1. Free-flowing rugby
LAST YEAR’S SIX Nations ended with arguably the most thrilling weekend in the competition’s history. It certainly helped that three teams — Ireland, Wales and England — all had a chance of winning going into the last round of matches, and that all three needed to rack up a hefty points tally in order to triumph. It’s unlikely to be quite so spectacular from the off this time around, but it is hoped that the majority of teams will at least try to embrace a positive brand of rugby more often than not.
2. The return of Joe Schmidt’s invincibility
Having overseen back-to-back Six Nations titles, there was a time when it felt as if Joe Schmidt could do no wrong as Ireland coach and possessed some sort of godlike qualities that had promptly turned Ireland into world beaters. The World Cup, of course, put paid to such talk, but any coach/team can have one bad day at the office, as Ireland did against Argentina. Irish fans will therefore be hoping Schmidt’s magical touch returns in the coming weeks.
3. Italy to make an impact
Up until now, Italy have generally tended to produce one big performance at best in every Six Nations thus far, despite the inevitable annual warnings that they ‘cannot be underestimated’. However, it’s very important for the competition and world rugby in general that the Italians do eventually kick on — some genuine evidence of progression from Jacques Brunel’s side this year would be welcomed by all neutrals.
4. Nigel Owens and other officials putting poorly behaved players in their place
One of the quirkier moments from the 2015 Rugby World Cup occurred when referee Nigel Owens memorably told Scotland’s Stuart Hogg off for diving against South Africa. Owens, in particular, is renowned for his authoritative no-nonsense approach, and let’s hope all the other referees follow suit in this year’s Championship.
5. Young talent coming through
With the retirement of veteran players such as Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell and Thierry Dusautoir in recent times, the Six Nations is in need of some new stars. But whether it’s Ireland’s Stuart McCloskey, France’s Virimi Vakatawa or England’s Maro Itoje, there are plenty of promising young upstarts who could potentially compensate for the loss of those aforementioned legends.
6. Sensible decisions with regard to concussion etc
One of the most notorious incidents in last year’s Six Nations Championship occurred during the Wales-England clash when, despite a bad blow to the head, George North was allowed to continue. Many afterwards argued that North should have been replaced immediately and it is not the first time that a controversy of this kind has occurred in rugby, or in sport in general. Hopefully this year, a more strict approach will be adopted when it comes to dealing with players who have potentially suffered concussion.
7. The best players fit and raring to go
Ireland’s World Cup ended in anti-climactic fashion against Argentina, and their loss was in no small part down to the absence of several key players. There’s no doubt that such misfortune spoils the spectacle somewhat, while players picking up injuries is something no sensible person ever wants to see. This year, let’s hope that such setbacks can be kept to a minimum, rather than practically overwhelming some squads, as was the case last October.
8. Lots of shenanigans involving different national media outlets
Let’s be honest, there’s nothing like a bit of friendly slagging to add spice to a Six Nations rivalry. After former Ireland international Neil Francis wrote in his Irish Independent column last year that Wales coach Warren Gatland had the “intellectual properties of a tub of flora,” the Western Mail responded with a memorable front page after the Welsh defeated the Irish. Joe Schmidt’s side had the last laugh, however, as they won the Six Nations outright.
What are you hoping to see in this year’s Six Nations? Let us know in the comments section below.
