Hi all -
i've asked if a tipping competition can be started, but I don't know if anyone's going to be interested. We had some nice discussions during the World Cup, so shall we talk about the Six Nations. This weekend, we have Ireland v Italy, England v Wales and Scotland v France. Kick-off's in half an hour - any thoughts?

I have a feeling that the French are going to sneak this one, but in saying that, I think this years competition is going to be very close and hard to predict, but there again the Six Nations always offers up some surprise results. It'll be great to see England win this time with their confidence now restored after their World Cup heroics and Ireland certainly have a lot to prove after their dismal showing in the same tournament. My prediction is as follows:

1. France
2. England
3. Scotland (dark horses)
4. Ireland
5. Wales
6. Italy (always improving but still a bit off the pace)

England have just lost at home against the Welsh! What was I saying about surprise results? Can I revise my League table now?...Unbelievable.

And Ireland were lucky to scrape home against Italy! I'm going to *enjoy* this Six nations ;-)

COME ON THE WALES!

Such an enthralling game. It would be a good morale boost now after the deplorable Welsh world cup campaign to go on to win the 6 Nations.

Jon

It would be even better if Scotland could punch above their weight! ;-)

Looking at the number of basic errors made by both teams yesterday (England and Wales), that could have well been the 4th/5th place decider. Saying that, Ireland looked like they still have their world cup form with them. Therefore I cannot see anyone stopping France from doing the Grand Slam now. Second is wide open.

I go for:
1. France 2. Ireland 3. Scotland 4. Wales 5. England 6. Italy.

My tip is as follows:

1. Wales (High morale)
2. France
3. England
4. Ireland
5. Italy
6. Scotland

I may never speak to you again, jonno!
;-)
1. France
2. Wales
3. Scotland
4. Italy
5. Ireland
6. ngland

Oops, sorry
6. England

- I hope not :P

Such a great competition, can't wait for the next set of games now.

This weekend: Scotland, France, Italy.

Well, that's one wrong! ;-) Well played the Welsh - it would be nice if Scotland could find a defence at some point...

Haha :P - I think the attack is Scotland's main problem. They scored 15 points today - all by penalties.

Yes, we rely on Patterson's boot far too much - and he was using it far too much yesterday - normally to kick the ball straight to a Welsh player! Oh, and that was *never* a try! ;-)

Agreed - I don't know what the TMO was thinking when he gave that! You could see the grass flying from where he scraped the line.

So close to an upset in Italy today - very good effort.

Come on Engand! Great performance lads and glad to see you turned up for both halves this time. To beat the French in their own backyard is a terrific achievement for any rugby side. The All Blacks lost last time there if I remember and now we've done it twice in 4 months. The only downside for England are the antics of full back Ian Balshaw, who quite frankly, scares the life out of me with his increasingly eccentric and erratic performances. Bring back Josh Lewsey or even Tate but Balshaw's time is definitely up.

Great results also for the Irish and the Welsh. With two more rounds of matches to go any of four different nations can still win this competition which is brewing up to a great climax. Make no mistake, the Six Nations is a great sporting contest and this one is proving to be one of the best yet.

My only hope this year is the Calcutta Cup, and to be frank (*not* Hadden!) "I hae me doots" ;-(

Chris, I agree - this is probably one of the best Six Nations tournaments yet!

I have ben suprised as to the quality shown by all the sides in this competition.

I fully expected and still expect France to win the whole thing, but after the England game its anyones.

The key to the whole thing is the Welsh game vs France, should it be a closely fought out match with France winning, then i can see England sneaking it as i feel they will have to much for Scotland and are due a win over the consitantly lucky Irish.....(well in Eng vs Ire games the Irish have had an awful amount of luck).

Two more excellent rounds to follow.

We've got the Calcutta Cup - Hooray! We'll still probably finish with the Wooden Spoon, but (and I repeat myself) We've got the Calcutta Cup! ;-D

Congrats first off to the Scots and the Welsh. England turned up at Murrayfield in their usual coma and put on a great non-performance. The backs are without imagination, wit, co-hesion you name it, they're just not firing and Wilko was awful. Bring back Cueto, Lewsey, Simpson-Daniel and a fit again David Strettle. Anything is better than this current lot and Wilko will now be hanging on to his place by his fingernails. One more duff one like that Jonny then Ta-Ta. Jeez, they were as nearly as bad as the cricket team.

Maybe England will have to go down the same route as their footballing counterparts and appoint a foreign coach, preferably a Kiwi who knows what he's doing. I can't see Ashton lasting much longer after this mess even if we beat the Irish on Saturday which I very much doubt. Roll on next year.....

could be spot on with your table, jonno

you never beat the Welsh, you might score more points however

Haha, very true! Wales forever.

I am worryingly close to getting the exact table correct - how much could I have got for that if I placed a bet on it, do you reckon?

Hey! Many congratulations to Wales, England and Italy. As a Rugby supporter first, and a partisan second - I was delighted Italy won - the way they have played all Six Nations meant they deserved a victory. So it was against us - who cares - we've got the Calcutta Cup - have I mentioned that before? ;-p