6 Nations 2024

[Tichtheid]

I see the Netflix series from last years 6N has just dropped.

Think the first episode has quite a lot of Scotland in it - have cleared the TV for a wee watch this evening

I watched the first one earlier. It does have a lot of Scotland in it, I hope that’s not us done now.

The review in the Grauniad said that Scotland and Italy provided the most access to the Netflix crew, I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that the reviewer was disappointed that there wasn’t more from the Italy coaching team.

[Biffer]

I see the Netflix series from last years 6N has just dropped.

Think the first episode has quite a lot of Scotland in it - have cleared the TV for a wee watch this evening

I watched the first one earlier. It does have a lot of Scotland in it, I hope that’s not us done now.

The review in the Grauniad said that Scotland and Italy provided the most access to the Netflix crew, I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that the reviewer was disappointed that there wasn’t more from the Italy coaching team.

I wonder if some of the reviews aren't along the lines of 'I wanted to see more England / Ireland / France / Wales' and the negative ones are a bit of 'it's all Italy and Scotland, that's crap'.

[Begbie]

I see the Netflix series from last years 6N has just dropped.

Think the first episode has quite a lot of Scotland in it - have cleared the TV for a wee watch this evening

I watched the first one earlier. It does have a lot of Scotland in it, I hope that’s not us done now.

The review in the Grauniad said that Scotland and Italy provided the most access to the Netflix crew, I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that the reviewer was disappointed that there wasn’t more from the Italy coaching team.

I wonder if some of the reviews aren't along the lines of 'I wanted to see more England / Ireland / France / Wales' and the negative ones are a bit of 'it's all Italy and Scotland, that's crap'.

Finn's Messi comment has certainly got the social media dullards frothing. Humourless fuds.

[inactionman]

I see the Netflix series from last years 6N has just dropped.

Think the first episode has quite a lot of Scotland in it - have cleared the TV for a wee watch this evening

I watched the first one earlier. It does have a lot of Scotland in it, I hope that’s not us done now.

The review in the Grauniad said that Scotland and Italy provided the most access to the Netflix crew, I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that the reviewer was disappointed that there wasn’t more from the Italy coaching team.

I wonder if some of the reviews aren't along the lines of 'I wanted to see more England / Ireland / France / Wales' and the negative ones are a bit of 'it's all Italy and Scotland, that's crap'.

It's a crushing disappointment not to have the full hour of Borthwick.

[Biffer]

I watched the first one earlier. It does have a lot of Scotland in it, I hope that’s not us done now.

The review in the Grauniad said that Scotland and Italy provided the most access to the Netflix crew, I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that the reviewer was disappointed that there wasn’t more from the Italy coaching team.

I wonder if some of the reviews aren't along the lines of 'I wanted to see more England / Ireland / France / Wales' and the negative ones are a bit of 'it's all Italy and Scotland, that's crap'.

Finn's Messi comment has certainly got the social media dullards frothing. Humourless fuds.

Top quality fishing by Finn, brilliant

[JM2K6]

I watched the first one earlier. It does have a lot of Scotland in it, I hope that’s not us done now.

The review in the Grauniad said that Scotland and Italy provided the most access to the Netflix crew, I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that the reviewer was disappointed that there wasn’t more from the Italy coaching team.

I wonder if some of the reviews aren't along the lines of 'I wanted to see more England / Ireland / France / Wales' and the negative ones are a bit of 'it's all Italy and Scotland, that's crap'.

It's a crushing disappointment not to have the full hour of Borthwick.

Christ, I'd actually managed to forget just how dull he is. Thanks for that.

[Tichtheid]

I wonder if some of the reviews aren't along the lines of 'I wanted to see more England / Ireland / France / Wales' and the negative ones are a bit of 'it's all Italy and Scotland, that's crap'.

Finn's Messi comment has certainly got the social media dullards frothing. Humourless fuds.

Top quality fishing by Finn, brilliant

This is going to be Finn's Andy Murray moment isn't it?

[Slick]

I see the Netflix series from last years 6N has just dropped.

Think the first episode has quite a lot of Scotland in it - have cleared the TV for a wee watch this evening

I watched the first one earlier. It does have a lot of Scotland in it, I hope that’s not us done now.

