Six Nations Round 3 - Highlights and Summary

The third round of the 2013 RBS Six Nations saw Wales travel to giant-killers Italy, England welcome an underperforming French side and Scotland host Ireland hoping to claim a huge scalp at Murrayfield. This year’s competition has provided just as many shocks and as much drama as we have come to know and expect, the form-book is disregarded in this unique tournament and any team can win on the day.

Welsh forwards set platform for away victory in rain-soaked Rome

Italy welcomed Wales to the Stadio Olimpico without their talismanic captain - Sergio Parisse, who missed out on the important game following his suspension for abusing a referee in a Top 14 fixture. This was a big loss for the Azzurri, but Martin Castrogiovanni stepped up to lead his side.

The first half was a real battle for supremacy in the scrum, Wales had the upper hand in the early exchanges of the set-piece and this allowed Leigh Halfpenny the chance to open the scoring for his side with a comfortable kick at goal. Moments later, Chris Burton replied in kind after Italy got the nudge on the scrum in Welsh territory. The Brisbane born playmaker slotted the effort through the middle of the posts to bring the scores level.  The Welsh scrum began to really prosper and the pack offered Halfpenny two further penalty chances, both of which he converted.

The conditions in Rome were not ideal and after a horrendous downpour, Italy managed to force the Welsh pack to collapse a scrum. Burton added his second penalty and the half ended with the visitors in the lead. Half-time score: Italy 6 Wales 9.

An innocuous kick from Mike Phillips bounced horribly for Italy in their own 22 and Jonathan Davies was sharp enough to hack the ball forwards, gather and score Wales’ first try of the match. Halfpenny added the conversion, which dampened Italian hopes.

Burton was again successful from the tee with a penalty to narrow the gap to seven points; however, the lead did not last long. Another devastating Welsh scrum saw referee, Romain Poite yellow card Castrogiovanni for repetitive scrum offences. Halfpenny increased the lead to ten points at a crucial stage in the game.

With Italy a man down, Wales upped the tempo and after a few phases in Italian territory, Alex Cuthbert came off his wing and picked a wonderful outside arcing run and burst through several attempted tackles to score the second try of the game for Wales in the corner. Halfpenny showed his accuracy with the conversion as he made no mistake from the left-hand touchline.

With Wales 15 points ahead, and conditions worsening, the visitors were able to grind out a well-worked away victory. Full time: Italy 9 Wales 24.

Painfully physical English side out-work an out-of-form French side

Philippe Saint-Andre’s side arrived at Twickenham following two poor performances - losses to Italy and Wales. However, with 8 changes to the side that lost to Wales at the Stade de France two weeks ago, and the enticing prospect of trying to spoil the party at the home of rugby, few expected the French to turn out for another lacklustre match.

The first half was full of bone-shuddering hits, Manu Tuilagi ripped part of his ear off in a collision with Toulouse’s Louis Picamoles, however, the Leicester gladiator chose to stay on the pitch and have his 19 stitches after the match.

England took the lead after only two minutes after the French went off their feet at a ruck. Owen Farrell - who is becoming a world-class goal kicker, slotted the penalty from 40 metres out. Moments later, Clermont’s Morgan Parra responded with an effort of his own to level the scores.

After Tuilagi made a devastating break in to the French 22, the visiting side strayed offside. Farrell, playing the advantage saw Chris Ashton in space on the right wing and put a cross-kick in to the in-goal area, however, the effort was over-cooked and the ball flew out of play. The penalty stood and the Saracens fly-half added the easy 3 points.

On the half our mark, Wesley Fofana, who had returned to his strongest position (inside centre) made a searing 60 metre break to score one of the tires of the tournament to date. However, it should be noted that Courtney Lawes and Chris Ashton missed their tackles in the build up to the try. The latter is really struggling for form in the England jersey, and he didn’t do his cause any justice with a weak attempt with his left arm to try and contain the Clermont speedster. Parra added the conversion, to worry the home crowd.

Luckily, the French were penalised for killing the ball in their own half and Farrell added his third penalty of the game to close the gap to one point at half time. Half time: England 9 France 10.

