The return of the Six Nations!

So I've been very quiet lately. In fact, I've been none existent as regards my blog in the last few months. But if there is one topic to draw me out from under that rock, it's the Six Nations! Rugby's best tournament in my opinion. The six best rugby nations in the Northern Hemisphere battling out for the prestigious Grand Slam title (or Championship but lets face it, we all want to win the Grand Slam). Ireland, England, Italy, France, Scotland and Wales. The tackles, the blows, the kicks, the catches, the tries, the knock on's, the injuries, the excitement, the disappointment.. the drama!! Can't be beaten!

And what makes it even more dramatic this year is the addition of the World Cup in the autumn. Coaches can view this year's tournament as a warm up for their quest for the Webb Ellis Cup. A chance to add depth to the squad, to face major challenges in the form of the opposition and gain a firm grasp on where their team stands in regards to quality. If you can head to the World Cup as Six Nations champions, you are serious contenders.

It's only been one weekend but already we've seen battles, bashes and near upsets. Now I'm not going to say that last weekend's encounters were thrilling, edge of your seat clashes but there was glimpses of what is to come and if it taught us anything, it's that this is anyone's game.

Most people have tipped Ireland to win, understandably so. Reigning champions who beat two of the major Southern Hemisphere sides in November. But take a look at England, Wales, France, even Scotland have improved massively and will be a force to be reckoned with! England beat Wales in a seriously tough encounter and their injury list is phenomenal. Wales will be massively disappointed to have lost that match. They have one of the best kickers in the world, their back line grows stronger and pacier every championship and in Warren Gatland, they have one of the shrewdest coaches.

It's the same story with France every year. Which team will turn up? The France that can blow a team out of the water or the team that bows their heads and walks away when the going gets tough. If the former is the case, then the rest of the teams better be prepared. Especially Ireland who have the misfortune of having France in their World Cup group. And as for Ireland, last Saturday's display against Italy was far from convincing. But much of that has to come down to the sheer power of the opposition. With the return of Johnny Sexton will come the return of one of the best (if not THE best) half-back partnerships in the world with Sexton linking up with Conor Murray. It is hard to look past the boys in green for the title.

I'm going to put it out there. There will be no outright Grand Slam winner for 2015 and, like last year, the winner will be decided on points difference but Ireland will win the Championship. There, that's my prediction (Not biased at all!). The only thing that's guaranteed is the fact that every single aspect we love about rugby, be it the physicality, the skill, the speed, whatever, will all be on display this year. With every nerve heightened with the World Cup looming, this year's tournament promises to be one of the best yet. Only question is who will be lifting the new and improved Six Nations trophy in 2015?



Comment below with your predictions!