six nations

[Doggy Styles]

"I haven't felt that good since Archie Gemmill scored against Holland in 1978!"

What government and economic conditions do I need for the likes of these days?

That goal was one glorious spark in a debacle.

You need to go back further, to Baxter's match (you know the one) in the period when "we've never had it so good" (or thereabouts)

[Mich the Tester]

I reckon Ireland have got a fighting chance this year.

WSS

You were writing off Ireland only a few weeks ago, and I seem to remember warning never to write off Ireland. Wales looked impressive against weak opposition while England had an impressive score, largely thanks to Italy picking a flanker at scrum half, but Ireland beat a tough opponent in a genuinely tough game. That made Ireland the most impressive side for me.

[Bear]

Ireland beat a tough opponent in a genuinely tough game. That made Ireland the most impressive side for me.

Agreed - the scariest thing for me was that Scotland playing the way they did against Wales were good enough to beat England.

Wooden spoon anyone?

[Mich the Tester]

Agreed - the scariest thing for me was that Scotland playing the way they did against Wales were good enough to beat England.

Wooden spoon anyone?

If it's any consolation, Joe Worsley and Mike Tindall are back. Not men to be messed with. The Welsh backs might meet up with a couple of pretty big tacklers.

[Bear]

If it's any consolation, Joe Worsley and Mike Tindall are back. Not men to be messed with. The Welsh backs might meet up with a couple of pretty big tacklers.

Fair point - we might not lose by quite as much then!!

Still no real attacking options - unless a different A Goode comes out onto the pitch

[Pondlife]

If it's any consolation, Joe Worsley and Mike Tindall are back. Not men to be messed with. The Welsh backs might meet up with a couple of pretty big tacklers.

I was very impressed with Halfpenny, Roberts and Byrne at the weekend. All three are young guys and so it will be good to see how they handle the English. Welsh pack were awesome but also a good deal heavier than the Scots.

Just hoping the little fella's ankle will be ok. (Mrs PL recons he's like the kid from the incredibles) Anyone know the latest on Henson? Will he be match fit?

[Mich the Tester]

I was very impressed with Halfpenny, Roberts and Byrne at the weekend. All three are young guys and so it will be good to see how they handle the English. Welsh pack were awesome but also a good deal heavier than the Scots.

Just hoping the little fella's ankle will be ok. (Mrs PL recons he's like the kid from the incredibles) Anyone know the latest on Henson? Will he be match fit?

This is it; the Welsh pack were indeed very impressive, but England always have a strong pack, often the strongest in the 6 nations. The ability to simply deny possession to your opponent is not very attractive to watch, but still a bloody effective way to win rugby matches.

[cailin maith]

You were writing off Ireland only a few weeks ago, and I seem to remember warning never to write off Ireland. Wales looked impressive against weak opposition while England had an impressive score, largely thanks to Italy picking a flanker at scrum half, but Ireland beat a tough opponent in a genuinely tough game. That made Ireland the most impressive side for me.

That was before we beat France... I didn't think we would!

[Mustang]

Sad to say it as an Englishman, but Wales looked a lot better than us and a class above Scotland until they brought all those subs on for a run-out.

Still, it's like the 1970s all over again, but without Led Zeppelin. Or did we agree on another band?

Labour government + a bit of economic uncertainty = great Wales rugby team?

[Mich the Tester]

Sad to say it as an Englishman, but Wales looked a lot better than us and a class above Scotland until they brought all those subs on for a run-out.

Still, it's like the 1970s all over again, but without Led Zeppelin. Or did we agree on another band?

Labour government + a bit of economic uncertainty = great Wales rugby team?

It's worse than that. Wales now have two guys called 'Williams' AND a 'Bennett' in their team. Rumour has it they're scouring the valleys for some talented brothers called 'Edwards', and when they find them, we're all up Shytte Creek without a paddle.