RBS 6 NATIONS 2007
It's that time of year again when rugby gets to dominate the back pages for a few weeks. There has always been something special about the Six Nations, a tournament that continues to make the southern hemisphere very envious indeed. A Six Nation weekend is one of the best sporting occasions on the planet, even if there have been many times over the years when the result has been a foregone conclusion. This year's tournament is set to be the most enthralling in years, not least for the fact that both of the traditional powerhouses - England and France - struggled badly during the autumn internationals.
It is also probably the first time in history that the Irish are the bookmaker’s favorites going into the Championship. Their first match away to Wales will go a long way to deciding who will be sitting at the top of the pile in six weeks time. Is it an omen for them that the final round of matches are due to be played on March 17th - St. Patrick's Day? I think so, and I see them being crowned champions, but they will have to play exceptionally well to win a Grand Slam.
The team that I think will push Ireland all the way is the much-maligned England. Despite losing eight of their last nine matches, the English have played some quality opposition and could easily have won most of these matches. What they are in desperate need of is some belief and momentum - the most precious commodity in the Six Nations. With Scotland and Italy being their first two matches at home, I can see them with two wins under their belts and much of the pressure off their shoulders. If Jonny Wilkinson can stay fit, Brian Ashton's reign as England coach might start with some unexpected victories.
Scotland have a really tough opener, especially with the injuries they have suffered to some of their few world-class performers - Jason White, Mike Blair, Nathan Hines, Chris Cusiter and Ally Hogg. It is unrealistic to expect them to win at Twickenham with that kind of injury list, but the unexpected did happen last season, so you never know. With most of the afore-mentioned players due to come back at some stage of the Championship, I can see this Scotland side improving over the next two months. Hopefully it will be enough to win our three home games, which would be a fantastic achievement.
Italy will again be very competitive and be difficult to beat, especially now as their backline is becoming much more dangerous. Their focus is on the Scottish match - not in the Six Nations, but in the World Cup - where the winner will qualify for the quarter-finals. They will be looking for a nice confidence before then.
I don't really know what to make of the French and Welsh sides - the champions from the last two seasons. Both can play some exhilarating rugby on their day, but have also hit the self-destruct button a few times over the last year. France are missing Michalak at no.10, but will have the best pack in the Championship, so they shouldn't ever get into too much trouble. Wales got found out a little last season and against the All Blacks before Christmas, but have some incredibly talented players, none more so than their young midfield sensation, James Hook. Again, it depends if either team can get off to a winning start.
Whatever happens, I doubt there will be that much difference between any of the competing nations, which must be the first time in Six Nations history. Whether this is down to a decrease in standards remains to be seen, but it looks like being a very exciting and unpredictable Championship.
Gregor Townsend
Scotland Rugby – 1993-2003
Space Clinics Director
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