After doing some research it looks like Neil Robertson writes for newspapers and what not. It really does not surprise me that much as he is very well spoken.
Here is something I found written by him!
TEAMS FOR THE SECOND SIX NATIONS
by Neil Robertson
Rugby fans throughout Europe are licking their lips in anticipation as the final countdown begins to the most-eagerly-awaited event on the sporting calendar, the Six Nations Championship.
The premier tournament in Northern Hemisphere rugby has had its standing and importance questioned in recent years by those obsessed with the four-yearly cycle of the World Cup and indeed, its very existence has even been threatened, most notably on those occasions when the English RFU have indulged in unwarranted brinkmanship over TV deals.
But once again this year, thousands of fans will travel all over Europe, to Paris, Rome, London, Cardiff, Dublin and Edinburgh, renewing friendships, enjoying the “Craic” and revelling in rugby of the highest quality.
Forget the “superiority” claims of the Tri-Nations, it is the social element that makes the Six Nations such a unique event — but while the fans can still indulge in the true amateur “spirit” of the game, for the professionals on the pitch, it is very much a serious business.
The pressure has of course, been turned up several notches for the players from the Home Unions, with this season’s campaign doubling as an extended series of trial matches for the Lions tour squad that will be announced soon after the final Six Nations fixtures are played.
Every missed tackle, try scored and advantage gained in scrum and line-out will be scrutinised and dissected by the army of selectors at Graham Henry’s disposal — as well as millions of amateur experts around the British Isles.
The Lions debate will no doubt rage throughout the tournament but of more immediate concern, is the likely outcome of the campaign and the fortunes of the relevant national sides.
Will anyone be able to stop the English juggernaut from securing what their supporters believe is a seemingly-inevitable Grand Slam? Can France prove that their autumn win over the All Blacks was not just another glorious flash in the pan? Can Wales and Ireland show that the “Celtic Fringe” is finally ready to play a leading role? Can Italy cause more seismic shocks on a similar scale to their victory over Scotland last year?
And, most importantly from a Scottish viewpoint, can we improve on last year’s dismal fifth place by at least winning all three of our home matches against Wales, Ireland and Italy?
http://www.scottishrugby.com/sixnati...ions_teams.cfm
Edited because of natural stupidity!
[ 09 September 2001: Message edited by: Iain ]