Who will win the six nations 2016?

[Dublin Drummer Wolf]

All square now, Wales are coming back well and we need to recapture the intensity of the first half.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Ireland started like a train. Wales took their time to get over the loss of Biggar. Now it is a cracking close test match.

 

[Parkins left foot]

Level now - all to play for

Wales have come back strongly & should go on to win from here (they will need to if they have aspirations of winning this tournament)

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

No they won't. They will need to win if they want a grand slam, but they can still win the tournament no matter how they come out of the Ireland game.

 

[Parkins left foot]

A loss in the first game can affect the mind-set so would expect Wales to want a win here to set up the remainder - though their only other away game is at Twickenham so gives them possibilities

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Wales have lost to Ireland first up before and won the title.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Some really frustrating handling errors though. Arrgghh.

 

[jd1981]

We've seen nothing to suggest in the games so far that anyone will be running away with this.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I think Ireland, Wales and England look the class of the field. There just isn't a side that is screaming grand slam. England have a win in the bank, and then Italy next so I like their position at the moment.

 

[Tredman]

Scotland shouldn't be underestimated, they were the best northern hemisphere team in the WC. Didn't look too good in patches against England, but a lot of that is in the mind.

 

[darlowolf64]

Wales take the lead and Ireland draw level within two minutes

 

[Dinowolf]

Good defence by Ireland, but lack of attacking ideas from Wales.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

This is toss of a coin stuff. Enjoyable game. Ireland's defence has been outstanding second half

 

[jd1981]

Basics from Wales, get into the lead then give away a needless penalty.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

It was a silly penalty as well.

 

[Dinowolf]

Neither side wants a draw

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I think a draw was just about correct. Good game. I enjoyed that.

 

[Parkins left foot]

Little to choose between any of these sides so far - week 2 will no doubt make this clearer (as will weeks 3, 4 & 5)

 

[Dinowolf]

That's the end of the Grand Slam for both these teams.
Only France and England left this year.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I would be surprised if there is a grand slam. Not this year.

England should be delighted at that result today as it sets them up.

My assessment of the first weeks fixtures:

France - very VERY lucky to get past Italy at home
England - a workmanlike performance against Scotland but they got the win, and that is what matters
Ireland / Wales - putting them both together. They both played some good stuff but have only one point in the bag, so are coming from behind to win the trophy
Italy - excellent. Deserved to beat the French in Paris but couldn't get over the line.
Scotland - very poor for me.