FM104 Sport's, Dan 'Pitchside' Pitcher gives his picks ahead of the opening weekend of Six Nations action...
Wales Vs Ireland
Saturday 2nd February; Millenium Stadium; K.O
13:30
I don’t think a Six Nations campaign has been more highly
anticipated from an Irish perspective in recent memory. Since the miracle Grand Slam win in the
Welsh capital in 2009, Irish international rugby has failed miserably (while
the provinces have continued to do really well).
For
the second year in a row, Ireland kickstart the campaign against Wales,
looking to hit the ground running. For the players, this campaign is not simply
just about the Grand Slam (though of course that would be great). For them it's about
impressing the British and Irish Lions selectors, headed up by Welsh coach
Warren Gatland, for the summer trip to Australia.
Last
year the drive for the Slam, or Triple Crown, ended early following a close loss
in the Aviva Stadium against Wales. This time, it's personal. And for Declan
Kidney, this could very well be his last shot at achieving greatness at
international level. He has thrown everything at this campaign.
