Rugby: 6 Nations Tournament 2008

Europe’s six top rugby playing nations will be aiming for glory in another hotly contested championship.

[See latest scores below]

Defending champions France and their new coach, Marc Lièvremont, go in search of their first hat-trick with three back-to-back victories, but England will hope to be strong contenders after their exploits at the World Cup.

Ireland, last year’s Triple Crown winners, will want to forget their World Cup form and prove to their fans that they can perform under pressure.

Scotland will hope to continue on their World Cup form and coach Frank Hadden is confident this side can make an impact.

Wales and their new coach, Warren Gatland, will hope to rediscover the form that saw them crowned RBS 6 Nations Champions in 2005.

Italy continue to grow stronger every year and under new coach Nick Mallett will offer a particularly stern challenge in Rome.

This year again, boosted by an unpredictable Rugby World Cup, the RBS 6 Nations Championship should provide its fans with suspense, excitement and passion. With a number of new head coaches and upcoming young players, the championship is once again wide open.

The contenders:

England

France

Ireland

Italy

Scotland

Wales

The calendar and the scores:

Date              Time     Home       Score     Away        Venue

Sat 2nd Feb 08    14:00    Ireland    16-8      Italy       Croke Park

Sat 2nd Feb 08    16:30    England    19-26     Wales       Twickenham

Sun 3rd Feb 08    15:00    Scotland   6-27      France      Murrayfield

Sat 9th Feb 08    14:00    Wales      30-15     Scotland    Millennium Stadium

Sat 9th Feb 08    17:00    France     26-21     Ireland     Stade de France

Sun 10th Feb 08   15:30    Italy      19-23     England     Stadio Flaminio

Sat 23rd Feb 08   15:00    Wales      v         Italy       Millennium Stadium

Sat 23rd Feb 08   17:00    Ireland    v         Scotland    Croke Park

Sat 23rd Feb 08   21:00    France     v         England     Stade de France

Sat 8th Mar 08    13:15    Ireland    v         Wales       Croke Park

Sat 8th Mar 08    15:15    Scotland   v         England     Murrayfield

Sun 9th Mar 08    16:00    France     v         Italy       Stade de France

Sat 15th Mar 08   14:00    Italy      v         Scotland    Stadio Flaminio

Sat 15th Mar 08   15:00    England    v         Ireland     Twickenham

Sat 15th Mar 08   17:00    Wales      v         France      Millennium Stadium

First time

Yesterday it was the first time ever that I watched a whole Rugby match (Ireland-Italy).

Now I understand why this is such a good sport. It is all about oneness among the players.

No oneness, no progress in the game, no matter how talented the individuals are.

What a difference from football!

Priyadarshan

Good Show

Good show by the Italians today. Gave England a good run for their money.

A few years - Italy to win championship?

Tejvan

Re: Good Show

Not as long as England will compete as well :)

Priyadarshan