Six Nations Wrap Up

Freshly finished after Super Saturday, but here is the (eagerly awaited?) MR thoughts.

Firstly, another brilliant tournament. Going into the last day with 3 potential winners is the sign of a fantastic tournament. It never ever fails to deliver. Geography is certainly one of the things that makes it, in my view, the best annual international tournament that exists (in any sport), but it's not the only one. It's close, it's competitive and very few games are sure things. The rugby isn't always the quality of the atmosphere, but it doesn't need to be. 30,000 Paddies in Italy today, just unreal.

France: Best team in the tournament and the rightful winners. They will spend many hours looking at what happened in Twickenham to stop the Grand Slam, but they will rarely reflect that winning at Twickenham has never been an easy feat. Brilliant team, brilliant to watch with some generational players. Wish they didn't buy into the "bomb squad" bullshit though.

England: Not sure many will argue that they ended up higher than expected given the games and expectations. But they aren't a bad team, they just aren't a great team. Losing to Ireland at the moment is no disgrace but they certainly didn't look like winners of any of the Slam, 6N or Triple Crown. So in some ways, they out performed?

Ireland: Only one loss, but what a loss. The game where the French got it together, and properly. No disgrace there, but on the whole they are starting to look little bit old, and in my view, a little bit big. Seem to have chosen power over pace in every position. Thats easily exploitable by a team like France.

Scotland: Hmm, they didn't play bad, but they didn't really play amazing either. Certainly the biggest under performers, which is odd as I didn't think they really played bad. On the days though, they just didn't do enough to get past their opposition. Ultimately, thats all that counts.

Italy. They had their moments, but they still don't show anything which suggests they really belong in this competition. Harsh, but realistic. Yes, they beat Wales (more about them below), but it does feel like they play out of their skin to achieve a close loss. Infuriating to watch, as they infringe (and get caught) in so many good situations.

Wales. Fucking awful. Under Gatland they literally had nothing. So they sacked him off. Then in the next two games they showed some real heart, but had nothing to show for it. But vs England ... wow. Awful. Truly, fucking awful.

Awards:

Same Rule For All Awards: Would the plays going to Dupont injury have been so scrutinised/viewed as controversial if it was the number 22 for Italy that had been injured? We all know the answer.

More Things Change Award: I've lived in Pomgolia for over 10 years and I support the Football team passionately, the Cricket team against most and I try to warm to their rugby team. But I HATE their media so much. I like Marcus Smith, he's like Carlos. Has his weaknesses, but is a real talent. Anyway, Fin Smith gets a shot at 10, goes ok (not amazing) and all pundits given him at least 8/10 with words of "finally can move away from Marcus". It's just wrong. I genuinely think they are not independent as they take one eyed views as a pack (Itoje?) and never move away from them. Drives me up the wall.

Your Too Big Awards: Kiwi exports. Aki & Lowe, what happened? Both of you are at least 10kg heavier than when you left, and I'm not sure it's really helping you. Oh and Lowe, this goes to your mouth as well. Just STFU ok?

One That Got Away: Van Der Merwe is a beast. Jaapies can say what they want, but he'd be starting for South Africa no question. Failed a bit on the big stage in the last game, but otherwise, superb.

Could have been POTT, but you play for England: Curry was superb all tournament. Probably the number 2 player in the whole thing, but I doubt you'll read that anywhere else ...

Your Time Has Come, But Not In A Good Way: Retirement of the 3 Irish legends was due. Not going to dwell too much, but I do feel words for Peter O'Mahony are due. Probably the closest any other player has gotten to be built with the same concrete as Kaino. Hard. As. Nails. Respect.

Game of the tournament: England vs France. Incredible game, incredible result. France are looking like an all time great team, England are not. They needed some luck, but almost every match has luck at some point. No need to hold back.

Player of the tournament: Louis Bielle-Biarrey. Absolute pleasure to watch this kid play. Unreal pace, unreal skill and a breath of fresh air in the current world of bigger is better.. Hope he sticks around for a while. I'm not on the Dupont train as much as many others, but I am with this bloke.

10/10 no notes

Now that's all done and dusted how does this look for the Lions squad ?

Will some of the Irish old boys get picked for a last hurrah ?

Will England provide the bulk of the pack ?

