Ready for action: Rory Hamilton can't wait for the 2010 Six Nations to get underway. Pic: ©STV
Rejoice! The long weekends of Z-list celebrities singing while doing the Salsa on ice skates are over. Until its climactic conclusion on March 20, our minds will be awash with the pride, passion and grit of one of the most enticing, open competitions sport has to offer. You’ll experience the romance of Paris and the enchantment of the Emerald Isle; you’ll encounter fierce Dragons, Roman gladiators and Saxon warriors... and try not to be pricked by a thistle along the way!
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the RBS Six Nations is back and I'm proud to be part of bringing you a very Scottish perspective in stv.tv's live text commentary from all of Scotland’s matches
In the quest for Northern Hemisphere bragging rights, this year’s tournament provides even more anticipation than usual. Realistically, any one of five teams could finish top of the pile, although rightly, Ireland and France start as favourites. On their day, however, any side can upset another and I believe that is what’s going to make the 2010 vintage a true classic. I don’t see a Grand Slam being won, or perhaps even a triple crown. Everyone is so evenly matched and a powerhouse in their own backyard that putting together a string of results is going to be extremely tough.
Scotland have shown great resurgence under the stewardship of Andy Robinson and the performances of both Glasgow and Edinburgh has brought a confidence to the Scots that’s been sorely lacking for many years. There is a balance to the starting 15, coupled with strength and depth within the squad, which has had some talking of a Championship play-off in Dublin on the final weekend.
My personal opinion is that this might all be going a little too far, particularly with the early injuries to experienced campaigners in Al Strokosch and Rory Lamont. The fixtures aren’t overly kind, but continuing the momentum from the Autumn and creating a “fortress Murrayfield” will be central to Andy Robinson’s plan. It would also be nice to pick up something on the road and with such a tightly anticipated table, a win in Rome is a necessity. To emerge victorious in Dublin or Cardiff might be slightly out of our reach, but after so many years of experiencing defeat it would feel so good.
First up for Scotland though are a French side desperate to show that they are the dominant force outside of the Southern hemisphere “big three”. As a coaching novice, Marc Lievrement guided his side to a 27-6 win at Murrayfield two years ago and what he would give for a repeat performance. France undoubtedly have the talent. The question has always been, “Do they have the mentality?” The coaching staff seem to be unsure of their strongest starting line-up and I think this lack of continuity has cost them in the past.
Julien Dupuy will be badly, but rightfully missed, although there is an immense pool of equally brilliant players to call upon in his absence. Playing England and Ireland in Paris provides Les Bleus with the best chance of a Grand Slam but, as they’ve proven time and time again at World Cups and previous Six Nations, they still possess the age old problem of being magnifique one week and terrible the next.
Ireland are much fancied too and I would suggest unbeatable at Croke Park. Strangely, in a fantastic side, I think the one real weakness comes with the half backs. Munster are far from the force they were last season so to continue with the O’Leary/O’Gara partnership is a risk. The Leinster duo of Reddan and Sexton wait in the wings. The Irish should get off to a positive start, but could come unstuck in London and/or Paris.
Plenty of criticism has been thrown the way of Martin Johnson and England but they are not as bad as they are made out to be. They may be a bit soft upfront, but a dynamic back row, some lightening quick backs and of course the full return of the prodigal son, Johnny Wilkinson, could lead to a few prize scalps along the way. Underestimate them at your peril.
Wales, like England aren’t quite firing, but they are never an easy bunch to play against. The Millennium Stadium is the most intimidating of all the Six Nations’ venues and Warren Gatland’s men will be desperate to put on a top showing and lay to rest the demons of last season’s heartache.
Passion for rugby in Italy took to epic levels in the autumn as the Azzurri sold out the 80,000 seater San Siro against the All Blacks. Now they need to transfer that enthusiasm into results on the field. Nick Mallet has done a good job and has built an experienced side, but the absence through injury of a world class back row and captain in Sergio Parisse is a massive blow.
I for one simply cannot wait. Please join me for live text commentary from all of Scotland’s matches throughout this year’s tournament here on stv.tv/sport. I look forward to hearing your views during the nail-biting encounters. Let battle commence...
