Six Nations set to see player names on all shirts

What a human being he was. What a great person. He will never be forgotten.

France beats everyone.

Ireland loses to France.

England loses to France and Ireland.

Scotland loses to France, England, Ireland and France.

Wales beats Italy.

Italy loses to everyone but gets close against Wales and Scotland.

It’s the Ireland France game that decides it between them. And possibly bonus points etc. But I think France will win all 5.

What I HOPE happens is that England beats Ireland (very unlikely). And Scotland beats England (quite possibly). And Italy beats Wales (very possibly). But I don’t think that’s realistic based on recent form of the teams in question. I’m actually giving Wales way more credit than I should to be honest.

All goods bro Chuuurrrr...

A race between two top teams, a race between a few middle teams and a race between the bottom teams.

France vs Ireland for 1 & 2.

England vs Scotland for 3 & 4.

Wales vs Italy for 5 & 6.

And that’s how it’s going to end up.

Scotland could beat England.

Wales could beat Italy.

Ireland could beat France.

But it’s very unlikely that England could beat France and Ireland. And so on and so forth.

Williams are not going to win F1 this year. Sorry folks.

It’s in there. Somewhere. Hiding behind layers of fat, hair and stretch marks. But it’s there.

And I bet I’m going to get shot down for the above from someone (hopefully Nick) - because Australia’s results and world rankings compared to England would suggest that Australia isn’t better and that my “opinion” is unjustified. Even pure bollocks.

Which proves my point about England. And any suggestions that they are better than they actually are based on objective results. The objective of the game is to win. Not nearly win.

Infinitely. Do it on your calculator quick.

That wouldn’t make Wales a good team.

In 2022, many still dismissed that SA team as “lucky” World Cup winners—boring, predictable, etc.

That said, the Foster-led All Blacks team that defeated SA at Ellis Park in 2022 (after their loss at Mbombela) was a stronger side than Razor’s 2024 All Blacks. That’s why they were able to bounce back and win that crucial game in SA. Something Razor's All Black Team couldn't replicate in 2024.

Foster’s ABs went on to win the Rugby Championship in both 2022 and 2023, and they finished as World Cup runners-up in 2023. Razor's ABs haven't won any prizes yet.

By most metrics, the 2022 AB team was superior to the 2024 version—especially when judged by results.

Unlike Nick, I base my opinions on clear, undeniable facts: wins. Not on subjective ideas like “how close a team is” or “how good they could be." That’s the crux of my debate with him regarding England. England are solidly 7th ranked in the world, because in 2024 they lost more games than they won. So on paper, I think it's ridiculous to think England will win the 6 Nations. "If you're not first, you're last".

Much like I think it's ridiculous to think a team is better because they have a "better coach" - without wins in the win column. I'm not saying Razor isn't a better coach, but the ABs aren't better for having him, yet. He's still got work to do. Which is fair comment. He was a rookie international coach in 2024.

And of course, I do have a solid understanding of the All Blacks’ quality—after all, the Springboks have been measuring themselves against them for over a century. You have to keep your eye on the yardstick.

* But the 2025 team may be vulnerable to personnel changes as older players move on for younger. And injuries to key players. The 2024 team, in my opinion, could very well be the peak of that generation - much like the Boks of 2009. But hopefully they maintain their winning ways. They are building well for the future. I'm not so sure we can say the same thing about Razor's ABs after 2024. 2025 could be a frustrating year for AB fans as much of the rebuilding work was delayed to 2025.

The 3-0 whitewash of France at home will, at least, put some wind in your sails. It will be telling whether Razor does or doesn't get experimental against the French B Team.

Appreciate your perspective, I didn't see that you were just talking about that. You have to acknowledge though that when it comes down to the NH perspective matters too. I'm Kiwi btw.

Toulon and LAR are well off the pace these days. If you watch the Top 14 you should know what the French throw away games. Dupont has only played twice so far this year.

Were are you from that you're able to watch the Top 14? Streams?

Not too far removed yet though CV! Anyway, I was just basing that statement on recent results. Nothing more. If Gathie can get such large numbers to click though, first, good on him, and second, I'll have to see it to believe it :)

Common Bull, I'm ready for it, hit me. Which was the better SA'n team?