2006 Six Nations Rugby Preview

by Paul Eddison

Who knew that from the first international game between England and Scotland in 1871 a new coveted championship would evolve and over 130 years later we would all still be as eager as ever to cheer our respective teams on.So with this rich and glorious history behind us, where do our teams stand now?EnglandFollowing the World Cup win of 2003, the England rugby squad were set to take the 2004 Six Nations simply by turning up, that is, until the French decided otherwise. Beating England in the Stade de France by a meagre three points sealed their destiny and gave them their eighth grand slam. England didn't return to form in 2005 either and so again opportunity passed them by. But don't write them off! With some sterling pre-season performances against the Aussies and All Blacks England are right on track and this could very well be their year. The team are strong, mentally and physically fit and the hunger which may have been lacking over the last couple of seasons is back with a vengeance. Odds of 7/4IrelandWhat can you say about the Irish - always the bridesmaid, never the bride! Last year the Irish were hotly tipped to run away with the Grand Slam with great Munster and Leinster players in tip top form but they buckled under pressure and ultimately paid the price for their numerous false starts. Wales took victory in the Millennium stadium and the Irish headed home empty handed. Never ones to quit though, the Irish are once again out for blood and with the World Cup just around the corner they need to step up and comprehensively take this Six Nations.Odds of 16/1FranceWhatever you might say about the French their rugby (and possibly football) is faultless. The bookies never ever write the French off and this year is no different. They are odds on favourites to follow up their 2004 grand slam victory with another series of excellent performances and snatch the Six Nations from the current Welsh cup holders. They only narrowly missed out last season when Wales beat them 24-18 so they are out for revenge and they just might get it on the 18th March. If you love the flair, the passion and that unstoppable drive to win then look no further than France for 2006. Even Money OddsWalesGavin Henson and co. set the Six Nations rugby stage alight in 2005 - can they do it again?? With a very surprising grand slam victory under their belt, they now have the confidence and self belief needed to go back out their and fight to retain their honour and glory. Their pre-season matches didn't go as planned leaving the pundits wondering if the All Blacks were just unstoppable or if the Welsh had lost their form - maybe the 2006 Six Nations will answer the question! Ranked 6th in the World, another grand slam could see the Welsh climb even higher - now that's an incentive!Odds of 4/1ScotlandThe last time Scotland won the Six Nations was in 1999 when they pipped England to the post on score difference. It's been a long time coming for the Scots and though their support is unwavering, they really do need to get themselves into gear and start making their mark in this competition. Second from bottom of the table last season was certainly disappointing but could this have been the kick in the backside they needed? The Scots have the fighting Celtic spirit and this could be the year they surprise the pundits and bookies alike by coming out all guns blazing. Odds of 50/1ItalySince joining the Six Nations in 2000 when it officially changed from the Five Nations to the Six, the Italians have been a little slow off the mark and each year they are never heavily tipped to make any waves in the competition. Their six previous seasons have seen them at the bottom four times, including last year but steadily they have been improving, giving more than one team a fright along the way. The Italians have been working hard and though it is unlikely that they could win the Six Nations this year one or two surprise upsets may not be out of the question!Odds of 500/1

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