WHO KNOWS THE intricacies of each Six Nations team best?
Who jumps for the strengths, screams at the weakness and recognises the first signs of abject failure?
It’s the fans, that’s who.
So, we asked some of Europe’s finest rugby bloggers to give us their tuppence – or in this case, two cents – worth on what kind of egg-shaped delights their native land would be offering up over the next five international Tests.
France
Pierre Renaud writes for Rencontresaxv.fr, one of France’s top rugby blogs. Every day, RecontresaXV tries to bring a fresh point of view about rugby, so follow them on Twitter.
How do you expect France to do this time out?
Back in 2012, France won a “grand slam” during the Autumn internationals. I think France should build on this performance and will start the tournament well.
But. France have to go in Italy, England and Ireland this year. To be honest, if France wants to have any chance to win 6 nations, we must deliver our best tournament since many years.
Also, in France we remember about March 12, 2011 – Italy 22 – 21 France. It’s very difficult to win a grand slam and also, the tournament.
Which area of the French team keeps you awake at night with worry?
The backs and his capabilities of playing together. Because our training for the 6 Nations is shorter than other teams.
What is Philippe Saint-Andre’s most difficult decision for the starting 15?
Philippe Saint-Andre named Pascal Papé (Stade Français) as captain after a gorgeous November Tests.
It was a hearthquake in Franc,e because Thierry Dusautoir (named IRB Player of the year in 2011 and captain since 2007) was injured during November. So, the question is: what’s next for Thierry Dusautoir?
Otherwise, I think it’s a pushover for Philippe Saint-Andre to name France’s starting 15 for the first match and also for the other games.
Who is your key man?
France’s key man is…the front row : Debaty, Forestier, Kayzer, Szarzewski, Ducalcon and Mas. If France win the scrum battle, I think France can win against everyone, everywhere.
We can also name Louis Picamoles who’s currently one of the best number eight in Europe (in my opinion). He played a very impressive match during the November Tests and if he is in good physical condition, he will be the France’s key man.
Your (brutally honest) thoughts on Ireland and their chances…
Ireland will receive France and England this year. We can imagine that gives Ireland a good chance in the tournament. But as we know, Ireland are erratic. And beating both France and England will be an achievement. But why not?
Then, Ireland have to win at Millennium Stadium… remember 2009!
It will be difficult for Ireland, but exciting.
Who’ll win the tournament (and are they good enough to win a Grand Slam)
Today, who can say who’ll win the tournament this year?
No one because it’s very indecisive. It’s wide open this year because three favourites – England, Wales and France – will have to go away three times.
We can be sure about one thing : no one will complete a grand slam this year.
Italy
Dario Mazzocchi is one of the brains behind Right Rugby, Italy’s finest rugby blog which has been on the go since 2007. Also, he once (unsuccessfully) told Luciano Moggi what to. It didn’t end well.
Follow Dario on Twitter here, and Right Rugby here.
©INPHO/Billy Stickland
How do you expect Italy to do this time out?
The same old question; We have good momentum (look at the second half against Wallabies), but we lack of killer instinct (look again at the second half with Australia, a missed kick in last minute from distance and Azzurri had time enough to play a touche in opposite 22).
I think we have a great chance against Wales in Rome. Welshmen aren’t enjoying a good run; their teams missed all targets in European cups and Warren Gatland is working on B&I Lions.
We can get our usual single win in the tournament… but we could also get a second victory abroad. With an unpredictable team like Scotland (they can beat the Aussies after the worst performance maybe in a decade, as they did last year in Rome) it won’t be easy. Scotland must react and restart building confidence. The match against Italy will be a good test.
Which area of the Azzuri keeps you awake at night with worry?
We need a bloody good kicker!
Luciano Orquera can fill the gap, if he’s fit. Is it enough?
Our Union is organizing a project to supply a fly-half able to kick with high percentage and resolution. But what we need is a generation of players not afraid to take that decision when it matters, without missing the appointment. And, from my point of view, clubs can provide what we need.
What is Jacques Brunel’s big selection call?
New faces, old mates. It will be interesting to see how he uses Andrea Masi – an outside centre with Wasps, but often fullback with national team. He’s performing well in the Premiership with Wasps.
Brunel called up the Benetton Treviso team: 18 Azzurri have been selected from there. The whole back row bar Sergio Parisse, three props, a hooker, two locks, the two scrum halves, a fly half, four backs. The club created by the Union (Zebre) for RaboDirectPro12 provides only six.
For the first time in years, neither Bergamasco brother will take part, but in regards to the backs, Brunel called new guys such as Giovanbattista Venditti, Tommaso Iannone and Paolo Buso.
Who’s Italy’s key man for 2013?
I don’t know if he will be the key man, but give a look at Francesco Minto: ball carrier, good fetcher. He joined the group in Autumn and he has been Man of the Match against Australia. A modern lock, he helped Treviso to win against Ospreys in the last Heineken Cup match. This 6 Nations is his opportunity to show his skills at a higher level.
Your (brutally honest) thoughts on Ireland and their chances…
Ireland: once you said they’re gone, then you must eat your own words.
In my opinion, Ireland aren’t going to win 6 Nations, but winning at Millennium Stadium and with England could be the best passport to the top of the table.
They can be the same tough team to play against, especially for offsides, hands in ruck, tacklers not rolling way.
I’m looking forward to see Robbie Henshaw in future: I saw him live when Connacht visited Zebre in HCup and I wrote his name on my block notes.
Who’ll win the tournament (and are they good enough to win a Grand Slam)
England – yes, I said that,
England (it’s not easy for me, I was as happy as a baby on Christmas Day when Wales won at Twickenham last year). Why? Because Stuart Lancaster and his players can’t waste the opportunity to say “we’re back in town” after the huge victory with All Blacks. They have the players and the kicker, too…