Will there be FOUR Scots in the test backline as some have predicted ? ( haha, yeah right )

Is there a possibility that NO Welsh players get picked ? ( surely a token player or two will make the squad )

I think Ireland are in real trouble. They are getting older, slower, bigger and more systematic. They don't appear to have great depth either. I think a slide is coming in fast.

If I'm picking Lions then I'm still starting Keenan and 3 kiwis in the backline from Ireland though.
Probably a scot on the other wing and centre, Smith at 10.

Doris first picked and captain.

@MajorRage Great post.

@mariner4life I agree that Ireland are on the slide, but I don't want to be too smug about it because I fear the All Blacks are as well.

An excellent Six Nations, the best since before the COVID pandemic. It's the crowds and the travelling support that makes it one of the best spectacles in global sport.

And Louis Bielle-Biarrey is a really special player. I think we watching the rise of one of the greatest Wingers of all time.

This lions squad could easily eclipse every other for amount of gobby fucks in a team.

Just looking at the backs...Smith, Russell, Lowe... fuck I had loads more when I was cut last night, too dusty to remember now.

@Bones said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

This lions squad could easily eclipse every other for amount of gobby fucks in a team.

Just looking at the backs...Smith, Russell, Lowe... fuck I had loads more when I was cut last night, too dusty to remember now.

I for one will look forward to you sobering up and letting us know who the others are.

Will be very tough to beat 2001 with Matt Dawson, Austin Healy and Ronan O'Gara

@MN5 said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@Bones said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

This lions squad could easily eclipse every other for amount of gobby fucks in a team.

Just looking at the backs...Smith, Russell, Lowe... fuck I had loads more when I was cut last night, too dusty to remember now.

I for one will look forward to you sobering up and letting us know who the others are !

Jo Mama.

@mariner4life said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

I think Ireland are in real trouble. They are getting older, slower, bigger and more systematic. They don't appear to have great depth either. I think a slide is coming in fast.

Especially if you look at their U20s recent results. They'll be scouring the SH for uncapped players.

@antipodean said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@mariner4life said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

I think Ireland are in real trouble. They are getting older, slower, bigger and more systematic. They don't appear to have great depth either. I think a slide is coming in fast.

Especially if you look at their U20s recent results. They'll be scouring the SH for uncapped players.

Shaun O'Stevenson is kicking up a stink in the other thread. He should be hanging by his phone for a call up.

@MajorRage

A great summary.

Sadly our sporting media has gone downhill dreadfully. It is so predictably uniform it could be AI generated. Our TV comms are universally shit, most of the support pundits on comms are biased, particularly the Scots and Irish ones - Scott Hastings is a disgrace and the after match interviews are just cringeworthy. Especially that Sonia woman, she can just fuck off completely.

@Catogrande said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@MajorRage

Especially that Sonia woman, she can just fuck off completely.

A charmless and inane person who clearly utterly hates Rugby and Rugby players. Maybe there was a bit of shock-value seven or eight years ago with her post-match "gotcha" interviews, but they are now really, really predictable and boring. Sonja adds nothing, apart from a bit of amusement to the small number of people who watch Rugby and hate the game.

Players and coaches know what's coming when she opens her mouth and know not to respond to her bile with anything interesting.

It's just bad TV. Watching the test card is more fun. Send her off to interview dodgy landlords or sleazy councillors instead.

@sparky if only eh, sadly it's not gonna happen.

She's even more cringeworthy than Dagg.

@Bones said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@sparky if only eh, sadly it's not gonna happen.

She's even more cringeworthy than Dagg.

Jesus……

@Catogrande said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@MajorRage

A great summary.

Sadly our sporting media has gone downhill dreadfully. It is so predictably uniform it could be AI generated. Our TV comms are universally shit, most of the support pundits on comms are biased, particularly the Scots and Irish ones - Scott Hastings is a disgrace and the after match interviews are just cringeworthy. Especially that Sonia woman, she can just fuck off completely.

That’s Scottish Rugby royalty you’re having a go there. What’s so bad about him ?

@MN5 said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@Catogrande said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@MajorRage

A great summary.

