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This week: hidden Marylebone
Brian Ashton's reign has started with a stunning victory over Scotland at Twickenham, prompting the belief among many that England can put behind them recent miseries and win the Six Nations.
What do you think? Can Jonny Wilkinson, brilliant in the victory over the Scots but agonisingly injury-prone, survive the concentrated demands of the tournament? Perhaps England can without the improbable talents of their fly-half?
And what of their rivals for the championship? Before Saturday, France were ranked as second-favourites behind Ireland despite winning last year's tournament. Did they in an assured display against Italy show enough to suggest they can retain the trophy?
Maybe Ireland remain the side most likely to triumph. They have forged an enviable spirit and understanding and most agree they have the talent to win but past form suggests they falter under the heightened expectation. How will they fare this year?
Whatever your opinion, send in your comments below.
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Because I remember quite well at the early stages of football's last world cup the mockery of english press towards the hopeless and uninspired challenge of old french aristocrats such as Thuram, Vieira, Zidane or Makelele, I would not undervalue the possible consequences of Robinson's&Wilkinson's return in England rugby team. High level collective sport is such a complex alchemy. It might not work against Italy in February and yet be effective again when autumn comes. But then, Martin Johnson is still retired isn't he?
Actu75, Paris,
England have been unable to produce a great performance since the 2003 world cup final, however to dwell on the performances since then would be a mistake. As an England supporter, I believe we should get behind the team and hope the game can be raised and win in Ireland. Lets give the boys the belief that they can do it.
Pete, Bristol, England
I don't think we should be looking at copying either France or Ireland who are good nations but with the players we have we are able to roll over both - either skillfully or ugly. We should be looking to complete with the likes of NZ or Auz. England can win the 6nations and winning is all that should matter - after all we won't be remembered for not scoring a try against France in the semis (WC2003), it will be remembered for playing in the final and winning.
Richard Burlingham, Bury St Edmunds, England
Cannot see England developing the 'flow' of the French nor the Irish for that matter. They have played two sluggish matches struggling against the weaker teams and were saved by Jonny's boot. We will need more than that.!
Tom Wright, Guernsey, Channel Islands
You would say that - you are, after all, French.
Ted, cheltenham,
The France-Ireland game finished with the French winning. But some sport journalists decided to dwelve on the 'historic moment' and how the Irish "blew the last two minutes". What about the great moments that Ireland or France showed, with beautiful passes and dangerous incursions into each other's territory? Some decisions were wrong, some penalties missed, but at times we were watching a thrilling match that could have tilted any side! Can this level of commitment, will, tension, and explosive play be seen in any other match, I believe not. No other team but the French and the Irish can show that rugby is not about kicking penalties and relying on a superstar player to save them, but about showing bouts of beautiful game with flowing passes, flair for the opportunity, sometimes at desperate moments!
For all its flaws it was an exciting and intense match. Ireland may have lost its chances of winning all its games but not the tournament, France being what France is... beautiful and bad, the tournament is not over until the last whistle.
Gin, Paris, France
It is clear that Clerc showed that France was the new leader of the Tournament. But the french team has now one single ennemy: itself. French will have to stay at that level of game.
The most interesting match will be between England and France. We shall see who deserves the first place in Europe.
I hope this will be a beautiful match.
Best regards.
Augustin DERCROIS, PARIS, France
England cannot win the 6 nations, but they can and will improve considerably on the low expectation levels that existed in 2006. Nor can English supporters expect their team to show well in the World Cup. A quarter final loss would be a good result bearing in mind the mayhem since 2003.
There can be no realistic prospect of future success until the Premiership and the RFU sort out a fair allocation of England squad personnel . I suspect most Premiership clubs will select with an eye on the needs of their internationals, but ultimately their responsibility is to win club games, not to bolster England's cause.
Dixie, Windsor, Berkshire
Daniel Carter; the All Black Stand Off gets great protection from all his team mates; especially the flankers, which allows him to orchestrate excellent performances. Teams know JW is vital to England and will target him, protect him and let him shine and reclaim his title as the worlds No1.
david, auckland, nz
You guys have to be one eyed. We just found the 2003 En glish team : can't play, rely on JW boot. The best teams are now ready to face that way of playing...it might be working,though.
As well as last week JW kept you ahead of your opponents hence playing with less pressure.
Moreover take Robinson off the pitch and you would secure hardly half the tries you've scored, especially versus France and Ireland.
Need to keep on working lads.
And whatever happened during the last 4 years, France and England shall be the greatest threats on NZ road to the title.
Eude, Paris, Frnce