From Last Word on Rugby, Scott Hornell
In less than three weeks time, the European rugby calendar will be full-to-overflowing. Why? It’s simple…because with Six Nations just around the corner, one of the Premier annual events in rugby union will have fans expecting some of the best rugby matches for 2017.
Paying respect to many other competitions and tournaments, the Six Nations has both the heritage and pedigree that cannot, and should not, be dis-swayed. Intense, engaging and in recent times, one of the most popular fixtures outside of a Rugby World Cup.
NEWS: @SixNationsRugby beats NFL & 2014 World Cup as highest attended global sports event https://t.co/ySDkamaMDp pic.twitter.com/cKhQzflj63
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) January 12, 2017
Figures aside [and those were being endorsed by Super Rugby], the standard is sure to be high as well, with teams and players in the middle of their season.
Six Nations Just Around the Corner
The dates are set for the first weekend in February. Teams are beginning to ready themselves, squads are being formalized–Italy were named on the weekend. So the anticipation will now begin to escalate.
With that view, coaches across Europe will have been in contact from their respective Six Nations management. All will have a full record of players details, statistics and strengths. Health and fitness would have been monitored–it is all very regimented and planned in 2017. And it should be too. The rewards are certainly high enough.
Players too will be closely monitoring the schedule, wanting to naturally be at peak for the tournament start. As the final squad announcements come out, those men will be both apprehensive, and hesitant in their normal routine. Warm-ups, warm-downs and in training, they will want to be precise over the next three weeks.
Six Nations the Best Platform to Perform On
Selecting the right men to do battle will be the key to the title. For Ireland, that means Conor Murray and Jonny Sexton. For Scotland, Stuart Hogg and Sean Maitland. The combination needs to be perfect, for any side to put together the perfect campaign.
Many of the highlights of last season were from a dominant England side. Emerging undefeated in the first major campaign under new coach Eddie Jones, his was the perfect beginning to a tenure. How will his sophomore season be?
All Teams Targeting England
The first side to place a target on the reigning champions are France. Very much improved from 12 months ago, their last performance against the All Blacks was a statement of intent. How will Guy Novès engineer the downfall of an unbeaten England? His will be the first attempt, and a chance to spoil an unbeaten run [like Ireland did to the All Blacks].
It will be up to the players to achieve the high objectives of their fan base. From the very start, they will want for perfection. So teams who begin the 2017 campaign well, will surely go far in their quest to usurp the title holders England.
From February 4, players will not have anymore waiting. The opening weekend see’s three key matches, to begin the tournament.
SCOTLAND v IRELAND – Murrayfield, Edinburgh
ENGLAND v FRANCE – Twickenham, London
ITALY v WALES – Stadio Olimpico, Rome (Feb 5)
Round One will give fans a taste of what is to come in the RBS Six Nations Championship. Five rounds, 15 matches and a feast of rugby union.
What more can a Six Nations rugby fan desire.
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Last Word On Rugby will have full coverage of the 2017 Six Nations tournament, starting on February 4.
“Main photo credit”