Sadly our sporting media has gone downhill dreadfully. It is so predictably uniform it could be AI generated. Our TV comms are universally shit, most of the support pundits on comms are biased, particularly the Scots and Irish ones - Scott Hastings is a disgrace and the after match interviews are just cringeworthy. Especially that Sonia woman, she can just fuck off completely.

That’s Scottish Rugby royalty you’re having a go there. ^What’s so bad about him*?

His non-stop, over the top fellating anytime a Scot does anything any where close to above average. Then there is his reluctance to acknowledge good play from the opposition, preferring to dwell on why that didn’t quite go right for Scotland. The there is also his almost homo-erotic descriptions of the Scots players, citing their impressive muscularity or their sheer power.

Apart from all that, he’s fine.

@MajorRage said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

Player of the tournament: Louis Bielle-Biarrey. Absolute pleasure to watch this kid play. Unreal pace, unreal skill and a breath of fresh air in the current world of bigger is better.. Hope he sticks around for a while. I'm not on the Dupont train as much as many others, but I am with this bloke.

Given he is only 21 I hope he sticks around for at least another 10 years!
His instincts are superb and it will be interesting if they settle with him on the wing or at fullback. Great to watch.

@mariner4life said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

If I'm picking Lions then I'm still starting Keenan and 3 kiwis in the backline from Ireland though.
Probably a scot on the other wing and centre, Smith at 10.

Doris first picked and captain.

Which Smith ?

Today is the worst day of the year, 6 nations has finished and it’s still cold and dark.

Enjoyed this tournament but can’t say I enjoyed watching England much, apart from the France result and then yesterday. Our pack is better, and I think more of them start in the Lions than I would have thought at the beginning, a word for Will Stewart, scrummaged his knackers off and stepped backs for fun in the loose.

Scotland once again the real let down, Finn Russel wouldn’t get near a team I wanted to win, too casual, too many mistakes, I had thought maybe he’d proven me wrong but he was back to the worst version of himself in this tournament. I don’t want him to be the Lions 10.

Ireland are a good side but I thought they were fading in the Autumn, they certainly confirmed it as the tournament wore on. Good.

Wales - less said the better.

France - beautiful side to watch, have managed to combine power, discipline and genuine French flare and look the real deal. Beep Beep is great but if Penaud isn’t your favourite winger simply for his batshit quirks then you have no joy in your life.

Italy - infuriating but better.

@Catogrande said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@MN5 said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@Catogrande said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@MajorRage

A great summary.

Sadly our sporting media has gone downhill dreadfully. It is so predictably uniform it could be AI generated. Our TV comms are universally shit, most of the support pundits on comms are biased, particularly the Scots and Irish ones - Scott Hastings is a disgrace and the after match interviews are just cringeworthy. Especially that Sonia woman, she can just fuck off completely.

That’s Scottish Rugby royalty you’re having a go there. ^What’s so bad about him*?

His non-stop, over the top fellating anytime a Scot does anything any where close to above average. Then there is his reluctance to acknowledge good play from the opposition, preferring to dwell on why that didn’t quite go right for Scotland. The there is also his almost homo-erotic descriptions of the Scots players, citing their impressive muscularity or their sheer power.

** Apart from all that, he’s fine**.

Aw good. I’d hate to hear he was shit like all the over the top fan boys in NZ

@MN5

We all have them.

Oh and Come on England. RWC certs for 2027. It’s a fact.

@Catogrande said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@MN5

We all have them.

Oh and Come on England. RWC certs for 2027. It’s a fact.

Lived in London in 2001, sign me up on the bandwagon !

But yeah, I've heard G Hastings interviewed, commentating etc plenty of times. He strikes me as being possibly a bit pompous and out of touch with the common man, Is his brother the same ? ( and again, I'm having a bit of a go at Scottish Rugby royalty here )

I couldn't stand Will Carling in the 90s but hearing him since then he's very witty, well spoken, not afraid to take the piss out of himself and just damn good fun. Breaks my heart when sportsmen I used to hate actually turn out ok. ( See also Austin Healey and loads of Australian cricketers )

Would definitely rather have a beer with Carling than G Hastings I have to say.

@MN5

I ran into Carling on the way out of Twickenham following our dire performance against Wales in RWC 2015. Had a good chat about England’s selection and tactics for 20 minutes or so, when I went left to go to the pub and he went right to go and shag the gorgeous blonde he was with.

