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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
Six Nations Rugby 2012 Player and Picks Round One 5 views
03 February 2012 by The Swede Eaters
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Scotty Donaldson looks at the bargains, players and teams to watch in Round One of the Six Nations 2012. Do you agree?
There are plenty of new faces for the opening round of the Six Nations Rugby Championship 2012 which begins this weekend.
Some teams like England are rebuilding following the loss of some of their veterans of yesteryear, while Wales would be title favourites if only they didn't have such an injury crisis.
There are plenty of new bargain priced players starting for their country in the first round of Six Nations 2012 on www.testrugby.com
Players to watch include bargain priced French pair of Wesley Fofana and Louis Picamoles, while Thierry Dusautoir, William Servat and Vincent Clerc are more expensive gems.
For Italy it is worth a shot picking Sergio Parisse who performs consistently well in a losing team.
For Scotland I am going for Ross Ford who is captain and should play 80 minutes, while lock Richie Gray usually does well and costs under $1 million.
England has plenty of fresh faces for this match and watch for former Durban based Shark Brad Barritt and cheap lock Mouritz Botha. There are plenty of other options with such a changed England team.
The Wales team will be without players like Matthew Rees, Rhys Priestland, Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris and are still sweating on some other key players including Jamie Roberts. I would pick Jamie Roberts or his centre partner Johnathon Davies if they are named to start. I am also tempted for either George North or Leigh Halfpenny if selected. Injuries could mean a bargain priced lock could be available.
Ireland will still have an experienced core of players, but plenty of interest will surround new centre Keith Earls who moves into the midfield from his wing spot. Is there life after Brian O'Driscoll?
My picks for Round One
France vs Italy
France should be easily too strong for Italy, especially if they can continue on their form from the Rugby World Cup 2011 final. France have a new coach in Phillippe Saint Andre and have the nucleus of their squad from last year against the usual cellar dwelling Italians.
My Pick France 15
Scotland vs England
England has an inexperienced look to their squad following the clean-out following the Rugby World Cup 2011. If Scotland can take the inexperienced England forward pack apart upfront then an upset could be on the cards. Otherwise, they Scots will have to chase the shadows of Ben Foden, Brad Barritt and Chris Ashton.
My Pick - England by 3 (possible upset alert).
Ireland vs Wales
Can Ireland get revenge for the Rugby World Cup Quarter Final defeat? I think that plenty will depend on who is named to start for Wales when Warren Gatland finally names his team. Can James Hook handle the pressure at pivot? Who will kick goals? Will Jamie Roberts start and provide plenty of go forward? This game will be a beauty. While Ireland will be without Brian O'Driscoll, Wales will be missing about eight first choice players. Whichever team loses this match will not win the Six Nations 2012.
My pick - Ireland by 5 points.
Who do you think will win the Six Nations 2012 Round One and which players to watch?
www.superrugbytips.com
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Tags:
Six Nations, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, Italy
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