The six nation’s roundup

With the Six Nations fast approaching I caught up with the charismatic John Bentley this week to pick his brains and see how he saw the competition panning out.

With no one from Wales, Ireland, England and France seen as nailed on all the odds are close and after last years epic six nations that went down to the wire with the final kick at Cardiff this one is one not to miss. France are perhaps being given the best chance of the Grand slam and championship with Ireland close second favourites to retain the crown and Wales and England locked closely together in third and fourth.

Scotland, despite that great victory over Australia, are given no real chance. The view is that it was a tired Australian performance and, if a few kicks had hit the target, it would have been quite a different story.

Italy remains an unrealistic threat to the top four at the bookies.

All the teams have had their issues with quite a few surprise selections and injuries worries.

This was not entirely reflected in the views of British and Irish Lion Legend, John Bentley. His opinion is one that should be taken seriously which he very kindly shared with us,so here is his take on how things may pan out.

Ireland

“ I think that Ireland have got the monkey off their back last year and in my book start as favourites to land the championship and do the double”

John believes that the main reason for their success and potential is that club rugby in Ireland is buoyant and a large number of the Irish team play together for either Munster or Leinster. This produces great cohesion in their game.

 “They played well in the autumn and their chances may be strengthened by the usual three factors, form, Injuries and availability.”

This view goes slightly against the current odds, which show France as favourites, but the two sides are only divided by a fraction.

France

John’s reasons for not putting the French up there as top dogs were their well documented age old problems.

“They don’t travel well and you just never know which French team will turn up. They play with great flair and really should do better.”

John however highlighted the fact that their chances could be increased as they have three out of five games at home, which include Ireland and England. It may just be that they have enough flair to beat the Welsh away.

So could they be on for the championship?

They are always in the mix and will no doubt go close again and let’s not forget the Irish haven’t had back-to-back championship wins since 1948/1949.

Wales

Bentley felt that the Welsh still carry the weight of the glory days in the 70s on their backs. However in recent years, under Gatland and Edwards, they have played attractive football, have made great strides and have had success.

However John added “I put the Welsh in with the Scottish, because of injury and availability I don’t think this will be there year”.  

 Dwayne Peel’s availability through injury is in question. The inclusion of new players and the welcome returns of Lee Byrne( If he escapes suspension) and Adam Jones could make things very interesting. I confess to a slight personal bias but you just never know. If they can undo England in the first game it will set up a good platform but the money is on England to take that game.

A lot of emphasis is being put on the scrum, Wales are expecting to dominate this area and if they do, it could set the platform for a Welsh win.

Scotland

John thought that they had gone well against Australia but played badly against Argentina.

“I think it was a great display against Australia but it was their world cup final and I think that affected them against Argentina”.

“Robinson is a good coach and got a raw deal with England and deserves success. They are passionate and could pull off the odd result.”

Perhaps Robinson’s coaching is not in question; the thought is it sometimes comes down to his selection.

Italy

Bentley praised the Italians but qualified it “At home they could turn a team over as they have shown in the past but away, no. They need to start getting two games home in a row before they can be considered, Wooden spoon I’m afraid.”

England

John left England to last.

“Autumn was a disaster, Johnson has a huge task and I am afraid England has returned to type. They are one dimensional and are looking to kick, gain ground and put the points over so no doubt they will go with Wilkinson.”

He added “They need a good start to stabilise the team and get confidence back, they also have three KIWIS in the team now “.John didn’t elaborate on the subject but left me with the feeling that he wasn’t entirely behind that decision.

“Shontayne (HAPE) is a big unit, he was at Bradford a while but pure rugby league players who make it at union are few and far between. They usually struggle at the breakdowns. Robinson (Jason) was an exception; I think he could have excelled anywhere.”

In respect of the Welsh match, Bentley felt that it was firstly important to win the game through whatever means, to build confidence and to do the small things right,’ It won’t be a crowd pleaser, but if they win the crowd will forget. In this age of professionalism you are expected to win and anything less is unacceptable.’

He finished with the thoughts. ‘If it is half as exciting as last year we are in for a treat, but the games will be close so that may provide the excitement’. He just hoped that it was “Attractive, Scintillating and stimulating.”

Bentos left a few tips for this week’s games and it threw up a few surprises. I will share them with you this Friday, just before the first round of matches.

Rhys Morgan