Six Nations 2008

[kinboshi]

BBC site

England coach Brian Ashton has sprung a major shock by including Tongan Lesley Vainikolo in his Six Nations squad.

The biggest shock being that he's not English obviously, but other than that it's not a shock.  The fella is immense.  Very quick, and very powerful.  Farrell's been omitted from the squad and it does appear that the switch to union came too late in his career (and after too many injuries).

I don't think it's a gamble at all playing 'The Volcano'.  The winger's role is fairly similar in both codes, and I think he's going to make a bit of an impression on the six nations.

Who's everyone's favourites to win it? 

[TightEnd]

Ireland and Scotland were a mess in the WC. Ireland more talented but problems up front

Wales have a new coach, but only half a team/no strength in depth

France have a coaching team that don't allow them to use their flair

England have a lot of retirements but also a lot of young talent...too early though, they will be rebuilding

As all four British/Irish teams have holes, my default is to say France

[TightEnd]

and Vainikolo will be a big success..no need to run or manage a game like Farrell had to do, defensively youn can cover for a wing in RU

huge, young, strong, top tryscorer in the Premiership so far..just give him the ball,point where to go and Bob's your Tongan Uncle

[scotty2hatty]

Jonah Lomu named in Scotland squad.

[TightEnd]

Jonah Lomu named in Scotland squad.

its no different from tongans playing for NZ, Australians for Japan, De Villiers for France, Fijians for Australia

I don't really like the rules..the residency ones that allow someone to play for the country in which they reside after x years, but if everyone else can do it, England sure can

[Longy]

Jonah Lomu named in Scotland squad.

its no different from tongans playing for NZ, Australians for Japan, De Villiers for France, Fijians for Australia

I don't really like the rules..the residency ones that allow someone to play for the country in which they reside after x years, but if everyone else can do it, England sure can

We have been doing in cricket for a generation and the home nations have picked some very dubious players in recent years in football, Tony Cascarino, Neil Sullivan et al.

[TheChipPrince]

I don't really like the rules..the residency ones that allow someone to play for the country in which they reside after x years, but if everyone else can do it, England sure can

They'll have Almunia or Cudicini in goal next...

[Josedinho]

I think England will win this year with Scotland shocking everyone into 2nd.

[johnbhoy76]

I think it's between France & England and maybe Ireland. But I don't think any side will do a "Grand slam"

Scotland, Italy & Wales will be wooden spoon contenders

[The_duke]

Fine bunch of lads -- Ireland for the triple crown/championship/Grand Slam/Drinking Competition