The annual RBS Six Nations tournament coming up next month now is the time that all Rugby Union fans can begin to get excited, but also the time that the six teams begin to have headaches over team selections.
None more so than current Six Nations holders Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley, who has been standing in for head coach Warren Gatland since June of last year due to a double heel injury. Howley has been handed a massive boost this week with Jamie Roberts returning back to competitive action ahead of schedule along with team mate Leigh Halfpenny whom too has this week made a recovery from injury. The two of them had both picked up injuries (Roberts – elbow and Halfpenny – neck) whilst featuring for Wales against Australia on the 1st December last year. Initially the duo looked doubtful to make the Six Nations tournament or at least a certain race against time to make it, however, the pair are believed to play for their club Cardiff Blues this weekend.
Also featuring for Cardiff Blues will be their 27 year old captain Andries Pretorius, who is also set to give Rob Howley a difficult selection process. Despite being South African born, Pretorius has lived in Wales for three years and is therefore now eligible to represent Wales. Pretorius insists his focus remains on leading the Cardiff Blues, but also states “three years ago [when he arrived at Wales] I said I’ve got ambitions to play for Wales and that hasn’t changed.”
Meanwhile Owen Farrell’s hopes of participate in the RBS Six Nations as England’s starting fly half have improved after the Saracens fly half has been told he will be given plenty of opportunity to prove himself in this position in the run up to the Six Nations tournament. This comes in spite of the fact that Farrell has been disregarded as first choice lately to Charlie Hodgson and within their last game only featured after coming on off the bench to play at outside center.
As it stands the bookmakers see a repeat of Welsh heroics unlikely as the Hills has them priced at 4/1, with England’s price half of that priced second favourites at 2/1. However, as it stands France are favourites to lift the Six Nations trophy, being priced at 15/8 with William Hill.
