International Rugby Takes Center Stage This Weekend

For the next couple of weekends, the focus of the rugby world will be on International squads as the RBS 6 Nations begins as well as the New Zealand & USA Sevens.

As I’ve stated here in the past, I love the 6 Nations and I will once again throw my support to Wales. I feel the Welsh squad will give us a much better performance this season compared to last season, when the team only managed one victory (versus England!). The Welsh squad must enter the Lions Den straight away as they take on 2007 RWC runners up England at Twickenham. I’m hoping for an upset, even though the English squad features 6 members of the London Wasps.

The only thing that sucks is the matches will be televised in the U.S. on Setanta Sports, tape delayed. I guess I’ll REALLY have to avoid spoilers. Most matches will be given same day coverage, while others will be shown a day later.

RBS 6 Nations-Opening Weekend Fixtures

Ireland vs Italy (Croke Park)

England vs Wales (Twickenham)

Scotland vs France (Murrayfield)

I’ll have results & thoughts up after I’ve been able to watch all 3 matches on tape delay. I apologize for that but I want to avoid spoilers.

New Zealand Sevens-LIVE!!!

Day 2 of the New Zealand Sevens will be televised LIVE in the U.S. on Setanta Sports. The live coverage begins 12:30 am eastern (9:30pm Friday Pacific) Saturday morning and will conclude at 4 am. This is the first time this year that a Sevens Tournament will be aired live in the States. I imagine that Day 2 of the USA Sevens a week later will also air live either on Setanta Sports or Versus.

The U.S. must take on Scotland, Argentina & Tonga on Day 1. I feel the Eagles can defeat Argentina & Scotland, which would be enough for us to move on to the “money round” on Day 2. I’m a little bit worried about the Tonga match but its entirely possible that the U.S. could win their group, which would put us in a better position on Day 2.

I will have Day 1 results up as soon as I can. With the time difference, it may be tough but I will attempt to keep everyone up to date with the results. I feel with some luck, the Eagles may shock a few people on the opening day and may finally come home with some hardware for the first time this season (we came close in South Africa), which would be huge confidence boost heading to San Diego on the 9th and 10th, where the Eagles were handed a much tougher draw.

GOOD LUCK EAGLES!!!