England came out for the second half with plenty of aggression and set up a promising rolling maul, however, it was brought down illegally. Farrell punished the French mistake with the accurate penalty attempt and England re-took the lead.

With 25 minutes to go, Tom Wood took a chance in a ruck and hacked the ball forwards, it fortuitously bounced of Mako Vunipola, however, England were not penalised. The ball was expertly gathered by Tuilagi who accelerated off to the try-line to score unopposed. Farrell could not add the extras, but this re-ignited the excitement of the home support.

Sadly, England gave replacement Freddie Michalak the chance to reduce the gap to 4 points from the kick-off. The mercurial half-back skewed his attempt, however, it just about went through the uprights.

Farrell, who had marshalled the game with expertise and maturity beyond his years, tweaked his hamstring and saw a long penalty attempt fall miserably short. He was replaced by Toby Flood and the Leicester stand-off took his chance well, he added two penalties of his own to help grind out a thrilling victory in front of a capacity Twickenham crowd. Full time: England 23 France 13.

Dogged Scottish defensive effort nullifies Irish possession and territory at Murrayfield

The first half saw Ireland maintain an unimaginable amount of possession (78%) and play almost entirely in the attacking third of the pitch; however, the Irish lacked the killer blow to cut a line and pile up the points. Declan Kidney’s side has a long injury list and Cian Healey’s suspension added to his worries before the match. Influential playmaker Jonathan Sexton’s injury gave the young Ulster 10 – Paddy Jackson the chance to earn his first cap for his country. The youngster’s form in the Pro 12 has been fantastic; however, it looked like he let nerves get the better of him as he missed two simple penalty attempts in the first half. It also looks like he may lack the physicality needed to thrive on the international scene.

It took 35 minutes for Ireland to break the deadlock, after continued pressure, Scotland were forced to conceded a penalty. Jackson slotted the easy attempt and the only other chance of note in the first half was a long range penalty attempt by Stuart Hogg. The full back, not a regular goal kicker, boot his boot through the ball, however, it dropped short of the bar. Half time: Scotland 0 Ireland 3.

The Irish came out for the second half and played with a much higher tempo. Connor Murray looked eager to get his forwards barging their way over the gain-line and this allowed Craig Gilroy the chance to spin his way over the line for the first try of the match. Sadly, Jackson could not add the conversion.

Four Craig Laidlaw penalties in the second half allowed the Scots to grind out an unlikely victory. Surprisingly, one of the penalty chances came from a naïve move from the veteran Ronan O’Gara. The Munster fly-half came on to assure the Irish of victory, however, he foolishly opted for an ambitious cross-kick to nothing in his own half and put pressure on his side.

The second half wasn’t a victory parade for the Scots though; the Irish were awarded a penalty on Scotland’s 5 metre line with the last play of the game. The pick-and-go option should have continued, however, Ireland chose to spin the ball wide too early, the ball went to ground and the final whistle blew to the delight of the home crowd. Full time: Scotland 12 Ireland 8.

This match was won because of a determined defensive effort, Scotland made a staggering 128 tackles compared to Ireland’s 44 and the home side only had 29% of possession in the whole match. It proves that statistics can lie, and all that matters is the score at the final whistle. With Sexton at the helm, Ireland would not have lost this game, however, the Scots will gain confidence from the victory and the new coaching set-up of Scott Johnson and Dean Ryan can look forward with excitement.

Do you have any thoughts or comments on the 3^rd round of matches? Who shone for your team and who struggled? Comment bellow or message me on twitter @tommyd91

Round-up of the opening matches in 2013 RBS Six Nations

The Six Nations kicked-off with a bang on Saturday, were treated to an enthralling battle between Wales and Ireland in Cardiff played at a very high tempo, a physical and skilful encounter between England and Scotland and a surprise victory for Italy against France in Rome. This tournament always provides entertaining matches, and if the opening round was anything to go be, this season’s will be the most exciting yet. No team is assured of victory, home or away and form has nothing to do with the outcome on the day. This article gives summarises the key moments in all three of last weekend’s matches. 

