Here it is ladies and gentlemen, the biggest annual tournament in terms of attendance and eyeballs, the best in Europe duking it out for the title of 6 Nations champion. Ireland with the Grand Slam (winning every match) from last year to defend!
France v Ireland
The match many predicted as a likely world cup final, a bit late, but it's finally arrived! Both squads without some key players, sexton and du pont, and likely some cobwebs to brush away, but this match is being talked about as the tournament decider before even any points have been scored! This is one tasty opener and you better believe it will live up to it
Italy vs England
England with a good world cup despite plenty of criticism and churn of players and coaches in the last 18 months and are looking for a good start to get themselves rolling. Italy seeking a win, any win, and will be looking to take advantage of a fairly inexperienced England squad. Expect both teams to play wide exciting stuff with a slight whiff of desparation - neither side can afford a loss here
Wales vs Scotland
Wales are in trouble, and have been for some time, but at home with an impressive record against the Scots, Gatland will want to throw the kitchen sink at them and will be able to with new faces. Scotland will be looking for a victory and a bonus point, and know every point will be vital in order to challenge Ireland or France into even a 2nd position in the tournament
Under 20s
The U20s also kicks off tonight, and is a great watch to get the tournament started. Can Scotland get a win this year?
There we are then, my match narratives for yous, please, head, heart, and arse predictions in the comments before kick offs, score predicrions in kicktipp, and reactions during/after matches! I'll do half time and full time for all 3
That was France’s worst home loss of the 6 Nations era in terms of points difference (21 vs previous 10 to Wales in 2013). I’ve watched Ireland play France dozens of times and never seen Ireland dominate physically like that.
It was scary good, Ireland for the championship without a doubt. France looked amateur and never got going at all. Red card didn't help, but lineout was poor, very little good kicks, and no real turnovers. I bet they fix a lot of that for next week at Murrayfield though