Six Nations for Dummies – Tilly J
In light of the Six Nations commencing next month, I thought that, before I get into all the technical bits and bobs of this tournament, I should do a 101 guide for those who don’t quite get this competition. If you’re feeling a bit lost in the scrum of terms like ‘lineout’ and ‘try’, fear not! This article is your ultimate guide to understanding the Six Nations.
1) What on Earth is the Six Nations?:
The Six Nations is an annual tournament featuring 6 European nations (hence the name): England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. The southern hemisphere has its own version of this tournament, called the Four Nations, in which South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina compete for the cup. It’s a glorious collision of muscle, skill, and strategy, taking place over 7 weekends in February and March. It’s basically a round-robin competition where each team faces the others, trying to emerge as the undisputed champion.
2) The Teams:
England – The tea-loving titans with a stiff upper lip and a mightier tackle
France – Known for flair and where baguettes meet bone-crushing tackles, makes rugby a dance of elegance and chaos
Ireland – A force to be reckoned with and more than just leprechauns, these players bring luck, skill, and a touch of Celtic magic
Italy – Undoubtedly the underdog, determined to surprise everyone and upset the established orders
Scotland – Tartan warriors with kilts, bagpipes
and kicks that strike fear into the opponent
Wales – A nation where rugby is considered a religion, boasting fierce pride and a roaring dragon spirit
3) Scoring points – “Try” Not Be Confused:
To make sense of the scoreboard, you need to understand how teams accumulate points by
a. Tries – crossing the opponent’s try line with the place, earning 5 points
b. Conversions – kicking the ball through the posts after scoring a try adds 2 points
c. Penalties – successfully kicking the ball through the posts during a penalty awards 3 points
d. Drop goals – slotting a field goal during open play gives the team 3 points
4) The Grand Slam Dream – No this isn’t a breakfast order:
Imagine winning every single match in the tournament – thats the Grand Slam!! It’s the pinnacle of the Six Nations glory and the holy grail that crowns a team as the undisputed champion.
5) Rivalries – More Intense than a Sibling Feud:
Calcutta Cup – England vs Scotland, an age-old grudge match
Le Crunch – England vs France, the clash of titans
Triple Crown – a special accolade for a Home Nation (England, Wales, Scotland, or Ireland) beating the other three
6) The Atmosphere – It’s Not Just a Fan Thing :
One of the Six Nations’ magical elements is the electrical atmosphere in the stadiums. It’s not just about the rugby. Picture thousands of fans singing, chanting, and donning extravagant costumes – it’s a rugby carnival. This makes your average sports bar look like a library.
Locations – “To me, to you”:
Each team plays the other five once per tournament with a home advantage in alternative Six Nations. For example, last year, France played against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin but this year, this match will be held at the Orange Velodrom in Marseille.
So there you have it, a crash course in Six Nations rugby! Whether you are a rugby novice or a seasoned fan, the Six Nations is a spectacle that will have you on the edge of your seat. Grab your jersey, practice your try-scoring dance, and get ready for a rugby rollercoaster like no other!
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