The review in the Grauniad said that Scotland and Italy provided the most access to the Netflix crew, I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that the reviewer was disappointed that there wasn’t more from the Italy coaching team.

I wonder if some of the reviews aren't along the lines of 'I wanted to see more England / Ireland / France / Wales' and the negative ones are a bit of 'it's all Italy and Scotland, that's crap'.

Yeah, it seems Ireland and England didn't give much access so it is what it is.

[inactionman]

I watched the first one earlier. It does have a lot of Scotland in it, I hope that’s not us done now.

The review in the Grauniad said that Scotland and Italy provided the most access to the Netflix crew, I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that the reviewer was disappointed that there wasn’t more from the Italy coaching team.

I wonder if some of the reviews aren't along the lines of 'I wanted to see more England / Ireland / France / Wales' and the negative ones are a bit of 'it's all Italy and Scotland, that's crap'.

Yeah, it seems Ireland and England didn't give much access so it is what it is.

There's always a risk of too much Joe Marler and Ellis Genge


An hour with Ben Youngs would have been hilarious though.

https://matthampsonfoundation.org/produ ... ge-chuter/

[Slick]

I wonder if some of the reviews aren't along the lines of 'I wanted to see more England / Ireland / France / Wales' and the negative ones are a bit of 'it's all Italy and Scotland, that's crap'.

Yeah, it seems Ireland and England didn't give much access so it is what it is.

There's always a risk of too much Joe Marler and Ellis Genge


An hour with Ben Youngs would have been hilarious though.

https://matthampsonfoundation.org/produ ... ge-chuter/

I can understand Borthwick not wanting the distraction going into a new team etc, but it seems the Irish were worried about giving stuff away. They do take themselves terribly seriously.

Thank god for McMessi to lighten things up

[Biffer]

Yeah, it seems Ireland and England didn't give much access so it is what it is.

There's always a risk of too much Joe Marler and Ellis Genge


An hour with Ben Youngs would have been hilarious though.

https://matthampsonfoundation.org/produ ... ge-chuter/

I can understand Borthwick not wanting the distraction going into a new team etc, but it seems the Irish were worried about giving stuff away. They do take themselves terribly seriously.

Thank god for McMessi to lighten things up

It means all those new fans in the USA will be Scotland Supporters. Someone get the shop at Murrayfield prepared for a massive upsurge in jerseys with 10 Russell on the back.

[Slick]

There's always a risk of too much Joe Marler and Ellis Genge


An hour with Ben Youngs would have been hilarious though.

https://matthampsonfoundation.org/produ ... ge-chuter/

I can understand Borthwick not wanting the distraction going into a new team etc, but it seems the Irish were worried about giving stuff away. They do take themselves terribly seriously.

Thank god for McMessi to lighten things up

It means all those new fans in the USA will be Scotland Supporters. Someone get the shop at Murrayfield prepared for a massive upsurge in jerseys with 10 Russell on the back.

Growing the game always seems to fall, on our shoulders

[Tichtheid]

I can understand Borthwick not wanting the distraction going into a new team etc, but it seems the Irish were worried about giving stuff away. They do take themselves terribly seriously.

Thank god for McMessi to lighten things up

It means all those new fans in the USA will be Scotland Supporters. Someone get the shop at Murrayfield prepared for a massive upsurge in jerseys with 10 Russell on the back.

Growing the game always seems to fall, on our shoulders

We're in Canada, USA and Chile this summer

[sturginho]

Reviews of it ain't good, sadly, but the bits on Italy's coaching team sound amusing.

I've got a bit confused if it was reviews for this series, or another less ambitious one that tanked earlier, that are bad

The Grauniad isn't too complimentary:

Six Nations: Full Contact review – like a desperately dated rugby highlights package

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radi ... ts-package

One man's milk is another man's poison and all that (and vice-versa), so perhaps best to take with pinch of salt.

Apparently pretty extensive coverage of the Scottish and Italian teams

Reviewer seems to blame Netflix for LRZ switching to NFL...

[Margin__Walker]

Giving it a go, but the producer's fact checking leaves a bit to be desired.



I know I'm probably not the target audience, but I'm finding the overly dramatic hamming up of the game footage complete with 'this bit's meant to be dramatic' music at every opportunity a bit wearing.

