paddyor wrote:blockhead wrote:DOC was also saying that fatigue with the prem sides was a factor. In December! What will they be like come post 6Ns?
Meanwhile, Quins have named a depleted squad for friday game up in ravers. Surely it has to a 5 pointer for the Ulstermen.
Yeah I think he's on shakier ground there. He was pointing out that Exeter had Saracens and Bath in the run to the game. They romped home against Bath (think it was 42-10 before Bath tacked on some consolation tries). Alot of our players featured in 3 test matches. The English and Welsh Lions appear to be dropping like flies though.
Webb
Biggar
Faletau
Warburton
Vunipola
Itoje
Traditionally France have won the 6Ns in the season following a Lions tour.
This season could be different in that traditionally France didn't have to contend with a very competitive Ireland.
Given Ireland's relatively light (and normal) involvement compared to England and Wales, there is a great opportunity for Ireland to win this season's 6Ns.
Scotland have the same opportunity although not necessarily the same resources.
So we could be looking at a season where England could finish runners up to us and Wales are involved in a dog fight with an improving Italy, if the performances of Treviso and Zebo
are anything to go on.
Kiss of Death, I know, but at some stage if we want to win an RWC we are going to have to back ourselves and stop relying on the underdog tag.
If we play NZ twice next AIs then we have to be thinking we are going to win at least one of those matches rather than hoping we will.