Wales 22 Ireland 30. Ireland’s first-half effort blows Wales away

The Irish performance in the first half at the Millennium Stadium was phenomenal, but it was built on the basics; they ran on to the ball at pace from depth, committed to the breakdown and got the set-piece right from the off.  It only took 10 minutes to break down the Welsh defence, Jonathan Sexton found Brian O’Driscoll who picked a smart arcing running-line, drew in three defenders and then offloaded out of the tackle to Simon Zebo, the Munster winger who touched down with ease. Sexton added the conversion and shortly afterwards added a penalty.

Dan Biggar’s hesitated attempted clearance was charged down by Rory Best who found his captain Jamie Heaslip, who in turn shipped the ball on to Zebo, the pass was behind him, but an extravagant sideways flick-kick to himself allowed him to collect the loose ball. A phase later and Leinster’s Cian Healey barged over the line from a couple of metres out. Sexton added the conversion to make the score 17-0 in the visitors’ favour.

Shortly before halftime, the Welsh got on the scoreboard after the Irish went off their feet at a ruck in their own half. Leigh Halfpenny slotted the penalty. This gave the home crowd their first reason to cheer in the game, but Sexton soon cancelled out the score with an effort of his own before the break. The Irish lead by 20 points at half-time – Wales 3 Ireland 23.

The onslaught didn’t end straight after half-time. The Irish immediately put Wales under pressure, Rob Kearney made a quick break, but he was just halted before the line. However, the astute O’Driscoll noticed a lack of Welsh guards at the ruck and simply reached out through the ruck to score Ireland’s third try of the match. Sexton made no mistake with the conversion to stretch the Irish lead to 27 points.

Finally the Welsh comeback came after continued pressure in the Irish 22. Dan Biggar found Alex Cuthbert who cut an incisive outside run from ten metres out to open the Welsh try-scoring account. Halfpenny added the conversion and ten minutes later, he got on the end of a flowing Welsh move and finished really well under heavy pressure (from Heaslip and Zebo) in the right-hand corner.

Exeter’s Craig Mitchell burrowed his way over five minutes from time and the replacement’s effort gave some diehard fans a faint hope of a miraculous comeback. Halfpenny added the conversion, but time was not on Wales’ side.

The Welsh tried to force something from deep, however, the Irish defence held firm.

Full time: Wales 22 Ireland 30. Man of the Match: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)

England 38 Scotland 18. Despite early scare, Stuart Lancaster’s men earn a convincing win over the Scots

Owen Farrell opened the scoring for England with a simple penalty after Scotland were penalised for handling on the ground. However, shortly before 10 minutes had passed in the game, Mike Brown’s clearance kick failed to make touch and his kick-chase was weak. Stuart Hogg made a scything kick-return and Scotland built up a few phases. Debutant, Sean Maitland popped over in the right-hand corner which silenced the capacity Twickenham crowd. Greig Laidlaw could not add the touchline conversion.

The Scottish lead did not last very long, Farrell added a further two penalties to ease the worries of the Twickenham faithful. Tom Youngs gave away a silly penalty at a ruck in England’s 22 which game Laidlaw the chance to add another three points for the visitors.

After 30 minutes, England had worked their way in to the match and  a spell of intense pressure in the Scottish 22 followed.  A big carry from Joe Launchbury put Scotland on the back-foot and Chris Ashton smashed his way through two defenders to score England’s first try of the match. Farrell added the conversion and shortly afterwards slotted another penalty. However, just before half-time, England transgressed at the breakdown and Laidlaw closed the half with a successful penalty kick – the score at half-time: England 19 Scotland 11.

Two minutes after the break Billy Twelvetrees crashed over the line, he simply hit the line at pace and brushed through two would-be-tacklers. The Gloucester centre was delighted to score on his debut, he worked hard, making several key carries over the gain-line and he created a lot of opportunities for his team mates. With Manu Tuilagi due back from injury, Lancaster has a big selection headache in store for the game against Ireland. Farrell added the conversion to Twelvetrees’ try and England looked like they were cruising to victory.

