RBS Six Nations kicks off on Saturday - Rugby
By:Ian
2010-02-05
One of the highlights of the Rugby Union calendar, the Royal Bank of Scotland Six Nations tournament kicks off on Saturday with current holders of the trophy, Ireland taking on Italy at Croke Park. Captain Brian O’Driscoll will be keen for his Irish team to get off to a good start against the improving Italians in what looks like a pretty one sided opener. Indeed with most of the best betting sites, you will find Ireland a very healthy odds-on favourite for this one.
The Irish have been boosted by the news that talismanic fly half Ronan O’Gara will return to the team in place of the unfortunate Jonathan Sexton. The Leinster man had been set to keep his place in the Irish fifteen ahead of O’Gara thanks largely to a composed and elegant performance in the Irish team’s fantastic win over South Africa in the Autumn, but a dead leg has ruled him out of contention allowing O’Gara to reclaim the spot in the team.
Italian coach Nick Mallett will know his Italian side start the game as massive underdogs against last year’s Grand Slam winners and he has named a 24 man squad ahead of the game, the only surprise being the inclusion of the uncapped Riccardo Bocchino while with Sergio Parisse absent, Leonardo Ghiraldini will skipper the Italians.
Shortly after the conclusion of the game in Ireland, the big game of the weekend will kick off at 5pm at Twickenham as England and Wales will renew their rivalry afresh.
Both teams finished last year’s tournament with a 3 win and 2 defeats record and there is little to choose between the sides. England coach Martin Johnson has taken note of his sides ineffective attacking performances in their warm up fixtures against the Southern Hemisphere sides and has named what looks like an attacking line up for what he must view as a must win game against one of their main rivals for the title. Johnson has made six changes to the team that lost 19-6 to New Zealand last November in the hope this will inspire greater attacking threat against the Welsh.
Wales will be without Matthew Rees as the hooker injured a groin last weekend. Cardiff Blues Gareth Williams will replace him in manager Warren Gatland’s first XV.
The final game of the weekend takes place at Murrayfield where Scotland will take on France. Recent history suggests that the Scots will be in for a torrid time on their home turf as the French’s recent record against them is very impressive, but Scotland coach Andy Robinson has made six changes to the team that lost 9-6 to Argentina in their last outing and hopes that his side can “hit the ground running” against a strong looking French team.
Most of the talk surrounding French coach Marc Lievremont’s team selection is based on Mathieu Bastareaud being recalled into the starting XV. The 21 year old had made false claims to New Zealand Police officials that he had been assaulted while part of the French sides tour, when in actual fact he had fallen over drunk in his hotel room. He was given a three month ban by the French Rugby federation for his misdemeanours and many felt his international career may be jeopardised long term, so his recall is something of a surprise.
France 2.5
Ireland 3.25
England, Wales 5.5
Scotland 21
Italy 251
