MADmusings #7: It's that time of year again… Six Nations rugby is back!

Pic courtesy of 6-nations-rugby.co.uk

Any rugby fans out there?? This weekend saw the return of a classic fixture in the sporting calendar…

None other than the Six Nations Championship returned to our screens (unless you were lucky enough to see it in person) - the northern hemisphere's annual event in this great sport involving England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy. 

It used to be the 5 Nations until not long ago but Italy joined the fun in 2000 (so maybe not as recent as I thought… just the 18 years!). Unfortunately for them, they are the weakest team but have generally been improving. 

In fact, if you want to get even deeper in history, it was just the 4 'home' nations (ie. UK/Ireland and called the Home Nations Championship) when it started in 1883 with France getting in on the action in 1910.

6 teams makes it far easier for the fixtures I guess too (ie. even numbers), and they tend to have 2 matches on the Saturday and one on the Sunday spread out over February and March. 

Welsh Wizards & Scottish Braves

So first up was Wales vs Scotland. 

And let's face it, Wales hammered the Scots. The final score was 34-7 with Scotland just getting a late consolation but it was all fairly comfortable for the Welsh. 

Wales have a strong tradition of rugby and have always been a very competitive team on the world stage (and especially on their home turf as in this game). They have taken their dips over the years but never to be counted out. 

Scotland can be a good side but I always feel they are just below some of the bigger hitters and are never quite in it. 

French Flare meets 'Luck' of the Irish

Next up, France vs Ireland played at the Stade de France. 

Ireland would be my second team (I'm English) as I am part Irish, and I do have an affinity with the place and the people. Plus it's always good to beat the French ;). No offence but there's a long history both sporting and otherwise, and they are still 'outsiders' in the tournament, so to speak. I generally support all the home nations first, although it's worth pointing out that Scotland and Wales most certainly do not support England in similar circumstances, but that's another story ;). 

Anyway, France have always had a bit of flare but could occasionally lack discipline. Always a tough fixture for all. Ireland are also a very strong side and always seem to have a good pack and a couple of handy backs. They work quite well as a team I feel, so another side that won't roll over easily. 

This match was a bit of a thriller in the end. Final score being 15-13 to Ireland… a last second drop goal from fly-half Johnny Sexton snatching it at the death! (a la Jonny Wilkinson for England at the world cup in 2003). It went back and forth a bit during the game, but that was just a beautiful finish.

Here'tis. Impressive!

English Lions & the Italian Job

Finally, yesterday we had the mighty England vs Italy in Rome. I managed to miss the start somehow as I lost track of time (partly because I wrote this post wittering on about footy and Trello).

We would always expect to win this fixture but you certainly can't take the Italians lightly. Like I said, they have improved and have put in some decent performances, so it can take a bit of a grind to get on top of the game. 

And that's what happened. England were just 7 points ahead after the first half, but stepped on the gas in the second. Very comfortable win in the end with a 46-15 final score. A solid performance to take forward to the next match. Italy can also be fairly pleased with some of their performance and may have a shout against Scotland on current form. 

England play Wales next week, which should be epic. Always a slippery customer those Welsh, and have edged us out a couple of times in recent years. Plus they're looking good, but so are England, so it should be a classic. 

Other than winning the tournament of course, the ultimate goal is to win the Grand Slam, that is to say, win every game. You can win the championship without doing that depending on the other results but it just makes it all the sweeter!

Anyone out there like a bit of the ol' 'rugger'?? I know it is also very popular in a lot of southern hemisphere countries but perhaps not so much in the US and much of Europe…

~ Adam
@adambarratt

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