6 Nations Tournament

[SERIOUSLY THOUGH*]

It's back !
The 6 Nations tournament returns for the 2014 season :D

For those who don't know it, it's a rugby tournament with France, England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and Italy that occurs every year.
Each country plays the other once, and the country with the most points wins. If a country wins every match, we say they win the Grand Slam. If they lose all their matches, they win the proverbial wooden spoon.

When I was in the UK, it was great fun going to the pub to watch the games, especially when it was England Vs France. There was never any of that animosity that plagues so many sports, and we all always had a good time, whoever came out on top.

What are your predictions ? Who are you rooting for ? (Americans and other non-Europeans, you're going to have to pick a team!)
I actually think that, after last years shocking results, France has a fighting chance this year. I think the match today will set the pace.

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Today's matches are Wales Vs Italy and France Vs England.
I would just like to point out to my English friends on the forum that YOU ARE GOING DOWN .

[SERIOUSLY THOUGH*]

I shall just talk to myself then !

First set of matches

Wales 23 - 15 Italy
No surprises there, although the Italians are getting better and better as the years go on (they beat both France and Ireland last year).

France 26 - 24 England
One of the best and most tense matches I've watched in a while.
France comfortably leading at half time after an excellent start, looking to cruise the rest of the game, only to be overtaken by a heartened English XV. Every time France would catch up, England would pull away by a few points. A try for France at the very end of the match to seal a draw, with a conversion sealing the win. Shame I wasn't in the UK for that one.

Ireland 28 - 6 Scotland
Not much to say, a very one-sided game with a Scotland outclassed in every respect. The Scots fought very well, but it wasn't enough against the Irish XV who proved that they have a strong chance of going for gold.

[Kakariko Kid]

I'll join in. I vote Ireland. I have Irish ancestors.

[supersquid64]

England vs France was heartbreaking in the last few minutes. However can't dwell to much on the last match as there are four other matches to go!

Oh and of course I'm rooting for England.

[SERIOUSLY THOUGH*]

I'll join in. I vote Ireland. I have Irish ancestors.

Booo ;)

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England vs France was heartbreaking in the last few minutes. However can't dwell to much on the last match as there are four other matches to go!

Oh and of course I'm rooting for England.

Well you're back in business after that performance against Scotland !

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And so the second round of games have come and gone (just finished actually)

Ireland 26 - 3 Wales
Logical win for Ireland who were stronger throughout, I've been expecting better from the Welsh so far given how strong their players are.

Scotland 0 - 20 England
Not much to say -- Scotland had the opportunities, but weren't at the top of their game and just wasted too many plays. Excellent cohesion from the English whose iron defence consolidated their offense.

France 30 - 10 Italy
Good game overall, dominated throughout by the French though marred with too much animosity from both sides nearer the end of the game. Italy got a try at the very end that could easily have been avoided had France kept its cool. Stupid concession given Ireland's point difference superiority that would have been practically caught up with a +27.

[supersquid64]

England vs France was heartbreaking in the last few minutes. However can't dwell to much on the last match as there are four other matches to go!

Oh and of course I'm rooting for England.

Well you're back in business after that performance against Scotland !

It was a good match. Apparently I get quite loud when the Rugby is on though according to my housemate.

I still need to watch the highlights for France v Italy but it sounded one sided. However I'm looking forward to see how the table will progress. I've really enjoyed the six nations so far. (Even if England did lose to France!)

[SERIOUSLY THOUGH*]

Well that made things very, very interesting !
Both Ireland and France, who were leading the standings, were beaten by those right behind them.

Now we have four teams with the same number of points !


Wales 27 - 6 France
Both a poor effort from the French, and an excellent effort from the Welsh who managed to exploit every flaw in the French defence. France's pushes were easily countered, leaving them little chance to catch up.


Italy 20 - 21 Scotland
What a finish !! Italy, winning until the very last minute (20-18) until a final drop-goal from Weir clinched the victory.
Very even match, though definitely in Italy's favour until about 30 minutes from the end, when the Scots kicked it up a notch and fought back.
Now only Italy remains on track to winning the wooden spoon.

England 13 - 10 Ireland
Excellent result for the excitement levels of the tournament, but rather dull match as the tug of war became repetitive after a while.
The first half, despite leaving the scoreboard clean, was more interesting as both teams were clearly throwing their all into the game, leading to a hardy stalemate.