Who's your money on to win the six nations

[ChrisKH]

Wales are by some distance the best side at the moment, however I think France will be the big surprise. England have a bad combination of arrogance and disorganisation.

Definitely the latter and England never really got over winning the 2003 World Cup. But the arrogance accusation I have never really understood. It is common parlance in the Southern Hemisphere as a bat to beat England with, but I have never seen it played out in reality. Johnson is humble before the results, so how have England been arrogant? Arrogant and blind fans maybe but the team and management are anything but.

 

[papercorn2000]

Wales have just beaten Australia and should have run NZ much closer (don't know what happened in that 2nd half) and a decent performance against SA.

France could as easily win as finish bottom.

England are currently playing as like a schoolboys 2nd 15. However, I would not like to bet against them if they get themselves organised and start to play as a team again.

 

[Nicensleazy]

Good idea having a poll !

 

[Crackle]

Wales on Autumn test form. France maybe but you can never discount England. Ireland have slipped back, Scotland always produce one or two good performances and Italy I love watching.

 

[swee'pea99]

Obviously on recent form you wouldn't back England against Belgium, but I don't know. Think how hapless they were during the early stages of the World Cup, and then....

I think they might surprise everyone. The backs never really got a chance to fly against the Southern hemisphere teams - who, let's face it, are way ahead - but given a decent early result against less brutal opposition to give them a little confidence and who knows?

Like an earlier poster, I'm always baffled by references to England's supposed 'arrogance' - to me they always seem more reticent, self-effacing.

As usual for recent years, tho', it could go any way. That's what makes it such a great tournament! If only we still had Bill McLaren...

 

[brontesorearse]

Wales to win .I dont think England are arrogant ,but i've sure met alot of arrogant english supporters over the years ! But i like a bit of banter,it makes the six nations having a laugh and a drink with the opposition!

 

[goo_mason]

When Sir Clive was in charge, there was a real arrogance there. And then we had to put up with Jerry Guscott and his massive bias on the commentary / analysis. He'd sit with a completely torn face and in a huff if England lost. He's a bit more humble and less one-sided these days though.

I don't think there's an arrogance now, but I had to laugh when they first appointed 'Elite Directors of X, Y and Z'. The 'elite' part struck me as a bit up-themselves

 

[ChrisKH]

When Sir Clive was in charge, there was a real arrogance there. And then we had to put up with Jerry Guscott and his massive bias on the commentary / analysis. He'd sit with a completely torn face and in a huff if England lost. He's a bit more humble and less one-sided these days though.

I don't think there's an arrogance now, but I had to laugh when they first appointed 'Elite Directors of X, Y and Z'. The 'elite' part struck me as a bit up-themselves

You should read Clive's autobiography. He was an exceptional manager IMO and the RFU could do worse than appoint him as their technical director. Admittedly I'm not that objective re: Clive, but then who can be? Clive has self-belief and this sometimes gets mistaken for arrogance. Rather Clive than someone like Graham Henry any day.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Maybe arrogance is the wrong word, and Martin Johnson certainly isn't. But England supporters do seem awfully surprised when they don't win, like it should be the natural state of affairs.

 

[Landslide]

Well, I've voted with my heart (for Wales), but my head can't help but worry that they've had a few injuries to key players, and it may well depend on which France team decides to turn up.

 

[Nicensleazy]

Its going to be a great six nations!

 

[Aperitif]

Its going to be a great six nations!

Especially when France and Italy meet - the two best Anthems!

 

[Dayvo]

Especially when France and Italy meet - the two best Anthems!

And probably the best picnic, and pre- and apres match drinks!

 

[Nicensleazy]

And probably the best picnic, and pre- and apres match drinks!

Perhaps a nice bottle of Rhone against a cheeky Chianti

 

[Hugo15]

Think it will be France this year with Wales a close second.

England are poor at the moment. The time it takes them to clear the ruck and get the ball out I can go and make a cuppa, get back from the kitchen and they are still sorting themselves out! It is sooooooooooooooo slow by which time the opposition are lined across the pitch waiting. We also don't seem to be able to boss the game upfront like we used to.