Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Six Nations

What's the bets that the new English captain lasts less than one half before the usual sending off!!! A crazy appointment- surely the worst ever role model for younger players!!!!!!!

Bit of a surprise

It's a bit like making Kevin Pietersen chairman of selectors

I couldn't agree more!

I'm not so sure. Maybe a bit of responsibility is what ha needs to get his act together. After all, Martin Johnson had a fairly streaky discipline record prior to his appointment as captain.

As to the tournament, it's a tough one to call, with all the managerial changes and restructuring that's been going on.

I agree that Wales are probably favorites; they are a mature and settled team who remain relatively unchanged.

The England team is a work in progress. Despite the large number of players who are unavailable, we still have plenty of decent options, and have certainly hired a world class coach. I can't wait to see how it goes.

Who can tell with France ? Guy Noves should probably have been offered the job 10 years ago, when Toulouse were in their pomp & he carried all before him. Things have moved on a bit since then, and unless France change the structure of how they run the national team, I think they will continue to infuriate with their inconsistency.

Scotland surprised many in the World Cup, but not me. Their wooden spoon last year ignored that they have some real talent in their side; if I recall correctly, they only lost one match by more than a converted try. The appointment of Vern Cotter was genius; consider the success clermont enjoyed under his tutelage, on way from the biggest budget in the French top 14. Scotland's brilliant performance in the world cup is a testament to his genius, yet I suspect that a lack of depth in the squad will be their undoing.

Ireland have indeed lost a couple of key players. Paul o'connell is a major loss. His leadership has been key to Ireland's success in recent years. There is still quality in the squad, so I wouldn't write them off. At least Andy Farrell will not be conflicted in his team selections by family loyalty.

Italy will continue to improve . If they had a better pair of halves, in particular a reliable goal kicker, they could be a half decent side.

I think it'll be great fun watching the various teams trying to rile the new England captain! It'll be a real test for his new found self discipline.
I'm going to Wales v Scotland at Cardiff with a Scottish friend. I think Scotland will be hard to beat this year.

oooh, now there's an idea!

I have to say that I think Dylan Hartley will rise to the occasion, a little bit of aggression and fire could help England. As greater player as Robshaw is, i think he was to polite!!

As much as it pains me to say I have a feeling that Wales may take it this year, but there are exciting times for all of the teams, every game is now a challenge!

Wales?? Wales?? Please, no. I have so many friends in Wales that the phone calls, should that happen, would be horrendous.

I have a small wager on England winning the championship.

Jones is definitely taking all the pressure off England.

An interesting tactic - which may well pay dividends!

We'll see! There are always high expectations of England. They seldom play anywhere near their potential - thank goodness - but Jones will be judged on results, and he'll get the same stick as his predecessors if they don't deliver the results.
It's going to be an interesting season. Can't wait for it to start.