James Haskell replaced Ben Morgan at No.8 and the Wasps wing-forward made an immediate impact. He forced a turnover in the Scottish half and this allowed Ben Youngs to make a searing break into their 22 which helped set-up the moment of the match. Farrell, who has been criticised by many for not having an expansive game, first delayed his pass to hold the opposition defenders and then produced a wonderful looping pass which took out three defenders and put Geoff Parling in for his first try for England. The promising Saracen playmaker made his only error off the tee from that conversion, but few could rebuke him for that miss after such a marvellous pass.

With ten minutes to go, Scotland scored a consolation try after turning the ball over in their own 22. Maitland kicked ahead and Hogg hacked ahead again and gathered the ball before the chasing Toby Flood could get anywhere near him. The try was testament to the new belief in the team, but it wasn’t going to affect the result.

There was still time for Harlequin’s Danny Care to dart over the line from a short distance to rub salt into Scottish wounds and add some extra gloss on to the English victory. Farrell added the conversion from under the posts. The fly-half was rightly named man of the match for his control of the game, excellent tackling, 7/8 successful kicks at goal and some delightful passing,

Full time: England 38 Scotland 18. Man of the Match: Owen Farrell (England)

Italy 23 France 18. Hard-working Italy dispatch lacklustre French in Rome

The away fixture in Rome has become a real nightmare for French teams. Two years ago, Italy won 22-21, Italian rugby’s finest day, until last Sunday. The French did not look as passionate or as well organised as the Italians, which was a huge shock. Philippe Saint-Andre’s side were confident going into the game after a successful autumn international series. However, form can be irrelevant on the day.

Luke McLean gathered a kick in his own half and made his way up to the half-way line, this sparked the Italian forwards in to action, who offloaded well and carried well in to French territory.  Surprisingly, Luciano Orquera beat several players as he made a very influential break and then released his captain, Sergio Parisse to score the first try of the match with ease. Orquera added the conversion and Six Nations fans around Europe began to wonder if another shock was on the cards in Rome.

However, shortly afterwards the French responded as Louis Picamoles powered his way past his opposite number Parisse to score France’s first try. Frederick Michalak, playing at fly-half for the French could not add the conversion.

Orquera kept the scoreboard ticking over when he received slow ball, he popped a drop-goal over from 25 metres out in a clinical display any fly-half would be proud of.

The French forwards fought their way over the Italian try-line; however, the TMO ruled that no try could be given as the ball was held-up.  Following this, Michalak kept the visitors in the game with a penalty.

After 34 minutes, the visitors took the lead from the Italians; a fine team try was finished by Benjamin Fall who cantered in under the posts. Michalak made no mistake with the simple conversion. This gave France a narrow two-point lead at the break. Half-time Italy 13 France 15.

It was a slow start to the second half, with Michalak adding another penalty after the Italian scrum folded in their own half.  Five minutes later, the Italians pressed the French try-line. Patient play allowed Orquera to make a half-break and Martin Castrogiovanni was on his left-shoulder to crash over for Italy’s second try. Orquera added the conversion; the French spirit was going to be really tested now.

Chris Burton came on for Orquera, who had run the show for the first 60 minutes and Burton followed suit with a drop-goal 12 minutes from time. This gave Italy a five-point cushion in the closing stages of the match.

You would imagine that France, currently ranked 4^th in the IRB World Rankings only 5 points down against Italy (10^th) would be able to call upon an inspired comeback. However, this was not the case, the French looked unmotivated and lacked any urgency and commitment to claw their way back in to the game. It was a big error to put Michalak at 10, he hasn’t played there often for Toulon this season and it showed; he missed touch from penalty kicks and lacked the control needed to boss the game.arHaH

Another error was not playing Morgan Parra from the start of the game; Clermont’s scrum-half was seemingly the only player trying to up the tempo at the end of the match. The French managed to muster one effort in the Italian 22, but the damage had already been dealt by the professional game plan and execution from Orquera, Parisse and Burton.

