Six Nations Guide

2009 SIX NATIONS

INTRODUCTION

season. Indeed, the problems he is having with his defensive kicking have opened the way for Toby Flood who himself is an inconsistent performer. The Six Nations may yet finally see the emergence of London Irish’s Shane Geraghty, a superb runner and kicker who is equally effective at 10 or 12.

When the former Lions captain strode into his first press conference at Twickenham after the tour to New Zealand, it felt like a new dawn. Unfortunately, as Johnson cannot actually lace on his boots and play himself, it has not turned out like that and visits to Cardiff and Dublin do not look inviting.

Italy, who were introduced to the competition at least five years too late in 2000, will struggle again. Mallett is banging his head against a brick wall in trying to persuade more players to stay at home. The finances of the Italian league and the riches available in France and England mean most of his team play abroad and he thus has little chance to monitor all of them.

Likewise Hadden, who is fighting a losing battle to keep his stars at home. Jason White is the latest to head south having recently announced a move to Clermont Auvergne next season whilst Simon Taylor and Chris Cusiter are also in France, and a whole host of other Scottish internationals are in England.

Ireland are the proverbial curate’s egg of a side but will fancy their chances, especially as several players have points to prove to Ian McGeechan and his
fellow Lions selectors. They have still not won a Grand Slam since the heady days of Jack Kyle in
1948 and it is about time that the likes of Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell landed the big one.

If they turn over the French at Croke Park, the final match of the tournament in Cardiff could end
up being the decider. It would be a fitting decider to what should prove to be a memorable tournament for players and fans. n

Right Former skipper Jason White is part of a

Scottish exodus to France

YOUR GUIDE TO ALL THE ACTION

FIXTURES AND KICK-OFF (GMT)

Sat 7th Feb