Yes, that’s right, the six nations has arrived and with force too. The widely anticipated tournament has returned to pull six nations out of their wintery gloom and into the ferocity of a little known game called rugby union.
Last year’s tournament saw the emerald isle cement their trust in BOD. As game after game Ireland proved their worth as the best team in the northern hemisphere, winning the tournament with the triple crown and the grand slam, beating all the other five nations. But last year’s triumph marked a change in Irish history, as their grand slam victory was the first since 1948.
If this year’s tournament is to be modelled on the Six Nation 2009, rugby fans are set to be in for a rollercoaster of emotions including joy, horror, panic, fear and possibly utter euphoria. All and sundry would agree that the finale of last year was something to be marked in history.
Ireland vs. Wales, Saturday 21st March 2009 epitomised the intensity that should be found in a rugby match. The final score and subsequent winners of the game and tournament were undecided and unpredictable up until the final whistle. A sea of green held their breath as the boot of Stephen Jones decided the fate of the heroic Irish side, with hearts pounding and a ball soaring through the air, all waited. But as the ball sank three yards from the goal posts, the voices soared and victory was claimed.
Whether such an achievement will be repeated or matched by another nation this year remains to be seen, but given the hunger for success by all teams, the competition will be fiercely fought. No rivalry has been buried and hatches have been born. One can predict that foul tactics will be a factor in some games, as last year proved that healthy competition can turn sour with various players engaged in more than playful banter. Ireland are going to seek revenge for the disqualifying hands, or well…hand, of the French during the football world cup qualifiers and this will be a constant motivator throughout the tournament. Some Irish would argue that coming above the French is a necessity in the Six Nations this year, not merely preferential.
Similarly, the English and Welsh have always maintained an intoxicating rivalry and despite Wales losing to England this year they will undoubtedly vent their frustration during other games and at other teams. Being an incredible pack of players and having the united voice of the Welsh behind them, Wales will certainly be spurred on to live up to their history as grand slam winners.
Equally, great things are also expected of the English, with the return of the master-at-fly-half, Jonny Wilkinson, rugby fans are anticipating a repeat of the 2003 Rugby World Cup, where Wilkinson arguably kicked the team to victory. With the continued management of Martin Johnson, discipline is surely going to be a key aspect to the English game this year, in the hope of completing phases correctly and scoring points clinically without a trip to the sin bin or giving away pointless penalties. It’s set to be a good season for England with many important games at home with the support of their avid fans.
On the other side of the spectrum, a team that is yet to make any remarkable performance in the tournament since their inclusion in 2000 is Italy; their presence however, cannot be debated. They are a vital part of the championship, even if it is only to save the other five nations from picking up the wooden spoon mid-march.
Likewise, Scotland have failed to make an impact in recent years, but with young blood being pumped into the team an improvement from last year’s dismal perform is inevitable. With the veteran Chris Paterson keeping his position as an integral player on the Scottish side, many would be encouraged to say that better things are to come from Scotland this year. Despite being unlikely contenders for the trophy they will definitely provide excellent entertainment during their games. All in all, with the fast paced tournament underway be prepared for games littered with dummy-passes, tight line-outs, regrettable knock-ons, offensive high tackles and epic tries. And enjoy the many hours spent down the local pub engaging in banter with fellows fans, because such a valid excuse to whittle your weekends away sat on your arse with your mates only comes once a year… unless you’re also a football fan.
Taragh Godfrey
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