So it all gets under way tomorrow, who are we fancying for the weekend/tournament?

Looking at tomorrow's games:

France vs Italy: Only one winner here for me. Novus first competitive game in charge at home with ridiculous talent at his disposal, I think they could roll over the Italians tomorrow and win by 4+ tries, laying down a marker in the process. I'm expecting some flair tomorrow from France.

Scotland vs England: An awkward first game for Jones, but I'd still expect the English forwards to outmuscle their Scottish counterparts. Scotland will be up for this and I expect them to put it up to England for the first hour, but I think the Scottish pack will begin to tire at that point and England will run out 10 point winners.

Ireland vs Wales: Tie of the round and it's a must win for both sides. Some of the gloss has been taken off this Irish side, due to the Argentina hammering at the WC and the Irish sides doing so poorly in the EC, but they are the reigning champions and they still have talent all over the field. Wales greatly impressed me at the WC and if they can carry that form in the 6 Nations then they will be very tough to stop. Injuries are a huge factor coming into this, with Ireland missing some big names and Wales with some of their better backs returning, I fancy Wales to win this by 10.

Very tough to predict being honest. I'm expecting better from England and France but it's difficult to know to what extent. France should be more attacking/exciting, but I'd be worried about their structure defensively. England have alot of talent and if Jones can get them playing as a unit, they will be mightily tough to beat. Wales at the moment I would have as favorites, as they have some stability coming in and where the most impressive at the World Cup. You just know they won't be far off that level with Gatland in charge.

So with that, I'd fancy Wales to win it all. I'm sure you'd be happy with that Mr.C

While Jones is an excellent coach I feel he might be too restricted with what the RFU will let him do.

For one thing England have a single superstar back row player who is undoubtedly international level and he isn't in the squad. I have to reckon that this has to be due to the RFU. I can't imagine Eddie Jones left out Armitage of his own volition given how sensible he seems and how well he has done.

Gatr22 wrote: Christy wrote: While Jones is an excellent coach I feel he might be too restricted with what the RFU will let him do. For one thing England have a single superstar back row player who is undoubtedly international level and he isn't in the squad. I have to reckon that this has to be due to the RFU. I can't imagine Eddie Jones left out Armitage of his own volition given how sensible he seems and how well he has done. It's the price you pay to play outside the homeland, at least for England. I see the point, but it is silly unless all teams abide by the same policy. I think Abendanon was left off for the same reason. I only question the policy, because they would allow it for "unusual circumstances" only. I suppose they mean injury? How about they are two of the best players out there? Seems unusual to me

Yeah, makes no sense. It's like the real world version of people like BSwagger only playing home nation talents! Just an extra handicap for yourself to make things a bit harder because nobody else is doing it.

All well and good on GI where it's just an online game, but the RFU need to have a word with themselves!

paulo187 wrote: Gatr22 wrote: Christy wrote: While Jones is an excellent coach I feel he might be too restricted with what the RFU will let him do. For one thing England have a single superstar back row player who is undoubtedly international level and he isn't in the squad. I have to reckon that this has to be due to the RFU. I can't imagine Eddie Jones left out Armitage of his own volition given how sensible he seems and how well he has done. It's the price you pay to play outside the homeland, at least for England. I see the point, but it is silly unless all teams abide by the same policy. I think Abendanon was left off for the same reason. I only question the policy, because they would allow it for "unusual circumstances" only. I suppose they mean injury? How about they are two of the best players out there? Seems unusual to me Yeah, makes no sense. It's like the real world version of people like BSwagger only playing home nation talents! Just an extra handicap for yourself to make things a bit harder because nobody else is doing it. All well and good on GI where it's just an online game, but the RFU need to have a word with themselves!

It is purely for the clubs to keep their stars from moving away. The more power the clubs get the worse the nation will do.