France to dash Welsh hopes of Grandslam crown

By Matthew Leslie on Feb 6, 09 04:57 PM in 6 Nations

My take on the runners and riders for this year's Six Nations

SCOTLAND

PROS: Quality players such as Glasgow’s Thom Evans (should the powers that be remember his existance) and Edinburgh’s Ben Cairns have come through the system to ensure coach Frank Hadden has more weapons in his arsenal than in previous campaigns. Hadden is also helped with an embarrassment of riches with regards to back-row forwards and also has the world’s current top scrum-half in Mike Blair.

CONS: Scoring tries is something we’ve not excelled at this past year and the team must shake off the jitters when they are in sight of the try-line. Injuries must be kept to a minimum – particularly in the front five. If Euan Murray and Nathan Hines are available, we have a chance. One of the fly-halves needs to step up and make the number 10 jersey his own. The honeymoon has long since passed for both Dan Parks and Phil Godman.

VERDICT: If they can be more clinical in attack and can keep clear of injuries - as well as keeping wacky selections to a minimum - we could do well. 3rd

FRANCE

PROS: Coach Marc Lievremont is spoilt for choice and with quality such as Julien Malzieu, Lionel Beauxis and Maxime Medard, a Grandslam is on the cards.

CONS: However, only if Monsieur Lievremont stops meddling. Last year’s policy of capping all and sundry hampered their title bid.

VERDICT: We suspect Lievremont has learnt his lesson and will play his best team throughout. 1st

WALES

PROS: Their backs – especially Shane Williams – can destroy anyone on their day. Ask Australia.

CONS: Will 2006 happen again? Three years back they crumbled under the
pressure of defending a Grandslam.

VERDICT: Coach Warren Gatland should still have them in good nick although Paris trip may be too much for them. 2nd

IRELAND

PROS: Progress of both Munster and Leinster in the Heineken Cup show old dogs can still hack it.

CONS: But for how long? This could be one campaign too many for Brian O’Driscoll and Co and there doesn’t appear to be a ready-made set of youngsters waiting in the wings should they falter. Must address a shakey line-out too.

VERDICT: Will still be a tough proposition to face but ‘golden generation’ is showing signs of rust. 4th

ENGLAND

PROS: Young guns such as Delon Armitage and Paul Sackey show that English rugby has a future despite this current transitional period.

CONS: Current side no longer has the mental toughness shown by the World Cup winning class of 2003. They were embarrased by a Springbok side who only just held off Scotland the week before.

VERDICT: Unless more players stand up to be counted, coach Martin Johnson has some serious repair work to do. 5th

ITALY

PROS: Heaven help the team that sees L’Azzurri as an easy touch as Scotland only know too well. Australia were very fortunate to beat them last Autumn.

CONS: Renown for their strong pack, the new ELVs which have clamped down on the maul will work against them. A weak line of backs is still an ongoing problem.

VERDICT: Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett will have them organised but unless their backs can actually pose a threat, the wooden spoon awaits. 6th