It's good to be back

Johno- At the end of the RWC I'm not sure what I was more upset about, the end of the blog or the end of England's reign. Fortunately the 6N is upon us and it's time to fire up the Hewlett-Packard again. I'd like to commend Boothers on his name dropping and shoulder rubbing, nice work; and also welcome Pat and his graphics aboard, very impressive!

I think I will keep this post brief as we have a couple of weeks of build up left for the simmering vocabulary churning in the magma chamber of the "volcano of rant" to erupt.

Ireland- I don't know what to expect, but it has to be better than the RWC. The EOS contract situation has robbed Ireland of the chance to have a clear out. They left me confused, as in the space of 6 months they went from credible RWC contenders to a rabble. They have enough talent and HC experience to rally, they just have to have their heads in the game.

France- A team that was built for the RWC has had it's fair share of retirements, a new management team in place, we shall have to see if their youth is ready to step up.

Wales- The fine managerial appointment of Warren Gatland should see a marked improvement from the Principality, coupled with the return of Martyn Williams and the captaincy of a hopefully healthy Ryan Jones things will look better. Just not in the first round though!

Scotland- Probably the only team that know their best XV. Came on in the RWC and expect this trend to continue.

Italy- Not a lot to say here. If they pick up another wooden spoon I want the 6N to seriously consider promotion/relegation and give the likes of Georgia and Romania a crack.

England- This is going to be fun. Ashton no longer burdened by the mandate to "defend a title" allied with a host of lively young backs coming through will look to get the team playing a high octane free thinking brand of rugby. Whether it works or not remains to be seen, but it's going to be exciting watching them sink or swim.

15 matches, 6 Teams, 2 Super Saturdays, 1 Champion...