http://rugbysixnations.blogdrive.com/ Rugby Six Nations Tue, 23 May 2006 15:00:00 PDT http://www.blogdrive.com Copyright 2006. http://rugbysixnations.blogdrive.com/archive/4.html Tue, 23 May 2006 22:51:33 GMT Mike Ford has vowed to turn England's fortunes around after his appointment as the team's new defence coach. The world champions are languishing in sixth place in the IRB world rankings, but Ford plans to get their 2007 World Cup defence back on track. "My aim is to turn England into the best defensive team in the world," the former Saracens coach told BBC Sport. "I'm very proud. I coached Ireland and loved it, but there's nothing like coaching your own country." After two consecutive fourth-place finishes in the Six Nations, England's new-look coaching regime is under intense... (more) http://rugbysixnations.blogdrive.com/comments?id=4 http://rugbysixnations.blogdrive.com/archive/3.html Mon, 20 Mar 2006 22:43:45 GMT Second is nowhere, so what does that make third place? England's descent from the glory of their World Cup victory just 28 months ago accelerated at Twickenham yesterday as they succumbed 28-24 to Ireland to finish third in the Six Nations' Championship. France had earlier all but secured the title by staying calm in the face of a five-point deficit against Wales with less than 10 minutes to play. Florian Fritz scored a try in the 72nd minute and Jean-Baptiste Elissalde converted before adding a penalty to wrap up a 21-16 victory at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. That ended... (more) http://rugbysixnations.blogdrive.com/comments?id=3 http://rugbysixnations.blogdrive.com/archive/2.html Mon, 20 Mar 2006 22:40:23 GMT If England are thinking what was once considered unthinkable, namely replacing Andy Robinson as head coach, they will have to act quickly or not at all. He was promoted not only to fill Sir Clive Woodward's shoes but to walk the line that won England the World Cup in Australia in 2003. Robinson's contract, which expires in June 2008, was designed to give England continuity going into next year's global showpiece but he may not last that long. The case against is that his Six Nations record - the no-show... (more) http://rugbysixnations.blogdrive.com/comments?id=2 http://rugbysixnations.blogdrive.com/archive/1.html Mon, 20 Mar 2006 22:38:09 GMT It might be harsh on champions France and Triple Crown winners Ireland, but this season's RBS 6 Nations tournament will not linger long in the memory.Bizarrely, it will probably be remembered for the fluctuating fortunes of those countries that finished third to sixth.Scotland were transformed under new coach Frank Hadden, achieving their highest Six Nations finish, while Italy made giant strides and at last look comfortable in European rugby's blue riband event.World champions England though, sunk without trace after winning their first two games, slumping to fourth place for a second... (more) http://rugbysixnations.blogdrive.com/comments?id=1