[Jim Lahey]

Giving it a go, but the producer's fact checking leaves a bit to be desired.



I know I'm probably not the target audience, but I'm finding the overly dramatic hamming up of the game footage complete with 'this bit's meant to be dramatic' music at every opportunity a bit wearing.

+1.

I watched 2 episodes last night and thought it was shite tbf. Don't think i'll be watching any more.

Too many slow motion shots of hits, the chronological order of matches being a bit all over the shop, and just in general the tone is awkward, with Gregor clearly uneasy about being on camera during matches while he is trying to do his job.

[Slick]

Watched the first episode, quite enjoyed it but only really because it focussed on Scotland. Didn't really give that much insight and was a bit like an extended highlights package done badly.

The ones with Porter and Genge look interesting and will obviously keep going.

One thing that did strike me was that for all the mystique around the pro game, and particularly the international end, it all still looked pretty familiar to anyone that played club rugby 10/20 years ago. Not sure what I was expecting, but apart from the focus on weights and fitness drills things like the team run throughs, pre and post match rituals, team talks etc all looked very familiar. Which is good.

[Tichtheid]

I’ve watched three so far, I’m quite enjoying it. The focus so far seems to be on certain players from each team, Finn, Negri, Genge, Porter, Dupont, plus input from their coaches.

[Biffer]

It's not particularly great. Could have done a lot more with it. I think the personal stories are what make these kind of series - look at Welcome to Wrexham, there are some episodes of that that had viewers bawling their eyes out. It seems to be structured quite weirdly, I think they would have been better doing 2/3 'people'/training camp episodes to build up to game week, to mirror the way the tournament feels to those of us who are passionate about it. Also needed more background - I don't think an non-rugby viewer would have picked up that Scotland had only won at Twickenham 4 times before 2021, and how many people said 'but covid, no crowd' about that result, to really grind the hoodoo in. Also didn't mention the mad game in 2019 and how gutting that was. Didn't talk about the Gatland history against Scotland much, the snatching defeat from the jaws of victory stuff etc. They've mentioned the whole public school history of the game in some places but not related that to amateur sport and then the changes since professionalism, how that's affected different countries in different ways, etc. It looks a bit like the final content decisions were made by people with no understanding of rugby.

[Begbie]

Getting in early with predictions:

Oddspedia have odds from 15 bookies and have France (narrow), England and Scotland (narrow) as favourites. The first two I'll agree with, but Scotland's history of shitting the bed in Cardiff will continue. Last time we went there for game 1 as favourites we embarrassed ourselves, and I still have serious doubts about the mental strength of this team.

France by 8
England by 10
Wales by 6

[C69]

Getting in early with predictions:

Oddspedia have odds from 15 bookies and have France (narrow), England and Scotland (narrow) as favourites. The first two I'll agree with, but Scotland's history of shitting the bed in Cardiff will continue. Last time we went there for game 1 as favourites we embarrassed ourselves, and I still have serious doubts about the mental strength of this team.

France by 8
England by 10
Wales by 6

Can't see our injury ravaged neophytes getting anywhere near Scotland.
A win against Italy would be nice.

[ASMO]

Getting in early with predictions:

Oddspedia have odds from 15 bookies and have France (narrow), England and Scotland (narrow) as favourites. The first two I'll agree with, but Scotland's history of shitting the bed in Cardiff will continue. Last time we went there for game 1 as favourites we embarrassed ourselves, and I still have serious doubts about the mental strength of this team.

France by 8
England by 10
Wales by 6

The mockers gods will not accept this blatant attempt to bait them, you will lose to France, but will beat both England and Wales.

[Slick]

Getting in early with predictions:

Oddspedia have odds from 15 bookies and have France (narrow), England and Scotland (narrow) as favourites. The first two I'll agree with, but Scotland's history of shitting the bed in Cardiff will continue. Last time we went there for game 1 as favourites we embarrassed ourselves, and I still have serious doubts about the mental strength of this team.

France by 8
England by 10
Wales by 6

The mockers gods will not accept this blatant attempt to bait them, you will lose to France, but will beat both England and Wales.

I'd say the reverse is more likely, France are our bitches.

