Tuesday 2 February 2016

Six Nations Preview


Who will emerge victorious in the 2016 Six Nations?
Who will emerge victorious in the 2016 Six Nations?
The 2016 Six Nations Championship kicks off this weekend as England begin life under Eddie Jones and Ireland target a third successive title.
There is rebuilding in England as Jones starts his tenure with Dylan Hartley as captain, hoping the appointment of the Northampton hooker will bring 'an edge' to the side.
Defending champions Ireland begin a new era without talisman Paul O'Connell and with injuries in key positions, while Wales look to have the most settled squad, a stark contrast to their injury-ravaged World Cup. Scotland will look to build on their positive World Cup campaign and avoid another Wooden Spoon, which looks destined for Italy due to their lengthy injury list. 
We take a closer look at each nation as we preview the 2016 Six Nations, and get the thoughts of Will Greenwood.

England


Eddie Jones will take no risks when he names his side to face Scotland, says Will Greenwood
Eddie Jones will take no risks when he names his side to face Scotland, says Will Greenwood
Eddie Jones will be looking to get his tenure as England head coach off to a flying start as they seek just their second Six Nations title since winning the World Cup in 2003.
With English clubs flying high in Europe and contributing five of the eight quarter-finalists in the Champions Cup, can the feel-good factor be transferred on to the pitch and the early World Cup exit be put to bed?

France


France's strength will be the size of their tight five, says Will Greenwood
France's strength will be the size of their tight five, says Will Greenwood
The only way is up for Les Bleus following the abysmal four-year reign of Philippe Saint-Andre. 
France have failed to finish higher than fourth in the last four Six Nations and it remains to be seen whether Guy Noves can lift them out of their slump.

Ireland


Will Greenwood calls for Jared Payne to start at full-back ahead of Rob Kearney
Will Greenwood calls for Jared Payne to start at full-back ahead of Rob Kearney
Ireland are vying to become the first team to win three successive Six Nations titles but they face a daunting start to life without Paul O'Connell. 
Joe Schmidt's side host Wales on the opening weekend before trips to France and England. They have a poor record against the latter in post-World Cup years, losing heavily in 2008 and 2012.
Peter O'Mahony and Iain Henderson miss the entire tournament through injury and Ireland also have concerns in the front row. Marty Moore is ruled out with a hamstring tear, while Mike Ross and Cian Healy have not played since December.

Italy


Will Greenwood says Italy are put under pressure by the absence of a reliable goal kicker
Will Greenwood says Italy are put under pressure by the absence of a reliable goal kicker
Another basement battle beckons as Jacques Brunel heads into his final Six Nations in charge.
The Azzurri have not progressed under Brunel's stewardship and flopped yet again at the World Cup. With an ageing squad and a lengthy injury list, they remain as far away as ever from competing for the championship.

Scotland


Will Greenwood says the Gray brothers and WP Nel offer Scotland a solid platform
Will Greenwood says the Gray brothers and WP Nel offer Scotland a solid platform
Could Scotland be the dark horses of this year's Six Nations?
Vern Cotter's men came agonisingly close to a World Cup semi-final before falling to a dubious penalty in the dying seconds against Australia. It was a thriller, if one that left Scotland cheerless, but the evidence is undeniable - Cotter has forged a team of real substance.

Wales


Shaun Edwards will have Wales snarling in defence, says Will Greenwood
Shaun Edwards will have Wales snarling in defence, says Will Greenwood
Wales have recovered from their World Cup injury blitz and enter the Six Nations with the competition's most settled squad.
Warren Gatland's men were part of the final day title hunt last year before losing out on points difference at the end of an afternoon that saw Ireland crowned champions.
Wales' World Cup was blighted by a spate of injuries before South Africa knocked his side out in the quarter-finals but Wales have been bolstered by the return of those players.

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