Seemed like a good bloke and likely had a better outcome than me that evening.

@Catogrande said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@MajorRage

A great summary.

Sadly our sporting media has gone downhill dreadfully. It is so predictably uniform it could be AI generated. Our TV comms are universally shit, most of the support pundits on comms are biased, particularly the Scots and Irish ones - Scott Hastings is a disgrace and the after match interviews are just cringeworthy. Especially that Sonia woman, she can just fuck off completely.

Agreed.

But for balance, an Andrew Cotter/Ben Kay combination is arguably the best there is.

@Catogrande said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@MN5

I ran into Carling on the way out of Twickenham following our dire performance against Wales in RWC 2015. Had a good chat about England’s selection and tactics for 20 minutes or so, when I went left to go to the pub and he went right to go and shag the gorgeous blonde he was with.

Seemed like a good bloke and likely had a better outcome than me that evening.

My Welsh mates who've met him post-match in Cardiff tell me he's a top bloke as well. Pity the RFU can't find a role for people like him - would be a big asset.

Press going OTT on Pollock today. Boy looks a talent, but think a sense of perspective is needed.

@Victor-Meldrew

Typical UK media, build someone up based on not very much, then pull them down based on not very much. Pathetic really.

@Victor-Meldrew said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@Catogrande said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@MN5

I ran into Carling on the way out of Twickenham following our dire performance against Wales in RWC 2015. Had a good chat about England’s selection and tactics for 20 minutes or so, when I went left to go to the pub and he went right to go and shag the gorgeous blonde he was with.

Seemed like a good bloke and likely had a better outcome than me that evening.

My Welsh mates who've met him post-match in Cardiff tell me he's a top bloke as well. Pity the RFU can't find a role for people like him - would be a big asset.

Press going OTT on Pollock today. Boy looks a talent, but think a sense of perspective is needed.

He’s already a very annoying cun* with a face which needs to be slapped vigorously and often

Good prospect though, but one I fear will fall into the Dombrandt camp

Give me double helpings of Curry please

@MiketheSnow said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@Victor-Meldrew said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@Catogrande said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@MN5

I ran into Carling on the way out of Twickenham following our dire performance against Wales in RWC 2015. Had a good chat about England’s selection and tactics for 20 minutes or so, when I went left to go to the pub and he went right to go and shag the gorgeous blonde he was with.

Seemed like a good bloke and likely had a better outcome than me that evening.

My Welsh mates who've met him post-match in Cardiff tell me he's a top bloke as well. Pity the RFU can't find a role for people like him - would be a big asset.

Press going OTT on Pollock today. Boy looks a talent, but think a sense of perspective is needed.

He’s already a very annoying cun* with a face which needs to be slapped vigorously and often

Good prospect though, but one I fear will fall into the Dombrandt camp

Give me double helpings of Curry please

I really like what you did there

I hope Pollock will keep developing but he doesn't get near the starting XV for a while yet if CCS, Willis (*2), Curry (*2) and Earl stay fit. Plenty of good combos there.

@Dodge

Underhill not done and dusted either

@Catogrande said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

@Dodge

Underhill not done and dusted either

can't believe i forgot him, he's the first name in the back row if fit

Vintcent for me

Biarrey will get it.

Incidentally, I watched a vid of Biarrey's 6N tries and I could have scored 6 of the 8.

@MiketheSnow Not bad at your age

@MiketheSnow said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

Vintcent for me

Biarrey will get it.

Incidentally, I watched a vid of Biarrey's 6N tries and I could have scored 6 of the 8.

View embedded content

Is that you, Will?

@MiketheSnow said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

Incidentally, I watched a vid of Biarrey's 6N tries and I could have scored 6 of the 8.

French granny?

@MiketheSnow said in Six Nations Wrap Up:

Vintcent for me

Biarrey will get it.

Incidentally, I watched a vid of Biarrey's 6N tries and I could have scored 6 of the 8.

View embedded content

Typical of you to ignore Huw Jones effort. Have some decorum man, he has a Welsh name at least.

Best try by far, should absolutely piss in.

Vintcent for me too. Outrageous finish, blitzing a bunch of backs being touted to start for the lions...