Starters:
The U20s play on Friday.
The first amuse-bouche will be Ireland vs Wales at 7:15 pm
The second one will be Scotland vs England at … the same time!
Duh! The bloody Six Nations Committee have not understood yet that some of us would like to see all the games. And VCRs aren’t cheap these days. But if you still have one, and you can avoid the recap at half-time, then you might enjoy both games without knowing the result in advance.
I must say I often prefer watching the U20s games to the senior ones. More invention, more naivety therefore more risks, fewer shackles. I didn’t see any of Wales nor England but my money is on Ireland (they got a superb result in France a fortnight ago) and England, as Scotland seemed quite brittle vs France.
The third one, France vs Italy, kicks off barely an hour later. Thanks, dear committee!
France will be much changed as usual (T-14 and ProD2 take precedence over the 6N), but they have far more experience than the Italians. Yet they should be on their guard: Italy were tonked by England but they pushed Ireland to one point. Watch out for their monster tight-head, Gallorini.
For a short pause half way through the feast, pause with what the French call “un trou normand”. That’s a shot of calvados, meant to make room in your stomach, “trou” being a hole of various proportions. As your appetite.
Main dish:
The Six Nations committee having failed to mingle with the schedule, a well-organized selfish rugby lover should be able to watch all games.
Saturday will see Ireland take on Wales at 2:15 pm.
Despite missing the terrific Keenan and with obviously too few Ulstermen in the team, Ireland should win this at a canter. Don’t see many weaknesses in this Irish squad with the possible exception of Murray on the bench. Wales are rebuilding as they say but they may have the foundations (and some player in Reffell) but neither the walls nor the roof yet. I expect Ireland to get the bonus point early on.
Plâteau de fromages:
Scotland / England at 4:45 pm.
Scotland vs England, at least on paper, seems the most balanced game. England have had little success lately versus the men in dark blue, whether up north or in Twickenham. England are rebuilding, as they say. They may have the foundations and the roof but they don’t have the walls. Wheel-cart, horses…. Quick defence but ponderous attack. We should see a true opposition in style. If Scotland’s pack can hold its ground – and let’s be honest, the English pack does not terrify the opposition these days as it used to – the Scottish backs should have fun. Borthwick’s limited game plan should spring few surprises, even with Furbank at full-back. On the other hand, Kinghorn back from injury, and from Toulouse where he nicely boosts his confidence, will be a threat hard to contain.
Dessert:
France / Italy on Sunday at 3:00 pm.
Italy are rebuilding, as they say. They have been rebuilding for aeons now. At this rate, they should have built the great wall of China.
France, still smarting and still hung-over from the WC, are also rebuilding. What the British call a hospital pass, the French call “une passe de maçon”. No wonder we get so much building.
Italy are missing Tommaso Allan, so I guess they’ll have to rely on Garbisi for their kicks, and that’s not good news for them. But they shouldn’t get the spanking they received at the WC. Their pack may not be as scary as when Castrogiovanni led them, but their backs are much improved.
France are trying to change their style. From a team that did not mind being dominated and relished defending and scoring from lethal counter-attacks, they now want to hold onto the ball more. It’s not an easy change as the best clubs (Toulouse, Bordeaux…) don’t play like that. They’ll be missing half a dozen major players, but they should have enough firepower to get a bonus point. Or else Galthié will be in trouble.
Finally, with the help of several “trous normands” the gluttons may even enjoy a ProD2 round on Friday night, and a full T-14 round on Saturday, from Montpellier vs Bayonne at 2:00 pm all the way to Sunday night, when Racing will host Stade Français at 8:05 pm. Be reasonable, plan to stay in bed on Monday.
Your maître d’hôtel this evening has been Flair99.
Onna telly this weekend
Showing matches that are televised in the UK and Ireland or on popular subscription services. Bold indicates that it’s on a free to view channel. Times are in the UK zone, so adjust as necessary.
Friday 23rd February
| Scotland v England U20s | 19:15 | iPlayer |
| Ireland v Wales U20s | 19:15 | S4C / iPlayer |
| France v Italy U20s | 20:00 | iPlayer |
Saturday 24th February
| Montpellier v Bayonne | 14:00 | Viaplay Sports 2 |
| Ireland v Wales | 14:15 | ITV1 / S4C / iPlayer / RTÉ2 |
| Pau v Toulon | 16:00 | Viaplay Sports 2 |
| Scotland v England | 16:45 | BBC1 |
| Racing 92 v Stade Français | 20:00 | Viaplay Sports 2 |
Sunday 25th February
| France v Italy | 15:00 | ITV1 / STV / RTÉ2 |
Ovally Balls 
Lions have the last word, apparently. As it should be.
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Missed this. Okay, who was doubting Exeter?
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All right, who would like to write this weekend’s 6N preview? A Scot or a Cymraeg would be very good, but obviously I’d take anyone who feels the inspiration!
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Here’s my prediction: my previous post will kill the blog stone dead(er), as everyone will be afraid to put their head above the parapet.
Don’t worry, you can say no or just ignore the question. Although I would really enjoy The Middle One’s take on it!
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On my way to Cape Town this morning or I woulda volunteered in a flash. Possibly.
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Arrived in Cape Town. There’s bugger all work ethic or enthusiasm down here. Sorry, Thauma.
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But are there lunches?
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Apologies for the delayed response. Been at lunch. So, yes! On my way to a latish-lunch now too! With wine.
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wine is lovely.
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Who knew?
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I did.
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Thaum – I’ll see if I can drag Predict-A-Bear out of hybernation and get something done tomorrow.
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Hooray – thanks, BB!
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Thaum. Have something ready. Where do I send it?
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BB – I’ll email you.
Meanwhile, here’s the Ireland team:
Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(62)
Replacements:
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I’ll email you when gmail comes back up!
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Should be on its way now.
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Well, 6/2 bench and no James Ryan.
To an extent – it’s unfortunate for the lad – when he first appeared we had him lined up as an all-timer, but he’s been shoe-horned into the tight head lock role and now surpassed by McCarthy and Henderson preferred to him as impact sub for that role.
Frawley covering 10-12-15 means we can go 6-2….
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It’s the weekend for upsets in the 6N! Just not at HQ, unfortunately for England fans. You read it here first:
Italy to sneak past Scotland in a dramatic finale where they convert that final kick for a one point win, seeing them surge up the standings! The bonus point for four tries sees them level with England going into the final round.
Ireland to strangle England in a tight arm wrestle before eventually pulling away and denying the Roses even a losing bonus point. 6N won at Twickers with a week to spare.
Wales finally get the bounce of the ball and condemn France to the basement going into the last week – with all of Wales, England and Italy on 8 points going into the last week, we could see two heavyweights in England and France propping up the table when the dust has settled on a strange, quiet and rather uninspiring tournament this year. Except if you’re Italian and eyeing the runners-up spot, of course.
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New post up shortly!
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Deebs, Italy winning tomorrow wouldn’t be that much of an upset, Ireland are way out in front in terms of quality and they beat the Italian feet with sticks.
England won by three points and then they drew with France. Make no mistake, this is going to be a tough game for Scotland, Italy target this fixture as a winnable one, they have done since the Five Nations became Six.
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Here it is.
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