Here's my predictions for the 2008 Six Nations Championship. I'm guessing they'll provoke a bit of a reaction from some. Just for comparison, here's what the BBC pundits have to say - and it's nothing like mine. Enjoy, and let the battle commence!
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Scotland second eh Malc?! interesting prediction, one might even say bold! so here is my bold suggestion: England or Ireland to win.
On Italy, everyone seems agreed, without the genuinely world-class Troncon, & with (strangely) no Ramiro Pez, they dont have the experience or the class to win anything with only two home games.
Wales are, yet again, a team in transition. New coaching lineup, I think the best ever showing in Europe since the move to regions, and the quality of their individuals is cause for optimisism (although it hurts this Englishman to admit that Henson could be great!). However this is a group of players that underperformed at the World Cup, displayed questionable decision-making (ie taking on Fiji at Sevens with a win required), and has not had time to take on board the defensive lessons they require from Shaun Edwards. They'll win at home against Scotland & Italy, and play well but lose against the rest.
So Scotland. Well sorry Malc, but I can't see as much glory in Murrayfield as you. Though maybe its the cold Scotch mist thats obscuring it from us down here!
I don't think the schedule favours you. If, as you say, France edge the opening match in Murrayfield, you then have to go to Gatland's first game at the Millenium, followed by Ireland at Croke Park. Not exactly libraries those two stadiums. Having said that, memories of a World Cup quarter-final and good form for Glasgow & Edinburgh (playing the attacking, try-scoring rugby we English associate with Andy Robinson!) could translate into wins against France & England. But I think not. Maybe a win against an unpredictable England. Possibly.
Allez le Bleu? Non. Too many changes, only 11 from the World Cup squad even left, Michalak off topping up his tan, new coach, new pack, no experience, no Chabal! So they'll probably win their third title on the trot. But it woulf be pointless to agree with you. So I'm predicting some unpredictability. Wins at Murrayfield, Cardiff, and at home to Italy. But the thirst for revenge after yet another World Cup semi-final choke won't be enough to beat an inspired England or Ireland at home.
What wil inspire England? The best World Cup performance in the Northern Hemisphere, an inspirational, innovational and ruthlessly pragmatic coach, supremely confident youngsters pushing for their places, and a pretty decent schedule with home games against Wales and Ireland. I don't think Ashton will change the style that much from what took them to the Final, although the injections of creativity in the back row and from gifted players like Cipriani could be exciting. And anyone who has been watching the Premiership or Heineken Cup can see the excitement with which in particular Gloucester, London Irish, Bath and Wasps approach the game.
But its going to be unpredictable. I can see 4 wins and a loss to Scotland being enough for 8 points and a top spot with Ireland.
Ireland. well I promised a bold prediction. So here it is. Ireland simply have to get better. They have the same players who finished second in 2007. They still have some of the best backs in O'Driscoll, D'Arcy and Murphy, they still have the promise that they have had for years. Ok that is promise that hasn't been fulfilled. But in desperation lies hope. Also in continuity. While everyone around them changes coaches, players and tactics, the core of the team remains unchanged. They must know each other. They must know how they want to play. There is simply no excuse for failure this time. And I suspect they know it. 4 wins from 3 home games takes them to Twickenham top of the pile, where I predict (I pray) it will all be decided.
So to sum up:
Ireland 8
England 8
France 6
Scotland 4
Wales 4
Italy 0
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