http://www1.skysports.com/watch/video/9121210/pundits-agree-with-evans-red

Ding

That is cowardly in the extreme. I am old school, and believe that 'a bit of a shoeing' encourages people to get away from the ball, but that sounds ridiculous.

I know I shouldn't say this, but I hope that one day Evans ends up at the bottom of a ruck with McCarthy above.

Is this the video of the incident?

Seen it now. Can't defend that kind of behaviour. Not like he did it once then realised what he'd done. Went for him three times at least.

where did you see it RKW? the vid i posted above isn't working hahah

Anyway, i'm sure it will be dealt with because there are 2 or three good camera angles on it. McCarthy is reported to have had 6 stitches above the eye which isn't much so the image of him covered in blood probably looks worse that it was. That said stamping on the face of a player is not cool. 3 times is and a toe poke is nasty. their could have been some real damage done. So i expect a hefty ban.

On the other hand didn't a NZ player dance allover a welsh player during the autumn internationals and the citing commissioner decided there was no case to answer. You never know what way the citings are going to work.

The link you posted worked for me. Showed the analysis clip that was live on Sky Sports last night.

this link works better. had to invade their website a bit to get it
http://skysports.brightcove.com.edgesuite.net/165012893/201401/2329/165012893_3067971590001_HC-TALKING-POINT-170114-928x520.mp4

ANyway moving on. as a neutral observer the Leicester v Ulster game later today should be an absolute cracking game of rugby!

Hope so Ding, hope so. Mind you, only home advantage to play for, so who knows, might be dull as ditchwater.

Either way, mon the Ulster.

Ding

They tell me we (the Saints) have now dropped down to the Amlin Challenge Cup. . When will this game of ours stop borrowing daft ideas from other sports?

First there was the nonsense of not having the league winner being the champion. I think that originated in Aussie Rules. Now we're aping the round ball game with a Champions/Europa League kinda thing.

I despair. Does that make me a traditionalist or a dinosaur?

There are few things in sport that I enjoy more than watching us beat the frogs in the rugby

We have a really good record against them in the Six Nations so let's hope we continue that on the first day of the tournament

Hi there folks!

I haven't checked to see if its true, but I think Jerry Guscott had a stat that after the last three Lions tours the Frecnh have always one the Six Nations, France have three home games and go away to Scotland, whilst England have three away games - France being the worst, whilst Wales have to go to England and Ireland.

I just wonder if this might be France's year? England are getting there, but the lack of dynamism in the backs worries me, Wales have been a bit up and down and I think that England will want revenge at Twickenham, whilst Ireland are rebuilding - though perhaps the last year of O'Driscoll and perhaps O'Connell might drive them on.

There was some odd and rather grim stamping over the last two days and I wonder what will happen to Evans (what's his record like, if there has been a bit of previous he might be in a lot of trouble) similarly with that prop from Connacht against Saracens, he was very very lucky not to get a red

Ding - The NZ chap was Andrew Ho=ore (apparently his true surnme is banned rather ironically!) who in the first or second minute punched Bradley Davies in the back of the head as they were jogging back for a line out - absolutely unbelievable thuggery and he got away scott free!

When is a decision likely on Evans? I hope he misses the tournament after that. I didn't think it was as bad as what people were saying until I saw it myself.

Sup SARS,

I think the French are finally turning a corner in regards to international rugby and this 6N should be a good chance for them. They have put in place an agreement to cap the 30 elite French players to a maximum of 30 games per year (in all competitions) and more time to prepare for internationals (13 days prior to this years 6N for example). I am still hopeful we will turn them over in Paris again though
As for Evans, he has been banned a few times before, once for stamping so I expect he is out of the tournament.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

And on Evans. He has a horrendous disciplinary record.

QF draw:-

Ulster v Sarries
Clermont v Leicester
Toulon v Leinster
Toulouse v Munster

I think the three big French clubs are favourites and the other tie should be a close call. Leicester will be stronger with Manu back but it won't matter in Clermont, they don't lose at home.

Er... Munster at home sorry which makes it different.

An absolute nightmare fixture for Leicester.

Other than that the other games are a coin flip. Munster at home regardless of the opposition are not easy and Toulouse are beatable. Just ask Connaught.
Leinster have huge travelling support and Toulon are not all they are made out to be. They didn't win it last year. Clermont lost it. Leinster ranked number one in Europe still have more pedigree at this level despite all the mercenaries Toulon have.
Ulster are extremely strong at the moment and raven hill is a fortress not easily scaled, but Sarries being a wee bit nomadic don't mind travelling so the home advantage could be a little neutered for Ulster. Sarries are dangerous. Could be their year if they take it seriously.

Zebo called up to Ireland squad - didn't he have a half decent tournament last year for the Irish? Suppose he has been out for a few months though.

Zeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeebooooooooooooooooooooooo

What a great name to have for getting people shouting your name

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

my bad - tommy bowe at 14

Maybe this has been reported already, but Ryan Jones to miss the Six nations after sustaining an injury at the weekend against Leinster.

also Jonathan Davies for wales is said to be nursing an injury and is set to miss the opening 2 games against Italy and Ireland. Those predictions are usually worst case scenario. I expect we will see him against Ireland. Tho maybe Gatland will do his now predictable smoke and mirrors routine and delay naming the side until the last moment.