[Begbie]

Getting in early with predictions:

Oddspedia have odds from 15 bookies and have France (narrow), England and Scotland (narrow) as favourites. The first two I'll agree with, but Scotland's history of shitting the bed in Cardiff will continue. Last time we went there for game 1 as favourites we embarrassed ourselves, and I still have serious doubts about the mental strength of this team.

France by 8
England by 10
Wales by 6

The mockers gods will not accept this blatant attempt to bait them, you will lose to France, but will beat both England and Wales.

Our recent record against France isn't too shabby, especially at home. Cardiff on the other hand...

[Paddington Bear]

Right then, here we go. A few big things for me:

1) where are Ireland mentally after the world cup? How do they manage the post-Sexton era?
2) same question for France really. They blew a unique opportunity, is there a backlash? Will they be better playing outside of Paris?
3) are Scotland ever going to play to their potential? Beat France at Murrayfield and they could be in business
4) What level are England going to be at? It’s a very interesting draw if they can piece it together.
5) can Gatland pull off something remarkable with Wales?
6) what’s the real Italy - the one that could have won nearly every game they played last 6N, or the one that got humiliated at the RWC? If the former it’ll really add some danger to the tournament.

Overall I think this is a very open and very unpredictable tournament, and should be good fun to watch.

I watched two episodes of Full Contact last night, it’s fine. It’s designed to be binged watched by non-rugby fans, so not sure why people were expecting a deep dive. Russell and Genge come across really well. I did have a giggle when it was clear VdM didn’t know the words to Loch Lomond after their win at Twickenham, and Mrs PB decided she’d seen enough after I stood up out of my seat to criticise Ben Youngs’ kick that led to Scotland’s winning try.

[Jim Lahey]

Right then, here we go. A few big things for me:

1) where are Ireland mentally after the world cup? How do they manage the post-Sexton era?
2) same question for France really. They blew a unique opportunity, is there a backlash? Will they be better playing outside of Paris?
3) are Scotland ever going to play to their potential? Beat France at Murrayfield and they could be in business
4) What level are England going to be at? It’s a very interesting draw if they can piece it together.
5) can Gatland pull off something remarkable with Wales?
6) what’s the real Italy - the one that could have won nearly every game they played last 6N, or the one that got humiliated at the RWC? If the former it’ll really add some danger to the tournament.

Overall I think this is a very open and very unpredictable tournament, and should be good fun to watch.

I watched two episodes of Full Contact last night, it’s fine. It’s designed to be binged watched by non-rugby fans, so not sure why people were expecting a deep dive. Russell and Genge come across really well. I did have a giggle when it was clear VdM didn’t know the words to Loch Lomond after their win at Twickenham, and Mrs PB decided she’d seen enough after I stood up out of my seat to criticise Ben Youngs’ kick that led to Scotland’s winning try.

1) I think we will get taught a lesson this weekend, and lose at Twickers. Should win our home games.

2) France will bounce back hard and walk it this year

3) No

4) Probably on par with Ireland I reckon. Neither side will trouble France

5) They'll play ugly, grind out a result against Scotland maybe, and Italy, but thats it

6) I really hope they show up this year

[Paddington Bear]

On 6) I completely agree. Last year’s comp was so, so much better for the Italy games being actively competitive. Entire strategies need to change if you can’t just waltz up against them with 8 changes and walk it. I’m not delighted about having them first up

[Slick]

Right then, here we go. A few big things for me:

1) where are Ireland mentally after the world cup? How do they manage the post-Sexton era?
2) same question for France really. They blew a unique opportunity, is there a backlash? Will they be better playing outside of Paris?
3) are Scotland ever going to play to their potential? Beat France at Murrayfield and they could be in business
4) What level are England going to be at? It’s a very interesting draw if they can piece it together.
5) can Gatland pull off something remarkable with Wales?
6) what’s the real Italy - the one that could have won nearly every game they played last 6N, or the one that got humiliated at the RWC? If the former it’ll really add some danger to the tournament.

Overall I think this is a very open and very unpredictable tournament, and should be good fun to watch.

I watched two episodes of Full Contact last night, it’s fine. It’s designed to be binged watched by non-rugby fans, so not sure why people were expecting a deep dive. Russell and Genge come across really well. I did have a giggle when it was clear VdM didn’t know the words to Loch Lomond after their win at Twickenham, and Mrs PB decided she’d seen enough after I stood up out of my seat to criticise Ben Youngs’ kick that led to Scotland’s winning try.