Full time: Italy 23 France 18. Man of the Match: Luciano Orquera (Italy)

What did you think about Round 1 of the RBS Six Nations? Who stood out for you personally? Do you think Italy can cause any more shocks in the tournament? Post below or send me a tweet @tommyd91

Preview of 2013 RBS Six Nations

It is that time of year again, the 2013 RBS Six Nations kicks off tomorrow and team captains have stressed the importance of getting off to a good start. Momentum as in any tournament is crucial - starting with a victory builds confidence and gets the press on-side. A loss can de-rail a side’s ambitions even before the tournament is in full-flow.

England

It is hard to believe that Stuart Lancaster has only been in charge of the national side for a year, the former Leeds coach has flourished in the role. His focus on a strong squad work-ethic and commitment to blooding young players has seen 17 newly-capped players turn out for England over the past year. Lancaster memorably guided England to 2^nd place in last year’s tournament. His highlights to date include beating France (24-22) in Paris last season and the memorable victory (38-21) against the reigning World Champions New Zealand at Twickenham in November.

Philippe Saint-Andre, the French national team coach has suggested that the ‘Red Rose’ are favourites to win this year’s Six Nations championship. The side has found a way of winning games effectively with a solid set-piece and the ever reliable boot of Owen Farrell. However, in the match against New Zealand, England stepped up their game and found an attacking prowess that has been unseen at Twickenham for years. Manu Tuilagi and Brad Barritt proved they are not just tackling machines as they offloaded and timed their passes to great effect. With Tuilagi injured, Billy Twelvetrees gets the opportunity to put his excellent club form with Gloucester into practice on the international stage. The former Leicester centre offers an excellent distributive option, while not compromising on physicality in defence. The back row and the back-three are the most competitive positions this season, highlighted by Ben Foden’s omission for the Scotland game. Mike Brown, Chris Ashton and Alex Goode make up an exciting counter-attacking combination; any inaccurate clearance kicks in the tournament will be punished. In the back row, Chris Robshaw is prospering as captain, while Tom Wood’s substitute performances in the autumn has earned him a re-call to the blind-side flank. Battering ram Ben Morgan retains the No.8 shirt; his direct, powerful running and ability to offload in the tackle provide a genuine attacking threat.

Prediction: Champions on points difference. Playing the French at home gives England a huge advantage and I expect them to win 4 matches. Owen Farrell can’t miss from the kicking tee, and Lancaster has developed some attacking guile, which will see England cross the try line more often than compared to last season’s tournament.

France

French international rugby seems to be heading back in the right direction after a promising autumn international period - a commanding 33-6 win against the Wallabies and an assured performance in the 39-22 victory against a revitalised Argentinian side. Confidence is high amongst Philippe Saint Andre’s squad and les Bleus have the chance to claim a first win against Italy in Rome. The French have been embarrassed by the Italians in recent years, however, the set-piece will be able to match the famous Italian scrum’s prowess and with the likes of Wesley Fofana and Yoann Huget, they have the strike power to spoil the party at the Stadio Olimpico. Frederick Michalak has been in fine form for Toulon, who are currently top of the top of the Top 14. His international form has been inconsistent; however, he has earned a re-call to the No.10 shirt. Normally, the former Toulouse playmaker operates at scrum-half, but the ageless Jonny Wilkinson occupies the fly-half starting role. A very creative player, who always looks to attack, however, he has been questioned in defence and for his decision making.

The French pack is one of the most physical and aggressive in the tournament, in the front-row, Nicolas Mas is one of the game’s strongest scrummagers; the Perpignan prop doesn’t give an inch in the set-piece and is a destructive ball carrier in the loose. Behind him in the engine room are Yoann Maestri and Pascal Pape, two very impressive line-out operators, who also offer a lot of power in the scrum. Maestri weighs in at a staggering 18 stone 10 lbs. this strong centre of the scrum will overpower most sides in the tournament. The French are always known for their back row’s competitive nature at the breakdown. With the Toulousain combination of Thierry Dusetoir and Louis Picamoles, they will be looking to scavenge lose ball and chop down any attackers running down their channel.

Prediction: 2^nd on points difference, on balance the trip to Twickenham should decide the outcome in the tournament. The French have some very exciting players coming through and unquestionable experience, but do they have enough to win their first Six Nations since the 2010 Grand Slam?

