Fans stimulus to hope when Six Nations promises a tournament will last a long time
The Six Nations is more than just rugby. For some, making journeys to major European capitals with old friends is the main draw, and the race itself is just a bonus. For others, it's just as special in their local pub or with their extended family. It's this annual wave of shared joy that sets the champion apart from all other TV backdrops. Six Nations Rugby Fans can buy Six Nations Tickets from our website.
| France, Ireland, Scotland and England are all hoping to pose a stronger attacking threat |
Occasionally, however, the planets will align and the quality of the actual game will surpass everything else. Think of runners and riders. Weather permitting, France, Ireland, Scotland and England are all hoping to pose a stronger attacking threat than they were 12 months ago, and defending champions Wales are unlikely to back down.
Therefore, it is possible to
hold a tournament that lasts forever. France has the strongest and most
exciting squad in years. Ireland also just beat New Zealand in the fall and has
some impressive new talent. It is widely believed that Scotland is no better in
the professional era. England lacks some famous names, but still maintains its
ambitions. Wales put in more tries last season than they scored in the Six
Nations campaign. Even Italy is cheering at the age-group level, hoping for
better-off days ahead.
Hence, the anticipation of
the Six Nations in 2022 is more than usual. Last year's great version is still
fresh in our minds and unlike 12 months ago, the supporters are back and
restarting the soul of the tournament. More importantly, the game is changing,
with less emphasis on attrition and more emphasis on active intent. Ruck speed
is now a popular tactical expression in every demographic.
Referees may be more excited
than ever for teams looking to illegally delay the ball, which explains why
both sides are recalibrating their approach. For example, there was a time when
Ireland simply enjoyed vice-like efficiency, squeezing and pressuring their
opponents and giving them nothing. More and more - and thanks to Andy Farrell's
encouragement - they want to pick up the pace and create more of themselves. If
Leinster is a guide, they will also be fit enough to make it happen.
Will this be Johnny Sexton's
last stop? You doubt the 36-year-old will be desperate to make it work. The
reminiscent documentary about the second half of Ireland's greatness, which
aired Sunday night, is a timely reminder of the fine tradition of the green No.
10, from Jackie Kyle and Ollie Campbell to Tony Ward and Ronan O'Gara, Sexton-
wishes remain as deep as any of them. The Irish are not only the most
experienced tactician, but also have the best scrum in the game. Yet they still
have to travel to Paris and London to win. Check the boxes, and a grand slam is
sure to follow.
| The reminiscent documentary about the second half of Ireland's greatness |
More likely, a tug-of-war and a three-time title fight are en route to the final straight. Luck works, but so old-fashioned effort. Yes, Wales scored many tries, but despite being beaten in meters, dribbles and defenders, they still emerged as champions thanks to consistent scrimmage and lineouts and more than any other. Everyone made more tackles.
That's why, aside from the
specific names on the roster, this season's winner will be the team that
strikes the best balance between ambition and fundamental accuracy. Now the
team has a bigger responsibility to threaten the first period, and there's no
shortage of magicians Finn Russell, Marcus Smith, Romain Ntamack to raise the
unexpected.
Remember when Ntamack’s
broke behind his own defence against the All Blacks in the fall? Expect more
when the team realizes that hitting hard and fast across more than 25 levels
can yield more rewards than an opponent caught off guard. The 50:22 rule also
helps, and being blocked on an attempt line no longer means an aggressive 5m
scrum. It makes clever cross-kicks or witty taps more valuable.
In this respect, France has
the best scrum-half in the world and some of the deadliest finishers. The only
thing stopping Les Bleus from becoming an absolute global powerhouse now is
themselves: inner confidence is often the difference between decent and great.
But Shaun Edwards, Fabien Galthié and Raphael Ibanez all know what a successful
culture looks like. France will in any case be in the top two.
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