1) I don't think they will dominate everyone like the last few years but still too many decent players to completely fall off a cliff. Will win home games but can see them getting beat by France and England away
2) Similar to above but can also see them going back to bad habits if the pressure comes on, can see them losing to us at Murrayfield and England pulling off an upset
3) A usual, can see us beating France and England at home plus Wales and Italy away, but not Ireland away. Equally, can see us losing 5/6. No idea.
4) I think England are going to be strong this tournament, can quite easily seeing them winning the championship, but not the GS
5) Please be as shite as we hope. I think they will be
6) please be as good as we all hope.

One observation, every team is missing key players and other 1st choices. Is this just bad luck or a wider issue with player burnout. It's a bit of a worry, although the 6N is one competition where it probably doesn't matter much in terms of interest, it's just fucking great anyway. Can't wait.

[Tichtheid]

3) are Scotland ever going to play to their potential?

Probably not, it all depends on the pack. Whilst our scrum is usually solid, it never dominates and our lineout can be as flaky as the crumbliest flakiest chocolate. We don't have the required number of big beasts who carry into heavy traffic and knock the defence back, allowing quick front foot ball so that the next ruck is the same, making the defence retreat and re-align.

Our "potential" lies right across the backline, I'd back them to breach any defence if they get on that front foot

Our depth is also an issue, we've got centres but with Hoggy retired and Ollie Smith and Darcy Graham injured, if Blair Kinghorn takes a knock then we are struggling at fullback. The selected back up for Kinghorn is 22 year old uncapped Harry Paterson, who has only started half a dozen games for Edinburgh in three years and he's carrying a knock going into the tournament. I think it's probably more likely that Huw Jones will drop back to fill the slot if Kinghorn is crocked and Paterson will look for some minutes here or there off the bench.

[sockwithaticket]

One observation, every team is missing key players and other 1st choices. Is this just bad luck or a wider issue with player burnout. It's a bit of a worry, although the 6N is one competition where it probably doesn't matter much in terms of interest, it's just fucking great anyway. Can't wait.

I don't get the impression that injuries are any worse than usual, no team ever comes into this competition without a few (and it's usually more than that). The biggest difference in a post-world cup tournament is additional absentees through retirement.

[Slick]

What are everyone plans for viewing the games this weekend?

France v Ireland - an Irish mates house with all the kids for a pizza and rugby party (we have sourced a projector for the kids to watch Finding Nemo in a different room)

Italy v England - taking the kids to see the Edinburgh womens game at mini Murrayfield but have agreed to leave on 60 minutes so I can get back in time for kick off at home

Wales v Scotland - HKCJ and his wife coming over for the game and dinner. Can't wait.

[Slick]

One observation, every team is missing key players and other 1st choices. Is this just bad luck or a wider issue with player burnout. It's a bit of a worry, although the 6N is one competition where it probably doesn't matter much in terms of interest, it's just fucking great anyway. Can't wait.

I don't get the impression that injuries are any worse than usual, no team ever comes into this competition without a few (and it's usually more than that). The biggest difference in a post-world cup tournament is additional absentees through retirement.

Difficult to tell I guess but it certainly seems to me that there are more injury issues than usual. Haven't England lost quite a few in the last week or so?

[Raggs]

What are everyone plans for viewing the games this weekend?

France v Ireland - an Irish mates house with all the kids for a pizza and rugby party (we have sourced a projector for the kids to watch Finding Nemo in a different room)

Italy v England - taking the kids to see the Edinburgh womens game at mini Murrayfield but have agreed to leave on 60 minutes so I can get back in time for kick off at home

Wales v Scotland - HKCJ and his wife coming over for the game and dinner. Can't wait.

Fra Ire, watching at home.

Ita Eng, not sure. Quite likely to be playing, and therefore unlikely to be able avoid the scoreline. Will watch on some sort of catchup after.

Wal Scot, probably miss a fair bit of it, but hopefully watch at home.

[sockwithaticket]

One observation, every team is missing key players and other 1st choices. Is this just bad luck or a wider issue with player burnout. It's a bit of a worry, although the 6N is one competition where it probably doesn't matter much in terms of interest, it's just fucking great anyway. Can't wait.

