Wales on Course for Another Six Nations Rugby Success

Following the Autumn Internationals, it is Grand Slam winners of 2008, Wales, who emerged as favorites for the upcoming Six Nations Championship; that kicks off on February 7th 2009. Wales were the only home Nation to gain a victory over the three principle Southern Hemisphere sides when they got the better of Australia in their final autumn series match.

Having won the Grand Slam last year and having acquitted themselves better against the likes of New Zealand and South Africa, than any of the other six nations teams, it seems remarkable that they are only narrow favorites to win the Six Nations, with Bookmakers seemingly believing that the Welsh are vulnerable.

Wales start their Six Nations campaign against Scotland on February 8th at Murrayfield, while England should get off to a winning start against Italy the day before at Twickenham. Ireland, also on February 7th take on the French at Croke Park.

These three matches will not decide the championship that is for certain, but they will go a long way to illustrating which side has improved the most from the Autumn Internationals.

Wales certainly look a very lively team and have improved out of all proportion since recruiting Warren Gatland as Head Coach. They have created a team dedicated to playing total rugby and look extremely efficient in all departments. Their two defeats in the autumn to South Africa and then the All Blacks, showed that they are more than capable of holding their own against the best, provided they can take their chances. It is arguable that, although losing, they were the better team against South Africa and they led the All Blacks at half time, before being swept away in the second half.

The other nations, most notably England were completely torn apart by both South Africa and New Zealand and for that reason it is hard to understand why England and the other Nations are so close to Wales in the six nations odds.

Ireland played well against Argentina when winning with a great second half performance, but they look like a team that is tired and unimaginative and lacking the zest necessary to win all of their matches. France looks a team that has not improved for two years, they have no kicker and the flair, normally associated with them seems to have gone west. Scotland meanwhile played well in their autumn matches and showed enough that they may be dark horses this year. Their opener against Wales may be the game of the Six Nations.

Most eyes however will be on England and whether or not new team manager, Martin Johnson has the ability to produce a world beating side. On current evidence it seems very unlikely, England were poor against South Africa and whilst they improved against the All Blacks they only did so by playing a spoiling game designed to block New Zealand momentum. If they are to win the Six Nations they have to concentrate on their game and not that of their opponents. Betting markets have already been created regarding Johnson’s future, with Bookmakers believing he may not last until the World Cup in 2011.

Whatever the outcome, the Six Nations always warms winter weekend afternoons and for many it is the highlight of the New Year.