It’s that time of year again where everything gets just that little bit more stressful. All around the country, Welsh rugby fans will be sat on the edges of their seats, unable to watch, and screaming in delight or dismay as the Six Nations kicks off again.
Post-World Cup Six Nations are always fun. As ever, northern hemisphere teams have felt – quite rightly, some may say – that they underachieved in the World Cup. Ireland seemed to have lost the spark that had inspired them to win last year’s Six Nations, but are still a brilliant side. England, although most commentators seemed adamant that they would “100% definitely win”, crashed out early. Like a spider unable to get out of a bath, they couldn’t escape the pool of death and there was little a chariot could do to help. However, with Eddie Jones at the helm, pundits believe this year’s England is a different beast altogether.
France, both the best and worst team in the world, were lacklustre, famously demolished by New Zealand. Italy were, well, Italy. Scotland looked to cause one of the biggest upsets in the tournament when they lost by one agonising point to Australia, and are certainly not to be underestimated or cast aside as in previous years. Wales looked strong, with impressive moments, but the injuries caught up with them, despite battling out of the pool of death.
This may well be one of the most open tournaments for years, and it could easily go to Wales, Ireland or England. Big decider games for Wales will likely be Ireland v Wales at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, and England v Wales at Twickenham; both may be a challenge as Wales are playing away. But if Wales could win at Twickenham in the World Cup, perhaps they’ll be in luck in the Six Nations. Although Wales has three home games at the renamed Principality Stadium (you’ll always be Millennium to us), none really look like easy-to-win games. Even Italy can upset at times, and France may decide to actually be good this year.
Six Nations, Principality Stadium, Cardiff. Wales v Scotland, Sat 13 Feb; Wales v France, Fri 26 Feb. Tickets: £30-£75. Info: www.millenniumstadium.com
The Six Nations will also be shown on BBC Two, with analysis by Scrum V, and S4C.
words LUKE OWAIN BOULT