Get the beers ready, it’s the Six Nations!

It’s that time of the year again and no, I’m not referring to the Superbowl. Saturday marked the start of the Six Nations, the internationally popular rugby union tournament, which […]


It’s that time of the year again and no, I’m not referring to the Superbowl. Saturday marked the start of the Six Nations, the internationally popular rugby union tournament, which includes Scotland, England, Italy, Wales, Ireland and France. But even more importantly, Saturday was the Calcutta Cup. This intense annual opening match pits England and Scotland against each other in a battle for quite obviously, the Calcutta Cup. Winning the match is not only about the glory of winning the trophy, but also to have a good start to the tournament.

England has a history of beating Scotland in the match. Additionally, Scotland has not won on England’s home ground, Twickenham, in 30 years. So, naturally, tension was high when the captains and their teams walked onto the pitch.

What did 2013’s Calcutta Cup teams bring to the table? England went into the match with a victory over world champions, New Zealand, last month, while Scotland had suffered an opposite result, losing at the hands of Tonga in November. Both teams had promising, talented players. Chris Robshaw led England onto the pitch, with rival openside flanker, Kelly Brown leading Scotland. There were several players that were ones-to-watch, including England’s Billy Twelvetrees and Scotland’s Richie Gray and New Zealand-born Sean Maitland.

The final result was not marginal. England ended the match with a 20-point lead, a 38-18 victory. Owen Farrell kicked almost every point offered (are we seeing the next Jonny Wilkinson in the making?) and Twelvetrees had a positive debut to international rugby – scoring a try. But despite England’s win, Scotland played with passion that cannot be ignored. Maitland scored a noteworthy try at the start of the match, which put Scotland in a 5-3 lead. The score at half time was 19-11, England.

Unfortunately, mistakes and injury cost Scotland. Even I shook my head in disbelief when Dave Denton lost control and hurled the ball to seemingly nobody. Though they regained some hope and dignity when, 70 minutes in, Stuart Hogg scored a try.

Regardless of the victory, England is facing a tough match against Ireland next week. Scotland will be facing off against Italy. 2013’s Six Nations is bound to be full of excitement. It’s debateable who will ultimately dominate. I’ll be cheering on England, but it can’t be ignored that Ireland is possessing incredible talent from Simon Zebo and Brian O’Driscoll. They might just prevail.

What are your predictions for this year’s Six Nations? Who will win? And who will end up with the Wooden Spoon?

Headline image  ©www.toonpool.com