The first weekend of the Six Nations is always a very special one, and even when you’re no longer playing, that’s no different.
I’m looking forward to being able to watch the games and hopefully see some great attacking rugby as many of the sides look to play a more expansive and attacking game.
I’d love to see lots of really close games, with no side just running away with it.
On their day, any side can beat another and it would be great to see a final weekend where three sides still have a chance of winning it.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see Wales sweep it, but for the good of the competition we just want to see close games, and an exciting brand of rugby.
WALES WEAR SCARLET
Speaking of Wales, it still feels like they are very much a team in transition.
It’s really interesting to see Warren Gatland pick ten Scarlets players in his starting line-up. It brings back memories of his first game in charge of Wales when he picked 13 Ospreys for a trip to Twickenham. Wales won that day, a lad called Phillips bagged a try!
Having all those Scarlets in the side will mean there are a lot of players high on confidence, and who are playing well for their club and have that level of consistency of playing alongside each other week in, week out.
Having played with the Scarlets on their mini-tour to South Africa in the Pro14 I got a really good insight to the players and how they are being coached. It’s a very well-run team with excellent coaches who allow the players to express themselves and throw the ball about a bit.
Wales now need to give them that same licence.
Another exciting addition to the side is Josh Adams. Another West-Wales boy who went away and has really developed. He’s doing incredibly well in a tough league and will be one to look out for in the competition.
Obviously Wales kick things off against Scotland and I think it’s now time that Scotland started backing up solid individual performances.
They did well in the autumn to put a lot of points on Australia, but let’s not forget that Australia side played most of the game with 14 men and still managed to score tries which is a concern.
As much as they have improved and they do now play a better brand of rugby, it’s time to actually deliver. It’s no good playing exciting rugby and getting one or two good results then going to Twickenham and getting battered as they did last year.
ENGLAND EXPECTS
Which brings us on to England. It might be tough, but we have to give praise where it’s due!
They have one of the best coaches in the world in Eddie Jones and they have a phenomenal record in recent years, and while they have had more than their fair share of injuries, they have a massive squad that can cover most positions.
They go into it as favourites, and I think the fixtures fall in their favour with both Ireland and Wales games being at home. But, they are not unbeatable. A side will have to play very well and really take their chances, but it can be done.
Mike is now leading the coaching at the Mike Phillips Rugby Academy in Dubai.
NO FRENCH REVOLUTION
Elsewhere, France are just about the biggest mess in world rugby. If you look at the money that is in the game over there, they should be in the top couple of sides in the world – but they’re not. They haven’t adapted very well to the professional game and are always looking for a short term fix.
They may well be better going down the route of a foreign coach, and look for a long-term solution to their problems. They really need to buck up their ideas.
Ireland are a well-organised side, with a very intelligent coaching staff and some very intelligent players. They have a workmanlike pack that really dogs in and does that hard work and possess a strong set of backs.
They have a really strong nine and ten and we know they are going to kick well and play a very good territorial game that will make them very hard to beat.
And finally Italy.
I really want to see them do well. In Conor O’Shea they have a very good coach and they now need to develop and grow. Hopefully this could be the year for them to get a win or two.
There has been talk of replacing Italy with Georgia in the Six Nations but I think Georgia are still a few years off yet. The fans absolutely love a trip to Rome too – so let’s hope that stays on the calendar.
It’s going to be an action packed couple of months, and I can’t wait to watch it all unfold.
England treble? Mike Phillips believes Eddie Jones will win the Six Nations yet again.
The Mike Phillips Rugby Academy in Dubai is run in conjunction with Just Play. Currently aimed at 3-11-year-olds you can register your child to be coached by Mike and the team by calling 04 348 3869 or visit http://justplay.ae/rugby/