Ireland

Very few pundits are talking about the Irish as potential Six Nations champions; however, this could be an advantage to Declan Kidney’s men. The 2009 Grand Slam champions have two fantastic options at fly half in Jonathan Sexton and Ronan O’Gara. Sexton has recently signed a lucrative deal with Racing Metro; however, his focus for now will be to guide his national side to victory. Both fly halves are shrewd rugby players who know when to up the tempo and when to kick for territory. Outside them, lies the experienced combination of Gordan D’Arcy and Brian O’Driscoll. Both are warriors in defence and O’Driscoll still holds the try-scoring record in the tournament, having crossed the line 25 times. Craig Gilroy (Ulster) and Simon Zebo (Munster) are two thrilling young talents, who hope to make a name for themselves at the international level after impressing in the Rabo Direct this season. The youngsters out on the wings are backed up by Rob Kearney at full back, the British and Irish Lion has a reliable kicking game and will be a useful last line of defence for Ireland.

The Irish pack is without talisman Paul O’Connell who misses out due to a back injury; however, they boast strength-in-depth in the second row with Donnacha Ryan, and Mike McCarthy claiming the starting berths leaving the highly experienced line-out guru Donncha O’Callaghan on the bench against Wales in Cardiff. Another player who misses out due to injury is Stephen Ferris, the Ulster flankers, however, the Irish have an abundance of riches in the back-row, with Sean O’Brien and captain Jamie Heaslip both strong ball carriers from the base of the scrum and great scavengers at the breakdown.

Prediction: 3^rd sides should not underestimate the Irish, who can play very expansive rugby at the right time. However, France and England’s defence is more disciplined and I think the Irish will lose to France at home in Round 4.

Italy

Sadly the Italians are wooden spoon contenders year-in-year-out. While there are a few stand-out players in the squad, they do not have the opportunity to play together as often as the other Six Nations sides. Added to this is the harsh reality that the two Italian sides in the Rabo Direct Pro 12 -Zebre and Treviso are underfunded and tend to be the ‘whipping boys’ on a weekly basis. However, the Italians have produced some wonderful upsets in Six Nations history, most recently in the 2011/12 Six Nations, in Rome when they beat France 22-21. Traditionally, the ‘Azzurri’ has an impressive, physical pack; however, the Italians have struggled to find a marshalling fly-half and a reliable goal-kicker for many years. Martin Castrogiovanni is still one of the best tight-head props in the World; however, he has spent much of this season on the bench with Leicester due to Dan Cole’s impressive form. Sergio Parisse is consistently one of the best performers in the Six Nations despite being on the losing side more often than he would like. Often, the Stade Français powerhouse is the heart of Italy’s dynamism; hopefully he can inspire his teammates to reach new levels this season. Elsewhere in the forwards, Italy seems light in terms of ability, but not in terms of size and power.

Andrea Masi is a thrilling counter-attacking winger/full back. He has rejuvenated his career of late following a move to London Wasps who are on the up in the Aviva Premiership. He provides plenty of experience and nous to the Italian back line. Elsewhere in the backs, the Italians have good club men, but no one of real international class to match up to the quality of opposition they will face. Few are expecting miracles for the Italians this season, however unlikely it may be, two victories in this season’s competition would be a real step forward.

Prediction: 6^th I think Italy could run Scotland close at Murrayfield; however, it is hard to see the ‘Azzurri’ picking up any other away victories. Also home games against France and Ireland will most likely prove fruitless.

Scotland

The Scots have a new management team with Scott Johnson and Dean Ryan teaming up to try and restore credibility to the Scottish game after an embarrassing autumn international defeat against Tonga (15-21). Undoubtedly, Johnson’s side will go back to basics, focusing on the set piece and physicality in the contact area. The first game against England is one that will require few words to inspire players in the changing room beforehand. The Calcutta Cup matches are traditionally very close, with most games decided by 7 points or less. The side in transition face testing away trips to Twickenham and the Stade de France in this year’s competition, with little expectation on their shoulders, can the Scots fight back and establish themselves once again as a competitive outfit in the tournament?

