This is a thread about the 2020 Six Nations, formerly the Five Nations

razorblunt · 01-02-2020 7:21am

RTE do a good montage.

Best time of the year lads, it’s like Xmas morning!
Even when we were getting hammered all those years.

It’s the hope. It’s the hope that kills you. This year might surprise us all.
Sow it into them.

Buer · 01-02-2020 8:24am

awec wrote: »

I would say for sure my interest this year is lower than it's ever been. Don't know what it is. World Cup hangover? Becoming used to the successes of recent years? Who knows. I find myself caring little for what team is selected, though that's also probably because Scotland are so rubbish that even Ulster would give them a good seeing to. Actually thought about giving tomorrow a miss.

You're getting older and have a family now. Priorities change.

kuang1 · 01-02-2020 8:33am

razorblunt wrote: »

RTE do a good montage.

Best time of the year lads, it’s like Xmas morning!
Even when we were getting hammered all those years.

It’s the hope. It’s the hope that kills you. This year might surprise us all.
Sow it into them.

New coach, new players, new dawn.

I think it's the unknown that's keeping us all from chomping at the bit.
But by 7.00 tonight I expect to hear mentions of "amazing start" and "proper contenders this year" etc.

Haaaaaaan de lads.

liosnagceann75 · 01-02-2020 9:31am

Completed my 6 Nations fantasy team last night. Max 4 players per country and budget which curtails picking all the superstars. It nearly drove me mad. Come on Ireland

ionadnapokot · 01-02-2020 10:26am

Jump_In_Jack wrote: »

I have a similar feeling,
..........

Its defo just a RWC hangover. you'll be grand. dont worry!

Just checked my pashun levels....

tears are flowing!:pac:

i expect you will have fully recovered before Twickenham in week 3,

Lá Feile Bríde shona daoibh!
Best time of the year
Come on Ireland!

01-02-2020 10:58am

Jump_In_Jack wrote: »

I have a similar feeling, usually I know the kick off time weeks in advance, the guys in work routinely ask me questions about what day, when is kickoff, home or away, changes to selection, any talking points.
This time for the first time in years have been struggling to keep informed as I used to take for granted, the interest is waning.
My buddy bought an expensive ticket to go to this match and I actually had to catch myself from saying what a waste of money.
I think the failure at the World Cup and the one-dimensional predictably boring game plan in the last year has really turned me off watching Ireland play at the moment.
Perhaps we see some exciting passing and running today, might spark up some interest again.
Have been considering just recording it and checking the reports before deciding whether watching the match would be worth it.
First time in 20 years feeling like this, maybe having kids now is part of it, more enjoyable playing around with them than watching Ireland play boring rugby.

I can't say I've ever subscribed to this idea that Ireland play boring rugby. It's just a hangover from the world cup for me.

molloyjh · 01-02-2020 11:49am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I can't say I've ever subscribed to this idea that Ireland play boring rugby. It's just a hangover from the world cup for me.

And the constant micro analysis that has been going on ever since. For me at least. The enjoyment has been sucked out of watching the national side, in part because of a really poor 2019, but also because you cant go anywhere without constantly hearing about the poor 2019. It's been a huge downer on the whole thing for basically a full 12 months now. Theres only so much we can take before we become apathetic towards the whole thing.

Even a good start today wont help as it's only Scotland. So it's a lose-lose really. We need a good win over Wales and at the very least a top class performance in London before things will turn around.

sydthebeat · 01-02-2020 11:56am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I can't say I've ever subscribed to this idea that Ireland play boring rugby. It's just a hangover from the world cup for me.

Agreed.

Anyone looking at wales under gatland wouldn't describe them as boring, but they score feck all tries. They are mightily effective though.

Ireland in Joe's last year, looked terrible because the game plan we employed depended on critical factors, and when they weren't there we were incredibly limited.
Hopefully AF is less risk averse

sydthebeat · 01-02-2020 12:32pm

Did someone say everything is brilliant??

sydthebeat · 01-02-2020 12:49pm

Jump_In_Jack wrote: »

If you had to count how many times it was posted that “Joe knows best” while Ireland were playing conservative and predictable rugby, would it be into the thousands would you think?

I'm still finding it hard to find the statement that everything is brilliant.

Everything WAS rosey until the beginning of 2019.

So if you can find me your post (or all the posts) please which denigrated the way Ireland were playing at the end of 2018, then you have an argument.

This "after the fact" reflection is no eureka moment

01-02-2020 12:53pm

I wrote a reply but I actually couldn't be arsed getting into it again. The bottom line is I disagree. I can admire playing smart to win. Shame it didn't last forever. I prefer to be positive about it.