I don't get the impression that injuries are any worse than usual, no team ever comes into this competition without a few (and it's usually more than that). The biggest difference in a post-world cup tournament is additional absentees through retirement.

Difficult to tell I guess but it certainly seems to me that there are more injury issues than usual. Haven't England lost quite a few in the last week or so?

A couple, but this is the first time in a while I feel like we're not suffering a full blown crisis in at least two positions. Most of the areas we're thin or have picked a bunch of unproven players in the squad are due to retirements/unavailability through being overseas.

[Paddington Bear]

What are everyone plans for viewing the games this weekend?

France v Ireland - an Irish mates house with all the kids for a pizza and rugby party (we have sourced a projector for the kids to watch Finding Nemo in a different room)

Italy v England - taking the kids to see the Edinburgh womens game at mini Murrayfield but have agreed to leave on 60 minutes so I can get back in time for kick off at home

Wales v Scotland - HKCJ and his wife coming over for the game and dinner. Can't wait.

Fra Ire, watching at home.

Ita Eng, not sure. Quite likely to be playing, and therefore unlikely to be able avoid the scoreline. Will watch on some sort of catchup after.

Wal Scot, probably miss a fair bit of it, but hopefully watch at home.

Taking the old man to Rome as his 60th birthday present. Probably try and record the France Ireland game and watch after dinner back at the airbnb. Alternately, we are staying next to an Irish bar so could sack off the local cuisine.
Go to some of the Roman ruins in the morning then head to the stadium for the England game, last time I went to Rome they had a ‘Peroni fan village’ outside the ground so likely watch Wales v Scotland there before heading to a decent restaurant for the evening. Should be a cracker.

[petej]

I’ve watched three so far, I’m quite enjoying it. The focus so far seems to be on certain players from each team, Finn, Negri, Genge, Porter, Dupont, plus input from their coaches.

I quite enjoyed it. No one so far has the slightly mad intensity of Arteta. So no gregor townsend playing swing low sweet charity at max volume during training to prepare the Scotland players for Twickenham.

[Slick]

What are everyone plans for viewing the games this weekend?

France v Ireland - an Irish mates house with all the kids for a pizza and rugby party (we have sourced a projector for the kids to watch Finding Nemo in a different room)

Italy v England - taking the kids to see the Edinburgh womens game at mini Murrayfield but have agreed to leave on 60 minutes so I can get back in time for kick off at home

Wales v Scotland - HKCJ and his wife coming over for the game and dinner. Can't wait.

Fra Ire, watching at home.

Ita Eng, not sure. Quite likely to be playing, and therefore unlikely to be able avoid the scoreline. Will watch on some sort of catchup after.

Wal Scot, probably miss a fair bit of it, but hopefully watch at home.

Taking the old man to Rome as his 60th birthday present. Probably try and record the France Ireland game and watch after dinner back at the airbnb. Alternately, we are staying next to an Irish bar so could sack off the local cuisine.
Go to some of the Roman ruins in the morning then head to the stadium for the England game, last time I went to Rome they had a ‘Peroni fan village’ outside the ground so likely watch Wales v Scotland there before heading to a decent restaurant for the evening. Should be a cracker.

Please send my regards to the old boy

[Begbie]

What are everyone plans for viewing the games this weekend?

France v Ireland - an Irish mates house with all the kids for a pizza and rugby party (we have sourced a projector for the kids to watch Finding Nemo in a different room)

Italy v England - taking the kids to see the Edinburgh womens game at mini Murrayfield but have agreed to leave on 60 minutes so I can get back in time for kick off at home

Wales v Scotland - HKCJ and his wife coming over for the game and dinner. Can't wait.

France v Ireland - Pub in Cardiff

Italy v England - Pub in Cardiff

Wales v Scotland - Principality Stadium

[ASMO]

Home

Home and

Home

All with lashings of cold Guinness to feed my ire when watching England.

[C T]

I’ve watched three so far, I’m quite enjoying it. The focus so far seems to be on certain players from each team, Finn, Negri, Genge, Porter, Dupont, plus input from their coaches.

Got to admit I'm quite enjoying it too.

It's giving me a nice reminder (which I've realised that I need from time to time) that the players, coaches etc. are human.