Hi guys -

Despite the fact my contract still hasn't come through, it looks like I'll be moving out to Lausanne in March time. As we all know, February/March = 6 nations.

Is there anywhere good in Lausanne to watch the games?

The Great Escape

Thanks! I'll look it up.

Although - judging by the squad that's been picked, I'm going to not watch the rugby as it'll be far too depressing!

I was just about to write to ask why you would want to watch England get thrashed, unless you're supporting one of the other nations!

It could be worse, I could be Scottish. Or Welsh for that matter.

Let's see what's what after the head-to-heads

I'd love it if England actually performed to the level they are capable of and consistently. But this is what'll happen.

England v Wales
- Squad: 1 dimentional approach of slow ball
- England scrape unconvincing win
- Johnson "It's the start of the campaign, so we're bound to be rusty"
- Wells "We wanted quick ball, but conditions were bad"

Italy v England
- England win by good margin, but the score doesn't reflect the fact that Italy played well to 70 mins, then England scored a couple of quick tries to make the score more flattering
- Borthwick "We knew after last week we needed to step up a gear, and I'm proud of the way the lads responded"

England v Ireland
- England unchanged squad of oldies, with wing (still!) at FB
- Hammered by Ireland at the lineout (our inspirational captain - that lineout expert Borthwick - was he actually on the field?)
- Johnson "We came up against an excellent Irish side on form"

Scotland v England
- England change two positions for "young tyros", creative players delivering week in week out in the GP
- Beaten by a ferverant Scottish team playing well under coach Robinson
- Johnson "It's a dissapointing result, we felt that we had some unlucky decisions against us and it wasn't our day" (not sure if he was watching the same match as me...)

France v England
- Newbie players dropped from squad to revert to old team with plan A and plan err, actually only A
- wooped
- Johnson "We're a team in development, and with more time together we'll be working up the rankings"

The Welsh will probably win it!!

Oh, and I forgot to add a comment about the squad:

We'll have an excellent squad on paper, with exciting players, who will mostly be released to their clubs without having stepped on the match pitch.

Those exciting talents that did make it to the pitch will act like rabbits in headlights as the strategy and tactics are so muddled. Hell, teams must love knowing that they are going to play against England by now!

The match squad will have all the same old same old players on the team and 2-3 "new players"

All will play horribly, and once over and back in their teams after the 6N will be playing in phenomenal form

Sadly, I think you're right

England/France game is on my birthday weekend trip to Dublin (some of the current rugby girls are going to watch the Ireland/Scotland match) so I'm sure I'll find somewhere to drown my sorrows!

I live in hope that this is not so.

The Welsh, the Aussies and the Saffers - 3 rugby teams I really dislike (although this is probably envy!)

At least your honest!

Watching England watch rugby keeps you honest!

Next question - how am I going to watch cricket when I move over to Switzerland? I don't suppose there are any pubs which show that too?

The White Horse!

You don't really support winners do you!

I've heard many things about this pub... might have to become my local!

Mr Organ may have something to say on that one (being Welsh)

As I said mannie, it's probably just envy (although you can keep Gavin Henson - he's of the same ilk as Cipriani... useless!)

Really? don't expect too much, it is just a pub.

Although they used to do a fishfinger burger, but not any more. There isn't a day that goes by that i don't miss that crispy fishy goodness

Yeah agreed, White Horse not so good. Always the Great Escape for the rugby.

As for six nations this year, I could write a thesis on it (and may well do when I get home later!)

Yep, England becoming like the Italians, more imports than you can shake your fist at, at least the Italians have some sort of excuse whereas the English? largest rugby playing nation on the planet is it not? sad sad state of affairs (whats worse is that the imports come from that northern game, rugby league!!!) sweet Jesus!!!
I will let the fact that Jason Robinson did well conveniently pass me by...

Matches are on the BEEB are they not?