OldRio · 01-02-2020 1:05pm

FFS lads it's bloody marvellous. Best sporting competition bar non. I've been watching 5/6 nations since the 1960's and I still really enjoy it.

01-02-2020 1:11pm

This is the most excited I've been for a six nations in years. Loads of variables, plenty of drama. World Cup is done, it was ****e, Joe got almost everything right bar his last 12 months in the job but he's left a legacy we get to see some of today.

Expectations can be whatever we want them to be, we're going to start to see something different for good or bad.

I can't wait. Getting the fire going now in a bit, have nice food in and a couple of cold ones in the fridge.

****in Sixmas folks.

thebaz · 01-02-2020 1:23pm

awec wrote: »

I would say for sure my interest this year is lower than it's ever been. Don't know what it is. World Cup hangover? Becoming used to the successes of recent years? Who knows. I find myself caring little for what team is selected, though that's also probably because Scotland are so rubbish that even Ulster would give them a good seeing to. Actually thought about giving tomorrow a miss.

I hear you , I really would not care too much whether we win the 6 Nations , after our WC failure - really only 3 competive matches that we play each year, over-priced tickets , whether its just the WC hangover, but I see even a grand slam as having become devalued.

stephen_n · 01-02-2020 1:24pm

OldRio wrote: »

FFS lads it's bloody marvellous. Best sporting competition bar non. I've been watching 5/6 nations since the 1960's and I still really enjoy it.

We seem to be victims of our own success. One bad season and everyone’s disillusioned. We’ve gone through entire decades worse than last season and still managed to be enthusiastic.

thebaz · 01-02-2020 1:28pm

OldRio wrote: »

Best sporting competition bar non. I've been watching 5/6 nations since the 1960's and I still really enjoy it.

Better than a World cup ?? never mind the soccer WC , come on

Squidgy Black · 01-02-2020 1:35pm

Mad to think that today is Conway's first Six Nations start. Long overdue to be honest.

ionadnapokot · 01-02-2020 1:45pm

thebaz wrote: »

Better than a World cup ?? never mind the soccer WC , come on

Timing is everything

ionadnapokot · 01-02-2020 2:03pm

Bring back RTÉ

Yeah_Right · 01-02-2020 2:06pm

My first experience of a 6 Nations weekend in Ireland was 12 years ago and I've loved ever since. I kept an eye on the tournament back in NZ, mainly through highlight shows on a Sunday. Would have watched the odd game live when I got home from the pub but I (like many Kiwis) viewed it as a second division competition. Sorry.

Since I've lived here I have looked forward to 6 Nations weekends. The buzz and atmosphere around town is fantastic. So much better than anything back home. Only Bledisloe Cup matches could compare but it's been nearly 20 years since those were interesting.

It helps that the wife loves the 6 Nations. And so do her friends so game day is always a great day out. Really looking forward to this year's competition because of all the changes and new faces.

Buer wrote: »

You're getting older and have a family now. Priorities change.

Shut up Buer. ðŸ˜

01-02-2020 2:16pm

thebaz wrote: »

Better than a World cup ?? never mind the soccer WC , come on

Would easily be my favourite sporting event considering its on every year. RWC is obviously more exciting but I get more out four years of Six Nations. I could honestly take or leave the football. I tried to like for a decade or so.

thebaz · 01-02-2020 2:29pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Would easily be my favourite sporting event considering its on every year. RWC is obviously more exciting but I get more out four years of Six Nations. I could honestly take or leave the football. I tried to like for a decade or so.

I get it people enjoy it , but to call it the greatest sporting event is nonsense, it is not even the greatest rugby competion. this years as most years ther are 4 competive teams - to win a Ruby WC cup you got overcome 7 or 8 cometive teams, if Ireland for instance had won a WC it would have been massive, win the 6 Nations or even a grand slam and the celebration will be more muted than usual given what happened on the bigger stage.

PhlegmyMoses · 01-02-2020 2:37pm

I love the 6 nations. Hyped for it now

stephen_n · 01-02-2020 2:38pm

thebaz wrote: »

I get it people enjoy it , but to call it the greatest sporting event is nonsense, it is not even the greatest rugby competion. this years as most years ther are 4 competive teams - to win a Ruby WC cup you got overcome 7 or 8 cometive teams, if Ireland for instance had won a WC it would have been massive, win the 6 Nations or even a grand slam and the celebration will be more muted than usual given what happened on the bigger stage.

