 6ft 3in, 17st 1lb, CAPS 43 - 19 in 6N): I think he is world class. With Sergio Parisse and Imanol Harinordoquy, as well as Toby [Faletau], you have four of the best number eights in the world in the tournament. Jamie is right up there - his work in the contact area, turning ball over, his line-out work, is all top drawer. The thing that amazes me is he always seems to play - you very rarely see him have a week off, he always fronts up, his durability is awesome. I think he is the heartbeat of the Leinster and Ireland teams. He gives them go-forward, he is very vocal and plays a massive role pulling them together as a back row. The bigger the occasion, the better he plays, which is always a sign of a good player.
WALES - TOBY FALETAU (AGE 21, 6ft 2in, 17st, CAPS 11 - 0 in 6N): He is phenomenal, particularly when you take into account that his first major tournament was the World Cup. For me he is the most naturally gifted rugby player I have ever played with. A lot of the time you get great athletes who are not perhaps the most natural rugby players, and vice-versa. But he has got the whole package. Everything comes so easily to him. He worked really hard with the conditioning coaches after he first came into the Wales set-up last summer, and has just been unbelievable since. When you see him playing in a sometimes struggling Dragons side, you can imagine what he would do in one of the top teams. But he is the sort of player you can build a franchise around, he is that good. He is very quiet, but he just loves the game of rugby, he loves training, and he has been in outstanding form since the World Cup.
Ireland's Six Nations clash with Wales on Sunday is not short of interesting sub-plots and storylines.
But even 16 months out from the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, the back-row battle is ripe with intrigue.
Ireland duo Jamie Heaslip and Stephen Ferris have already played for the Lions, in South Africa in 2009, while team-mate Sean O'Brien and Wales opponents Sam Warburton and Toby Faletau (plus the injured Dan Lydiate) are also strong contenders - fitness and form permitting - to feature on the next trip down under.
"If you were picking a Lions squad tomorrow, you would be hard pushed to leave out any of them; they are all phenomenal players," says former Wales and Lions flanker Martyn Williams, who won the last of his 99 Wales caps last August.
Williams has played alongside or against (and in some cases both) all of the back-rowers whose contest at Dublin's Aviva Stadium will go a long way to deciding the outcome. The Welsh legend gives us his lowdown on the individuals involved.
Wales successfully negated the threat of Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris in their World Cup quarter-final. Photo: Getty
BLIND-SIDE FLANKER
IRELAND - STEPHEN FERRIS (AGE 26, 6ft 4in, 17st 8lb, CAPS 30, including 9 in 6N): He is an absolute beast. I got to know him on the Lions trip to South Africa (in 2009) and he would definitely have started in the Tests if he hadn't got injured. He has been unlucky with injuries but the way he plays, he is going to pick them up - he only knows one way. He is as hard as nails and so dynamic, and has been in outstanding form for Ulster. Even when Ulster were not as strong as they are now, he still stood out.
WALES - RYAN JONES (AGE 30, 6ft 5in, 17st 13lb, CAPS 58 - 27 in 6N): Dan Lydiate has become integral to Wales in the last 18 months with his graft and hard work, and when you do a de-brief on a Monday morning and his stats come up, you realise what a huge cog he is in the team. As much as he will be missed, this is one position where we have good strength in depth. Ryan is similar to Dan; his work-rate is phenomenal - his tackling, his carrying. He is a natural leader and one of the most experienced guys now Shane [Williams] has gone. He showed with a man-of-the-match display in the World Cup third/fourth place play-off what he still has to offer. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he is a huge part of the squad, helping the younger guys.
OPEN-SIDE FLANKER
IRELAND - SEAN O'BRIEN (AGE 24, 6ft 2in, 16st, 13lb CAPS 15 - 6 in 6N): Sean exploded on to the scene last season but I remember playing against him a few times when he was a young kid and thinking 'This lad is a handful'. His ball-carrying is second to none - he always offers himself and constantly gets over the gain line, he is an absolute handful. I think his preferred position is six, where he gets more freedom and is more effective as a carrier, rather than having to hit so many rucks and clear-outs. If you are not on the front foot as a seven, it is more difficult to get your hands on the ball. Ferris and O'Brien both excel at six but can equally play at seven and I suspect they will play 'left and right'.
WALES - SAM WARBURTON (AGE 23, 6ft 2in, 16st 3lb, CAPS 24 - 8 in 6N): He is absolutely world-class. Him and Dan [Lydiate] are two of the real modern-day pros -so professional on and off the field, and they are reaping the rewards. They analyse games so well. Sam maybe surprised a few people outside the UK at the World Cup but he didn't surprise me. He was outstanding but he has been doing that for a while, and has been brilliant for the Blues since he came back, particularly in the big European games. He has got the nod as captain again which is great for him. He leads by example and has an old head on young shoulders. He is very mature, very well spoken, and is totally comfortable with everything that goes with the job. What works in Warby's favour is that he is quite laid-back, and like with all great players, it doesn't matter what age you are, just the way he plays is good enough.
