Although I am English, I do think the Irish will win it again, but I don't think there will be a Grand Slam.
This weekend:
I take England to beat Wales
Ireland to beat Italy - naturally.
France to beat Scotland
Next weekend will be Le Crunch though....I have a feeling the French might turn the Irish and the week after that, the French travel to Cardiff Arms....that won't be an easy one for the French and this is where they might slip up.
Why Jonno didn't put Ben Youngs in at 9 is a mystery to me.
patmac: Just a thought according to the IRB more people in America play rugby than in the UK.
No idea where those figures came from Patmac, but there is an estimation of around 63,000 rugby players in the USA, with 20% being female, the latest figures from the IRB (International Rugby Board) England has 1,900 rugby union clubs; 6,060 referees; 362,319 pre-teen male players; 698,803 teen male players; 121,480 senior male players (total male players 1,182,602) as well as 11,000 senior female players. That is just England! Add waales, Ireland and Scotland into that mix and the figures will be nigh on trebled.
Steve5721: No idea where those figures came from Patmac, but there is an estimation of around 63,000 rugby players in the USA, with 20% being female, the latest figures from the IRB (International Rugby Board) England has 1,900 rugby union clubs; 6,060 referees; 362,319 pre-teen male players; 698,803 teen male players; 121,480 senior male players (total male players 1,182,602) as well as 11,000 senior female players. That is just England! Add waales, Ireland and Scotland into that mix and the figures will be nigh on trebled.
IRB qoute counted non affiliated colleges and schools. Figures calculated by Main clubs who use these as feeders. It is getting to the stage if the Yanks get their League set up right they could be a threat to all Steve bud.
patmac: It is getting to the stage if the Yanks get their League set up right they could be a threat to all Steve bud.
I do agree with you there, I must admit. having lived in the USA, I have seen the growth and if they decided to get their act together, paid them better, they would and will be a threat on the world scene.
HJFinAZ: They don't have 300 pound linebackers commin at them either..
True, most of our 'big guys' are only around 6' 4" to 6'6" tall and weigh around 20 stone - 22 stone....240 lbs to 260lbs.
However, don't forget, these guys will play a full game of around 80 minutes, not like your linebacker who will play a lot less than that...at least, that is my experience of watching a few games.
Steve5721: Although I am English, I do think the Irish will win it again, but I don't think there will be a Grand Slam.
This weekend: I take England to beat Wales
Ireland to beat Italy - naturally.
France to beat Scotland
Next weekend will be Le Crunch though....I have a feeling the French might turn the Irish and the week after that, the French travel to Cardiff Arms....that won't be an easy one for the French and this is where they might slip up.
Why Jonno didn't put Ben Youngs in at 9 is a mystery to me.
I think your right that there wont be a slam.
France and Ireland shd win but it depends on which England turn up in the game against Wales........Home advantage can be huge but Wales turn it on..... .....they certainly have the players.
And France shd be favs to beat Ireland as Ireland havent won there in a Gazillion years.......
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What do people think ?
I think it will boil down to two matches.
The winner of this Sat match between Engerland and Wales will gain confidence and should do well.
And if Ireland can go to France and win the following weekend, they will have it in their hands........big ask I know.
How many gmes will Scotland and Italy win......1.....2....
Come on Ireland........