No you don’t, South Africa played three competitive teams and lost to one of them.

thebaz · 01-02-2020 2:46pm

stephen_n wrote: »

No you don’t, South Africa played three competitive teams and lost to one of them.

South Africa had to play 3 knockout games to win , and NZ in group - besides, winning a WC is a much bigger deal than winning 6 Nations, these days.

dublinman1990 · 01-02-2020 2:48pm

Michael Cheika is on BBC One for the first game in Cardiff.

Podge_irl · 01-02-2020 2:48pm

thebaz wrote: »

I get it people enjoy it , but to call it the greatest sporting event is nonsense, it is not even the greatest rugby competion. this years as most years ther are 4 competive teams - to win a Ruby WC cup you got overcome 7 or 8 cometive teams, if Ireland for instance had won a WC it would have been massive, win the 6 Nations or even a grand slam and the celebration will be more muted than usual given what happened on the bigger stage.

Greatest is not defined really.

I prefer the 6N to the World Cup. It's not even particularly close.

stephen_n · 01-02-2020 2:51pm

thebaz wrote: »

South Africa had to play 3 knockout games to win , and NZ in group - besides, winning a WC is a much bigger deal than winning 6 Nations, these days.

Yes and one of those knockout games was against Japan. Who performed really well in the RWC and beat us. They are still very much a tier 2 side though. South Africa beat Wales and England and lost to New Zealand.

OldRio · 01-02-2020 2:55pm

thebaz wrote: »

Better than a World cup ?? never mind the soccer WC , come on

Well it's only my opinion.

And I'm right so Na na na na na&#55357;&#56842;

molloyjh · 01-02-2020 3:12pm

Yeah, the 6Ns is way better than the RWC. The RWC has so few truly competitive games. The big draw is watching teams you rarely get to see. But the 6Ns, Italy aside, is ultra competitive. Has the rivalries unlike the RWC. It's close to home so theres always a good deal of travelling fans and you get to meet up with the same opposition fans for it year after year. I wasnt pumped for it until today. Now I am. Listening to the Italian anthem as I type this humming along to it. Love the whole bloody thing tbh.

Dubinusa · 01-02-2020 3:40pm

I'm excited for this 6nations. After the rwc, it's a rebirth.
New coaching ticket, new players and the opportunity to raise ourselves out of the rubble of last year's campaign.
I was wary for the rwc. I felt we were going to be hosed and we were. The writing was on the wall last year, beginning in the 6nations. This year is a new era. Farrell is on the hot seat now and he will hopefully turn us around.
Can't wait.

Squidgy Black · 01-02-2020 3:44pm

Part of the problem with the RWC is it's just really hard to get excited about it when the time difference is vast. Even a lot of the midweek games in the 2015 were at awkward times when people were in work etc and there's a lot of dead rubbers.

Takes a lot of the excitement out of it compared to the 6N when you know you have the weekend afternoons spread out over a month set out.

Clegg · 01-02-2020 3:48pm

That's lovely from Biggar.

01-02-2020 4:18pm

I ran a few simulations and came the conclusion that Ireland will win and it will be exactly 10-0.

Sexton still hasn't figured out how to kick at goal hence there was no conversions or penalties.

PTH2009 · 01-02-2020 4:27pm

Starting to feel that six nations excitement now

Kiith · 01-02-2020 5:04pm

Not even a match thread with some proper build up? Shocking carry on.

stephen_n · 01-02-2020 5:10pm

Kiith wrote: »

Not even a match thread with some proper build up? Shocking carry on.

Off you go

Clegg · 01-02-2020 5:35pm

Shame. Penaud is brilliant.

https://twitter.com/alexspinkmirror/status/1223645522595962880?s=19

razorblunt · 01-02-2020 8:28pm

dublinman1990 wrote: »

Michael Cheika is on BBC One for the first game in Cardiff.

I thought he was excellent, very fair and balanaced, which is needed on a) the BBC and b) alongside Jonathan Davies (he was alonside both today). Called out one of the Italians and praised him for going the full 80 as he's listed under Benetton but plays in the Italian semi pro league.

awec · 01-02-2020 9:35pm

I just want to point out that four pints in Lansdowne Road tonight cost me €29.

Twenty nine euro.

Everyone involved in this is a disgrace and I hope their next ****e is a hedgehog.

molloyjh · 01-02-2020 11:32pm

awec wrote: »

I just want to point out that four pints in Lansdowne Road tonight cost me €29.

Twenty nine euro.

