The Northern Hemisphere's Embarrassment of Riches

Super Saturday approaches after a weekend of absolutely fantastic Rugby.  I spent most of the weekend sat in front of the telly watching the 6 Nations unfold, it was total bliss.  I am finding it difficult to know where to begin to describe the matches.  I guess in order may be a good start.

The Welsh rolled on in a game which I can only really remember for the incredible amount of tackles thrown in by Italy in the first half.  Italy improving year on year, and will bring results if only stamina improves.  The score sheet didn't recognise a gargantuan effort by the Italians.  Next week Wales really do need to keep their cool against a French team which love to take advantage of silly errors.

To Ireland v Scotland, two individual's performances really come to the fore.  If you read last week's article I spoke about errors made by Cian Healy and Gordon D'Arcy.  Talk about night and day.  Gordon D'Arcy had yet another calamity.  How long does Kidney give the number 12 shirt to someone who is failing to step up to plate?  Error after error.  On the other hand Healy was my man of the match. His ball carrying was amazing.  He kept going, the Duracell bunny of props.  Healy seemed to see his errors from the France game and refused to let them knock his confidence.  In this game however, shirts remained on throughout.

I am so impressed with England.  The team, so new I have to keep going online to see who they all are, are sizzling.  I have never seen an England team so excited to be on the pitch in such a long time.  Robshaw and Farrell are so very refreshing to watch.  They took advantage of every chance France gave them.  There were errors though, with England allowing France back in the game too easily.  The game on Saturday against Ireland is going to be the best of the tournament.  However like Brian Moore in the last few minutes of the France v England, I'm biased and I'm not afraid to show it.

A Wales who don't seem to miss the pocket rocket Shane Williams, an Ireland more than happy without O'Driscoll and  O'Connell, an England team exuding youthful confidence, a Scotland with some fabulous and exciting new players.  This is a very exciting time for Union indeed.

Over the weekend I have been in awe of some of the physical confrontations witnessed.  This turns my mind to the Lions 2013.  The person who is put in charge of that is going to rub their hands with sheer glee.  The selection of players is unprecedented and spread equally (almost) across all four nations.  The Aussies, in my opinion, have a hell of a lot of work to do if they expect to beat the combined forces of the four nations.

This weekend has topped up my confidence in Northern Hemisphere Rugby.  I am almost giddy thinking up team sheets for the Lions 2013, its going to be an absolutely excellent opportunity for the Northern Hemisphere boys.

Super Saint Patrick's Saturday approaches.  Wales will win the tournament, of that I have no doubt.  However will France let them get the Grand Slam?  Will Ireland stem the tide of Lancaster's young boys?

These questions aren't for me to answer; I think it's more than clear where my loyalties lie.

So I open it up to the floor.

- Who would be your Lions team?

- What are your predictions for next week?

On a final unrelated note I would like to thank everyone who responded to last week's article, it was much appreciated.

 

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