Issue 151

Six of the best

29th January 2007

This year's Six Nations tournament is again upon us. With the battle between last years dominant Irish and French teams a fading memory. Rich Watkins examines the teams and key players for Waterfront Sport.

Ireland

The Irish look in good form coming into this year's competition. On the back of an autumn series where they convincingly dispatched both South Africa and Australia, the team has grown in depth with players such as Neil Best becoming influential in the side. Much will hinge on the performance of the fly half Ronan O'Gara. His inconsistent form this season could have a huge effect on his sides fortunes.

Player to watch: Eoin Reddan (Up and coming scrum half).
Odds: 6/4
Verdict: Champions: Inhospitable Irish scrap to victory.

France

France have been hit by a spate of injuries in the build up to their first Six Nations game on Saturday against Italy. Most notably captain and lock Fabien Pelous remains a serious doubt (ankle). Pelous is joined on the injury list by a number of key players: Jean-Baptiste Elissalde (stomach), Benoit August (ribs), Romain Cabannes (virus), Elvis Vermeulen (bicep). However these players are expected to recover for the second round of matches and the depth of the French squad is impressive. Head coach Bernard Laporte's other main worry is the notorious poor away form that seems to be ingrained in French rugby. A remedy for this must be found soon.

Player to watch: Damien Traille (Exciting player being tested at outside half).
Odds: 9/4
Verdict: 2nd place: Wiley French flair forces it down to the wire.

Wales

Although Wales have lost a numerous key players due to injury, including Ospreys Ian Evans, Sonny Parker and Shane Williams, they will still be aiming to rekindle the brilliance of two years ago. Gavin Henson will be looking to start at full back with Kevin Morgan and Gareth Thomas coming in on the wings. The return of old heads Colin Charvis and Mefin Davis will add to the experience of the squad which boasts a number a young talents.

Player to watch: Alun Wyn Jones (Swansea university student will look to make the grade)
Odds: 9/2
Verdict: 3rd place: The Unpredictable Welsh could cause an upset.

England

Brian Ashton comes into his first game as England head coach with an unpredictable squad. Rugby league convert Andy Farrell could be handed his first union cap due to a string of injuries. England fans will be heartened by the news of a possible return to fitness for the World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson. England are currently short of experience in the number ten shirt and Wilkinson returning could be major factor getting the world champions back to winning ways.

Player to watch: Lewis Moody (Epitomises the fight that England need).
Odds: 4/1
Verdict: 4th place: A loose cannon: Could fire spectacularly, but more likely to fizzle out and not make much of a noise.

Scotland

Scotland look to excite in this years tournament with Coach Frank Hadden claiming his side will play a more attacking brand of rugby which is open and geared towards scoring plenty of tries. However, influential captain Jason White is sidelined with cruciate knee ligament damage that may hamper Scotland's plans of finishing inside the top three.

Player to watch: Sean Lamont (World class finisher will relish Scotland's more expansive game plan).
Odds: 33/1
Verdict: 5th place: Scottish courage may not be enough.

Italy

Italy will be looking to upset some of the big guns in this year's tournament and the opening game against France at the Stadio Flaminio may be the perfect opportunity to do it. Coach Pierre Berbizier has opted for experience in this year's Italian squad, which is underlined by the surprise inclusion of veteran, scrum half Alessandro Troncon.

Player to watch: Marco Bortolami (Will always be the first man in the oppositions face)
Odds: 125/1
Verdict: 6th place: Azzurri cause complications for big guns.

Rich Watkins