All-Blacks Posted December 17, 2006 Share Posted December 17, 2006 I know it might be a bit too early for predictions as it starts early next year (first match 3rd February 2007) , but what are your predictions on who will win, or the underdogs chances of upseting the bigger teams like England or France? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuse510 Posted December 17, 2006 Share Posted December 17, 2006 They're probably not a popular pick, but I think Ireland could win it. They came on very strong last year in winning the Triple Crown, and their only loss, to France, was very tough after almost completing a huge comeback. If they are in top form (especially Brian O'Driscoll) they will be very tough to beat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
All-Blacks Posted December 23, 2006 Author Share Posted December 23, 2006 Yea I agree, Ireland are in hot form, won the triple crown, won back to back tests against Australia & South Africa. They even played well in the three games they lost against NZ & Australia earlier in the year, and looked like they could win (especially the Hamilton game). I don't think anyone will doubt Ireland in winning the 6 Nations for the first time since 1985, and maybe the Grand Slam? In saying that, never under estimate France, even though they had a crap Autumn series (to be fair, two losses against New Zealand was inetivable and wouldn't dissappoint many teams) they could surprise everyone like they normally do and win the tournament. But the team to look out for is Italy. Italy could be the upset of the season, and may beat the out of form teams like England, Scotland & Wales. If they can win at least two games in the 6 Nations, they will take that confidence into the RWC they could beat Scotland to ensure a quarter-final spot for the first time. Most people would predict this 6 Nations to be one sided aka Ireland, but I think it's going to be very close, and who knows England could surprise many! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blind Joe Death Posted January 6, 2007 Share Posted January 6, 2007 To say the truth I'm probably thinking that Wales might take the win. There a pretty good team and there getting better every game!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
All-Blacks Posted January 6, 2007 Author Share Posted January 6, 2007 To say the truth I'm probably thinking that Wales might take the win. There a pretty good team and there getting better every game!!! Well I think the total opposite . Ever since their Grand Slam win in 2005, they have delcined. Since Mike Ruddocks resignation as coach, Wales has failed to get consecutive wins over top sides, they were even pounded by England last season . I'd have to say though, after looking at their squad, England seem like a big threat to Irelands plans. Frances squad doesn't look to bad either with Sebastian Chabal back in the mix (the caveman totally deserves it too) so they could win the title as well. As for Scotland and Italy, they are going to win a couple upset matches, but not close to win title. Don't you just love close competition, thats why I hate rugby in southern hemisphere, high scores. Prediction: 1st:England/Ireland 2nd:England/Ireland 3rd:France 4th:Italy 5th:Scotland 6th:Wales Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister Pink Posted February 6, 2007 Share Posted February 6, 2007 Well, I;'m glad Ireland got off to a decent enough start. When i say decent I mean we won. Wales put it up to Ireland. With a low score match it shows both teams weren't really producing much although Ireland defended well. I'm now looking forward to the match on Sunday with France. Ireland won't be playing in the 48, 000 capactiy stadium (Lansdowne Road) we are used to. Due to rebuilding of this stadium Ireland will play in Gaelic Football stadium, Croke Park which is an 82, 500 capacity stadium. @French: Expect a roar. ＲＵＢＢΣＲ░Ｊ♢ＨＮＮＹ （スオッ） Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
All-Blacks Posted February 6, 2007 Author Share Posted February 6, 2007 (edited) French squad for Ireland: France: 15 Clément Poitrenaud (Toulouse), 14 Vincent Clerc (Toulouse), 13 David Marty (Perpignan), 12 Yannick Jauzion (Toulouse), 11 Christophe Dominici (Stade Français), 10 David Skréla (Stade Français), 9 Pierre Mignoni (Clermont Auvergne), 8 Sebastian Chabal (Sale Sharks), 7 Imañol Harinordoquy (Biarritz), 6 Serge Betsen (Biarritz), 5 Lionel Nallet, 4 Pascal Papé, 3 Pieter de Villiers (Stade Français), 2 Raphaël Ibañez (London Wasps) (captain), 1 Sylvain Marconnet (Stade Français). Replacements: 16 Yannick Bru (Sale Sharks), 17 Olivier Milloud (Bourgoin), 18 Jérôme Thion (Biarritz), 19 Julien Bonnaire (Bourgoin), 20 Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz), 21 Lionel Beauxis (Stade Français), 22 Cédric Heymans (Toulouse) I'm glad to see Chabal in there, hes really putting his hand up for the World Cup this year, playing well for Sale and just recently against Italy even scoring two tries. Hes bloody great off the scrum (a good example is the Sale-Stade Français game in the Heineken Cup, he was superb off the back of the weak Sale scrum). Every team needs a Number 8 who gets forward momentum off the back of the scrum, and hes the man. Oh and good news for Ireland, O'Driscoll will most likely play but Stringer is in doubt. I suppose its not entirely bad news as Isaac Boss is playing very well lately for Ulster. But to be honest I think Boss is best suited at wing, anyone see the Ireland-Pacific clash last Autumn? He played halfback but had to be shifted to wing because of injury and played very well and if my memory serves me correctly he set up quite a few tries scoring one himself. PS-Anyone think Jonny Wilkinson will last 'til the World Cup this year? Edited February 7, 2007 by All-Blacks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
All-Blacks Posted February 7, 2007 Author Share Posted February 7, 2007 Sorry to double post, Ireland team for France: Ireland: 15 Girvan Dempsey, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 (TBA) 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Denis Hickie, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 (TBA) 8 Denis Leamy, 7 David Wallace, 6 Simon Easterby, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Rory Best Belfast, 1 Marcus Horan. Replacements: 16 Jerry Flannery, 17 Simon Best, 18 Mick O'Driscoll, 19 Neil Best or Jamie Heaslip, 20 Isaac Boss or Eoin Reddan, 21 Paddy Wallace, 22 Geordan Murphy or Andrew Trimble. If both O'Driscoll and Stringer come through this week and can take their place in the team, then Isaac Boss and Geordan Murphy will remain on the replacements. If Stringer does not prove his fitness, Isaac Boss will start the game, with Eoin Reddan coming onto the bench. If O'Driscoll is ruled out, Geordan Murphy will come onto the wing, with Shane Horgan moving to centre to partner Gordon D'Arcy, and Trimble on the bench. Jamie Heaslip has also been named as a possible replacement as a precaution for Denis Leamy. The team will be lead by Paul O'Connell if Brian O'Driscoll does not play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuse510 Posted February 13, 2007 Share Posted February 13, 2007 Ugh.... heartbreaking Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuse510 Posted March 19, 2007 Share Posted March 19, 2007 Hate to double post, but... How much more unlucky could we have been this tournament Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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