Troublingly, the Scots struggle to score tries, they are capable of holding on to possession in the right areas of the pitch, however, they struggle to execute their chances and cross the try line. This is surprising given the finishing talent of Tim Visser and Sean Lamont. Sean Maitland is set to make his debut against England; the former Crusaders speedster is a dangerous man going forward with excellent footwork and a nimble turn of pace. Cousin to Australian playmaker Quade Cooper, the winger has turned out for the New Zealand Maori; however, his Scottish grandparents make him an eligible Scottish international. Ruaridh Jackson has matured and rightfully kept the No.10 shirt for Ulster this season, it will be exciting to see him go up against another young talent in Owen Farrell at Twickenham.  The pack will be as thuggish as ever with the bulk of Jim Hamilton and Richie Gray in the second row, backed up by Alisdair Strokosch, Kelly Brown and Johnnie Beattie in the back-row. The Scots will always play with passion and vigour, if they wish to make any inroads in the competition, their forwards have to keep the side on the front foot and they have to finish the few chances that come their way.

Prediction: 5^th it is always difficult to predict how a side in transition will perform, but given Scotland’s form over the past year or so with a similar squad it is difficult to see them winning many matches. They should beat Italy at home and may have a chance at sneaking a victory over Wales at Murrayfield if it comes down to a kicking duel on a wet afternoon in Edinburgh.

Wales

The Welsh are plagued with a long injury list, mostly affecting their pack including Huw Bennett, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Ryan Jones and Dan Lydiate just to name a few . However, these injuries give several unlikely candidates the chance to represent Wales at the highest level. Andrew Coombs, the Newport Dragons second-row is set to make his debut against Ireland, while Olly Kohn, the Harlequins Premiership veteran gets a call up to the squad. The 31-year-old is the shock call-up in this year’s tournament. The Welsh have not won a game since beating the Barbarians 30-21 in June. Last year’s champions have a lot to prove after a disappointing autumn international series, in which they threw away leads in the final phases of games. The back-line boasts several likely British and Irish Lions this summer for the tour in Australia. Lee Halfpenny has become a reliable long-distance goal kicker and an elusive runner in attack. In their short international careers to date, Alex Cuthbert and George North have demonstrated a cut throat ability to find the try-line, their work-rate around the pitch is phenomenal, and their running lines are world class for wingers of their age and experience.

Dan Biggar and James Hook have been competing for the No.10 shirt, with Biggar given the chance to stake his claim for the starting berth on a regular basis. Hook has been in fine form for Perpignan, but he takes his place on the bench for the first match against Ireland, able to come on at fly-half, centre or full-back, his versatility could be very useful and he is certainly a game-changer.  The Welsh second-row is a little weak compared to normal, due to injuries; however, the front-row is exceptional. With Gethin Jenkins, Mathew Rees and Adam Jones, the destructive scrummaging capability is there. The Welsh struggle in the set-piece without either Jenkins or Jones, so they will be hoping to stay fit for the entirety of the tournament. Sam Warburton captains the side again; he is a fantastic out-and-out 7 and will be hoping to book his ticket for the Lions tour with an impressive performance in this year’s tournament. Toby Faletau is one of the hardest working Welsh players, his tackle-rate and carries across the gain-line are outstanding, he makes the hard yards and chops down players at will.

Prediction: 4^th with a long injury list mainly in the forwards at the start of the tournament, which is only likely to get longer, it is hard to see Wales being as competitive as last year. Their backs may be some of the most exciting prospects in the northern hemisphere, but if they can’t operate from a solid platform provided by the forwards, they will not be as effective as they can be.

Prediction for the 2013 RBS Six Nations

1.       England

2.       France

3.       Ireland

4.       Wales

5.       Scotland

6.       Italy

My individual player predictions for the tournament:

Top Try-Scorer Wesley Fofana (France)

Top Points Scorer Owen Farrell (England)

Have you got any thoughts or comments? Who do you think will win the 2013 RBS Six Nations? Comment below or tweet me @tommyd91