Six Nations 2012

Couldn't see a thread yet (apologies if I've missed one)

I reckon:

France
Ireland
Wales
England
Scotland
Italy

...but I'm hopeful that the new-look England may do better than that.

I am, however, intrigued to learn that anyone can be selected; according to the BBC website, as I type, complete unknown Maurice Botha has been selected instead of the better known Mouritz

Damn, someone's tipped 'em off and Maurice has been relegated to obscurity again

To win: France, Scotland and Wales.

Cannot understand England giving the captaincy to someone who has only played once before for his country, even if he is his clubs captain.

Wales to do it over Ireland, just.

I'll go with France, England and Ireland (sadly) - Wales has too many injuries to key players at the mo to make us winners against a very experienced Irish team playing at home.

I quite like the look of the new England team - Lancaster has at least had the balls to get rid of some chaff that has clogged up their back play for the last few seasons under Johnson.

Hmmm,

for this weekend France, England and (I hope) Wales.  As regards the tournament, not a clue.  I'd tend to agree with (one of the BBC) pundits that we're unlikely to see a grand slam. 

Lots of question marks at the moment, how badly will BOD be missed?  How strong will Wales be without (about) 8 of their preferred first team line-up.   

Just looking forward to it.

France will win as long as they turn up, expect Italy to try to draw them into an arm-wrestle.

I think that England will beat Scotland, I'm English so I've got to be positive. The Scots have a nasty habit of stiffling matches so they can win on kicks at goal and I admit that I'm not convinced that the England will be attacking after all most of them play for Sarries whose sole tactic is to draw the opposition into giving away penalties.

Ireland should make up for their disappointment of not making the World Cup semi - they're at home and still have have excellent locks, back-row; half backs outside backs are pretty special as well.

Italy, Scotland, Wales. 

Anyone in Dublin this w/e?

Cheers for starting the thread, CH

Really looking forward to this weekend. I think Ireland, France and England should win, it'll be interesting to see how the teams with new coaches play.

ALLEZ LES BLEUS!

Haven`t a clue but at a guess - France, England & Ireland to win.

Mrs. B is away this weekend so I`m looking forward to an uninterrupted orgy of rugby on Sat afternoon. Bliss

I can't see beyond France this year. So much all round ability in the team and they've finally got a coach who seems to have the full support of the players.

I'd love to see Wales "kick on" from the World Cup, but we're missing too many key players and we still lack quality replacements in key positions (especially in the front and second rows). Ireland will be thirsting for revenge on Sunday and I think they'll win. Their provinces have again been excellent this season.

I like the way Stuart Lancaster comes across and he's made a bold selection for the game against Scotland. Both teams have a lot of relatively inexperienced players so it's hard to call, but I think Scotland will edge it.

Overall:

France
Ireland
Wales
Scotland
England
Italy

Hate to say it but garlic snail eaters first then Ireland

France - The word mercurial was invented for French Rugby but if they play to their best and their best is very good indeed, they will be too good for any other team in the competition. However, this is France we're talking about and it all depends if they can hit the ground running. I've a feeling if they're held close or beaten early in the competition they'll implode to the infighting and egos that have dogged them in the past and then anything can happen. (1st)

Ireland - Without the talisman of Brian O'Driscoll this is a very different Ireland than we're used to; but Keith Earls looks an adequate replacement. I think Ireland's tilt at a grand slam depends on what happens in France in round 2 because I don't see any of the other nations beating Ireland, but the French on their own turf, if the right French team turn up will probably be too strong (2nd)

Wales - If Wales had a shorter list of sick-notes I'd be tipping them to go all the way; but you cannot sustain the loss of players of the caliber of Jenkins, Lydiate, Wyn Jones, Charteris, Rees and Priestland... Coupled with the retirement of Shane Williams this doesn't portend well for the Welsh - However, there is a great spirit in the Welsh camp and you cannot write off a fired up Welsh team at home. I think this is a competition too early for what looks like a very good team in the making (3rd)

England - Good that some of the big named poor performers in the backs have been relegated to history but this is a very inexperienced England side who are very much a team in transition. Though, funnily enough I fancy them to put together a win against France. I'm not sure why - gut instinct, though as someone once said - you shouldn't think with your guts (4th)

Scotland - Well, to be quite blunt Scotland just don't score enough tries and even though there is a new look about the Scotland backs I can't get past the occasional frailty of their pack when compared to the other nations. If Scotland score a win against the English at Murrayfield then this might prove a confidence boost for the rest of the competition and drive them up the ranks - but I reckon (5th)

Italy - They're getting better year after year and I fancy them to run a few teams close; particularly England and Scotland (6th)

Looking forward to it!

Ireland/Wales - draw
should be some big hits as Roberts runs up the middle into Ferris and O'Brien. Dont think there will be much between the teams - perhaps a no try match.

Scotland/England - Scotland
Scotland occasionally pull good performances out of the bag. This could be one of them.

France/Italy - France
Have to tip them at home.

Just seen the Welsh team, Priestland and Roberts are back in.

still too many injuries for us though Corinth.....

I'm not sure Ireland are as strong as some people think - established, yes, but I think their defence has a few holes when they're run at quickly as Wales, England and France are likely to do. their forwards are getting a bit like England's of a couple of seasons ago - old and slow. still can't see Wales winning on Sunday though although it could be close

Right, I'm going Ireland, England (both narrowly) and France...

See England A got a good stuffing by the Scots last night, Omen !!

We'll see...

Earls out for Ireland? Might be a problem...

OFGS!!!

Stop going on about the Warburton red-card. Jiffy you need to get over yourself!!!

Can we go to Paris now please?