6 Nations 2020

[Robespierre]

I’m watching Wales v Italy on French tv and listening to the commentator mention Georgia North makes me smile!

[fentiger]

Pearce killing Italy....

[Robespierre]

I’m afraid that the knives’ll be out if Italy continue to underperform as a tier one nation. There will be calls for a home/away play-off with Georgia to compete in the 6N 2021.

[CitizenSmiff]

Italy being put to the sword by a very patient, muscular Wales. Pivac has his back very well drilled already. Italy actually look OK in the one on one battles but as always the entire thing falls apart under any sort of team pressure.

[Tiglon]

I see no justification for Italy to keep their position as tier one and entry to the 6N.

In a sport where there is so much fixture congestion and the club game suffers, why not go back to the 5 Nations?* There aren't any other European nations out there who would be much more competitive and Italy have proved that just playing against top teams more regularly doesn't necessarily make you better, or develop the game.

I would love to see a minimum wins requirement for teams in the 6 Nations. E.g. 4 wins over 3 seasons or you're out or have to playoff against Georgia etc. 12 wins in 20 years doesn't justify inclusion - and they're getting worse with no wins in the last 4 years.

*Money, obviously.

[Dr H Flashman MBE]

If i remember correctly Italy have a member on the 6N's board, which would be right, so no turkey is voting for christmas. Its a shame, because they pull the odd big win off but its not consistent enough. I think that there is going to be a huge call for them to be removed from the 6N should they get white washed this season.

[Robespierre]

‘Tis rare that I cheer for the Sweaties, but g’wan Scotland!

[BFG]

Hogg's agent should get straight on the phone to kerrygold!

[wormus]

I’m watching Wales v Italy on French tv and listening to the commentator mention Georgia North makes me smile!

You should try listening to Bleddyn Jones on BBC Radio Leicester commentating on Tigers matches ~ so often the wrong player involved, wrong names and sometimes players named who are not even on the pitch!
I fully expect Sam Harrison to reappear on one of Bleddyn's match commentaries soon.

[ashleytiger]

I think we may struggle against Scotland up at Murrayfiled if they play like they did against the Irish. The type of game they played was the sort of game that this England team don't cope with over well IMO

[Robespierre]

Here's the French team for Sundays match with the formidable Italians
Centre Vakatawa wasn't considered due to injury and is replaced by another young'un, 20 year-old Arthur Vincent of Montpellier, who came on as replacement against the English.


Le XV de départ du XV de France : 15. Bouthier, 14. Thomas; 13. Vincent, 12. Fickou; 11. Rattez; 10. Ntamack, 9. Dupont; 7. Ollivon (cap), 8. Alldritt, 6. Cros; 5. Willemse, 4. Le Roux; 3. Haouas, 2. Marchand, 1. Baille

Les remplaçants : 16. Mauvaka, 17. Poirot, 18. Bamba, 19. Taofifenua, 20. Palu, 21. Woki, 22. Serin, 23. Jalibert

Place your bets now for the French to win their World Cup in 2023 before the odds shorten, cos a lot of these players will be in their prime by then.

16h00
And here's the Italian squad:

Le XV de départ de l'Italie : 15. Hayward, 14. bellini; 13. Morisi, 12. Canna; 11. Minozzi; 10. Allan, 9. Braley; 7. Negri, 8. Steyn, 6. Polledri; 5. Cannone, 4. Zanni; 3. Zilocchi, 2. Bigi (cap), 1. Lovotti

Les remplaçants : 16. Zani, 17. Fischetti, 18. Riccioni, 19. Budd, 20. Ruzza, 21. Licata, 22. Palazzani, 23. Bisegni

If only Jake Polledri had been patient then I'm sure he'd have been in the England reckoning - although Eddie probably wouldn't rate him!

[JP14]

Vincent was part of the 2018 team to win the World U20s, if memory serves me correct. Shame Fofana or Vakatawa isn’t fit.

[Robespierre]

Vincent was part of the 2018 team to win the World U20s, if memory serves me correct. Shame Fofana or Vakatawa isn’t fit.

Yes, you're right and I think the others who are now in the senior squad are:- Bamba, Carbonel, Ntamack and Woki.

[Robespierre]

So who do we neutrals cheer for in the Ireland v Wales match? Difficult, innit? I’m just a bit for Wales, mainly to shut up the annoying one-eyed Irish crowd! ..... and the whinger Sexton!

[Dr H Flashman MBE]

Usually neutral as I find both very anti English. But with Sexton moaning and whinging at everything the Ref says, I am in the Welsh camp. The bloke is shocking. It’s like seeing a child being told to get out of the sweet shop.