I never took much interest in Rugby until my daughter married an ex-player and long time fan. Oh, I used to watch a bit of Rugby League on TV, but mainly for Eddie Waring's commentary. My wife was born in Wales and dated rugby players, nothing serious mind, or so she tells me!

So, naturally, as the Six Nations draws near things start to liven up round here. We'll be gathered round the TV and there'll be plenty of heated debate. Son-in-law was born in Scotland, say no more.

I don't really understand the rules, their offside is even more obscure than ours to my mind. The only time I yell with any degree of confidence is if I see a forward pass.

But, blimey it's a tough old game. Those boys get beaten up something shocking. Compared with the histrionics of some soccer players if they feel a slight tap on the shoulder, rugby players just seem to get on with it. And, if the ref awards a penalty (I'll have no idea why) they don't argue, well, not much.

Anyway, sorry to ramble, but I thought I'd start the thread in case any of you are interested and want to comment, argue, moan, gloat or simply discuss what promises to be another fine tournament played by super fit lads.

I know I should be rooting for England, but will probably go with Wales for the sake of my marriage!

Dad and I watched games standing on the muddy slope of the Holmesdale Road end. He cheered and I rattled.

France are the best team in it this year. Don't know how Wales won it last year. Was a terrible six Nations last year. Hopefully some fairer referee decisions this year. I felt Wales were gifted it last year. It's a national catastrophe when Wales lose.
Ireland the quiet team going into it this season; if I were to bet, I'd bet on them. France's to lose really but they will probably give at least one poor performance, as is customary. I wouldn't think a Grand Slam this year as all teams, except Italy, are close in ability - although vastly contrasting styles.

Red and Blue Army!

My son-in-law is a 6'3 ex rugby player and took a selfie of him next to Lawrance Dallaglio at Twickenham a few years ago. LD makes him look quite small.

Dad and I watched games standing on the muddy slope of the Holmesdale Road end. He cheered and I rattled.

England have just announced their line-up V Scotland for the Calcutta Cup match.

England team to face Scotland: Steward; Malins, Daly, Slade, Marchant; Smith, Youngs; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Sinckler, Itoje, Isiekwe, Ludlam, Curry (c), Simmonds.

Replacements: George, Marler, Stuart, Ewels, Dombrandt, Randall, Ford, Nowell.

I'm a blind man, i'm a blind man, now my room is cold,
When a blind man cries, Lord, he feels it from his soul.
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I don't think rugby players pretend they're not injured; it's just that unless they've been incapacitated they see no point in not playing on.

The obvious contrast with footballers is that the latter pretend they are injured - sometimes when they literally haven't been touched. Being very old, I still recall Francis Lee collapsing to the ground after appearing to have been punched, and being sternly criticised by Jimmy Hill when video evidence showed that his opponent's flailing arm had come nowhere near him.

Teddy Eagle mentioned some fearsome French forwards. Second row forward Condom wasn't one of them, but I still remember a placard at Twickenham with the words Play it safe and give it to Condom. I believe there were some other, more suggestive witticisms about him.

i heard a rumour that all the middle-classes in France abandoned watching Football...overnight.

And they all switched to Rugby. Anybody got a link for the story ?

Eze Peasy at Anfield....