NUMBER EIGHT
IRELAND - JAMIE HEASLIP (AGE 28, 6ft 3in, 17st 1lb, CAPS 43 - 19 in 6N): I think he is world class. With Sergio Parisse and Imanol Harinordoquy, as well as Toby [Faletau], you have four of the best number eights in the world in the tournament. Jamie is right up there - his work in the contact area, turning ball over, his line-out work, is all top drawer. The thing that amazes me is he always seems to play - you very rarely see him have a week off, he always fronts up, his durability is awesome. I think he is the heartbeat of the Leinster and Ireland teams. He gives them go-forward, he is very vocal and plays a massive role pulling them together as a back row. The bigger the occasion, the better he plays, which is always a sign of a good player.
WALES - TOBY FALETAU (AGE 21, 6ft 2in, 17st, CAPS 11 - 0 in 6N): He is phenomenal, particularly when you take into account that his first major tournament was the World Cup. For me he is the most naturally gifted rugby player I have ever played with. A lot of the time you get great athletes who are not perhaps the most natural rugby players, and vice-versa. But he has got the whole package. Everything comes so easily to him. He worked really hard with the conditioning coaches after he first came into the Wales set-up last summer, and has just been unbelievable since. When you see him playing in a sometimes struggling Dragons side, you can imagine what he would do in one of the top teams. But he is the sort of player you can build a franchise around, he is that good. He is very quiet, but he just loves the game of rugby, he loves training, and he has been in outstanding form since the World Cup.
D
daz
Guest
+1 and an infinity.
The difference between SH and NH rugby, I am told, is that we southerners like to run with flair, while the NH like to grind and graft.
Well, someone forgot to tell the Scots and the Poms, because that game was neither.
With a new look squad, coach and (dare I say it) gameplan, I had no real expectation of the Poms, but they were unimaginative and staid with poor basic skills and decision making, on top of little penetration ability. The more things change with England, the more they stay the same.
The Scots, who were supposed to be the next big thing in NH rugby this year, were quite simply dreadful. Whatever I said about the Poms, apply it to the Scots and multiply by 10.
If things don't improve, Robinson is in deep trouble as head coach, me thinks.
The French/Italy game went pretty much according to script. Let's see what the Irish and the Welsh can dish up tonight.....
Shiggins
Simon Poidevin (60)
A couple of boring games so far. Italy without Parisse are absolutely fucked. He is a great player. I though Masi looked good as well. Fast.
Http://www.youtube.com/shiggins316
Http://www.youtube.com/shiggins316
Lee Grant
John Eales (66)
France 30 Italy 12
That was a good effort from France since most of their players fronted up for their clubs last weekend and had only a few days with new coach Philippe Saint-Andre. There was a bit of pragmatism about their play too: not just catch, run and giggle, yet they pounced on opportunities like a seagull on a chip at the beach.
For Italy it was much of the same: not taking advantage of chances. The defence of France was like a roadblock for them and when there was a slight crack in it they couldn't finish.
Some thoughts on the game:
• Both scrums had some problems but the French scrum held it's own despite new LHP Debaty opposing Castro, the Italy THP. The French no-frills locks dominated their counterparts in the tight and loose. The South African 2nd rowers were tepid for Italy and their discipline was poor.
• Winger Malzieu put on a bravura performance. Banished by ex-coach Lievremont because he can't kick, he swerved and fended his way over 60 metres to score just before oranges and made other incursions as well. Debutante 12. Fofana tricked the Italians several times with his footwork in the 2nd half. He looks set for a long tenure.
No.8 Picamoles started the movement for the Malzieu try from the back of the scrum and justified his starting spot with several other runs too. Lock Pape was all power and skill.
• For Italy 8. Parisse looked like a swan amongst the ducks as usual, and the hooker had power game in and around the ruck. Aussie flyhalf Burton had an unhappy match, but winger McLean, also a Queenslander, was very good on the wing.
• Not much joy for Italy, but at least they tried a more expansive game. Their backs didn't have the skill of the French but the ball got away from the forwards for a change.
That was a good effort from France since most of their players fronted up for their clubs last weekend and had only a few days with new coach Philippe Saint-Andre. There was a bit of pragmatism about their play too: not just catch, run and giggle, yet they pounced on opportunities like a seagull on a chip at the beach.
For Italy it was much of the same: not taking advantage of chances. The defence of France was like a roadblock for them and when there was a slight crack in it they couldn't finish.
Some thoughts on the game:
• Both scrums had some problems but the French scrum held it's own despite new LHP Debaty opposing Castro, the Italy THP. The French no-frills locks dominated their counterparts in the tight and loose. The South African 2nd rowers were tepid for Italy and their discipline was poor.
• Winger Malzieu put on a bravura performance. Banished by ex-coach Lievremont because he can't kick, he swerved and fended his way over 60 metres to score just before oranges and made other incursions as well. Debutante 12. Fofana tricked the Italians several times with his footwork in the 2nd half. He looks set for a long tenure.
No.8 Picamoles started the movement for the Malzieu try from the back of the scrum and justified his starting spot with several other runs too. Lock Pape was all power and skill.
• For Italy 8. Parisse looked like a swan amongst the ducks as usual, and the hooker had power game in and around the ruck. Aussie flyhalf Burton had an unhappy match, but winger McLean, also a Queenslander, was very good on the wing.
• Not much joy for Italy, but at least they tried a more expansive game. Their backs didn't have the skill of the French but the ball got away from the forwards for a change.
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