Everyone involved in this is a disgrace and I hope their next ****e is a hedgehog.

That's what you get for buying pints in the Aviva. Did you buy all 4 at the same time?

stephen_n · 01-02-2020 11:37pm

awec wrote: »

I just want to point out that four pints in Lansdowne Road tonight cost me €29.

Twenty nine euro.

Everyone involved in this is a disgrace and I hope their next ****e is a hedgehog.

€6.25 a pint plus the €1 deposit for the plastic cup.

Zzippy · 02-02-2020 12:14am

awec wrote: »

I just want to point out that four pints in Lansdowne Road tonight cost me €29.

Twenty nine euro.

Everyone involved in this is a disgrace and I hope their next ****e is a hedgehog.

What's wrong with a hip flask?

Realtalknow · 02-02-2020 12:31am

Drunk D4 fans ruining the reputation of Irish fans as per usual in town tonight. Most arrogant and entitled people on earth.

Steve · 02-02-2020 12:46am

Realtalknow wrote: »

Drunk D4 fans ruining the reputation of Irish fans as per usual in town tonight. Most arrogant and entitled people on earth.

This probably isn't the forum for you so.

I'll save you further embarrassment, bye.

02-02-2020 10:01pm

Very interesting weekend.

With the England loss the chance of a grand slam has diminished. If anyone was to win the Grand Slam from here I'd be looking at Wales. I still expect that French team to fall apart away from home at some stage during the tournament. So Wales are looking in a decent place albeit untested against Italy.

Hard to figure where Ireland's fortunes this tournament will be. I think we'll be better against Wales, If we can get some of the injured lads back and we build on yesterdays game it'll be tight enough.

I'm reminded of the start of Joe's tenure. We were sloppy and a bit abject against Australia. Two weeks later it took a miracle for a very strong All Blacks team to beat us.

awec · 02-02-2020 10:08pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Very interesting weekend.

With the England loss the chance of a grand slam has diminished. If anyone was to win the Grand Slam from here I'd be looking at Wales. I still expect that French team to fall apart away from home at some stage during the tournament. So Wales are looking in a decent place albeit untested against Italy.

Hard to figure where Ireland's fortunes this tournament will be. I think we'll be better against Wales, If we can get some of the injured lads back and we build on yesterdays game it'll be tight enough.

I'm reminded of the start of Joe's tenure. We were sloppy and a bit abject against Australia. Two weeks later it took a miracle for a very strong All Blacks team to beat us.

Both Farrell and Schmidt made dodgy calls at 9 for their first games in charge.

The Lost Sheep · 02-02-2020 10:22pm

awec wrote: »

I just want to point out that four pints in Lansdowne Road tonight cost me €29.

Twenty nine euro.

Everyone involved in this is a disgrace and I hope their next ****e is a hedgehog.

that's only the first pint. If you brought back cups each time it goes back to a euro cheaper. So 25.
Working as usual in stadium. Complaints about prices weren't as bad as they usually are....

penybont exile · 02-02-2020 11:57pm

TBH the four teams who can win this are all still in with a shout ..... This time next week the mist will have lifted somewhat.

Pressure on England with an away game ..... Scotland can be awkward at Murrayfield.

France have a bye so will be sitting pretty.

Brings us to the main event next Saturday.

It's a 50:50 game for me ..... however if we can ensure a solid set piece for the duration I'm reasonably optimistic we'll get a positive outcome. Big IF though as our scrum wobbled a bit yesterday. Need to get back to our WC form in that dept .....

Both teams have selection issues ........ for us I'd start Tompkins (looks a natural), move North back to wing. G Davies & L William's onto the bench. In the pack shore up the front row with WillGrif John. I'd also be very tempted to start Moriarty with Faletau on the bench. If it's close going into the last quarter then I really fancy our chances as IMO we have the stronger bench ..... for Ireland who knows ...... injuries are going to dictate but I wouldn't be too displeased to see POM keep his spot. Would it be wishing too much for Faz SNR to bring in Dave K .......

Looking forward to it .... will be there .... won't be sipping over priced grog in the ground though .... plenty of decent venues around before and after for that ......

arsebiscuits1 · 03-02-2020 12:36pm

awec wrote: »

I just want to point out that four pints in Lansdowne Road tonight cost me €29.

Twenty nine euro.

Everyone involved in this is a disgrace and I hope their next ****e is a hedgehog.

Demand dictates the price. You're buying it so ultimately you're responsible for the price.

....shame on you :pac:

This is a thread about the 2020 Six Nations, formerly the Five Nations

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