A new season in 6 nations also means new 15 very interesting matches. We have again formed a round table to debate and analyze them. We believe that a sport is only as popular as it is talked about outside of watching the game. And since we are big fans of rugby, we are always interested in something more and something extra. That is why we hope that it will be very interesting for you to read the thoughts of our rugby players.
In the new series, we have expanded the number of participants. Now at the round table we have 10 rugby players who will watch and comment on the entire competition. In this edition of the round table, we also present new faces: Đorđe Veličković, a man who has been in rugby for several decades, who is still interested in and follows all events at a very high level; Mišel Milović does not need to be introduced too much, the coach of the Serbian national team, a complete rugby worker who dedicated his whole life to rugby, a former professional player in the highest rank of France; Marko Žeravica, coach of the Serbian national team, referee and sports worker with notable experience; Uroš Jevđenijević, a young player who made his debut for the Serbian national team, a rugby player who is expecting, we hope, a brilliant career in sports and journalism.
We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it and expressing our thoughts and opinions.
When you look at the game schedule, which team do you think has the easiest schedule?
Nikola Orlandić: Personally, I think that all teams have the same chances in the first stage of the competition, I wouldn’t say that there are any easier paths and everyone will have to work hard to try to win the tournament. I would give a slight advantage to the French, who are slight favorites to win the tournament this year.
Milan Orlović: First of all, thank you for the opportunity to participate in this round table and for the opportunity to share some of my thoughts with your readers again. Although we are still under the impression of the world championship, we can finally enjoy this, according to many, the most interesting rugby competition in the world. As far as the draw is concerned, it is always difficult to say, but if we are completely honest, the team with the Italians at the start has a slight advantage. Accordingly, I would say that the schedule is in the hands of the English. Especially since the next rival is a weakened Wales at Twickenham. With those two victories, they could enter the match with the Scots as favorites and announce the fight for the trophy. And for that, hands down, they are still not the main favorites.
Nemanja Babić: Certainly the easiest schedule and the favorites are those selections that play three games at home. In my opinion, the English have the easiest entry into the tournament and schedule. However, there are no easy games, but if we look at the others, I think that the English have the easiest schedule throughout the tournament.
Uroš Jevđenijević: By far the easiest schedule befell France. Although the opening game is against Ireland, they have 3 home games and 2 away against Scotland and Wales. Also although Ireland have 3 games at home, they have a much tougher away schedule than France, they will have to travel to England in addition to France.
Đorđe Veličković: At the very start, France, Ireland and Wales have an advantage because they play three games on their home field. When it comes to national teams, it is already an advantage. The French have the easiest draw because they welcome both the traditionally and currently the strongest teams, the Irish and the English, in front of their home crowd!
Bogdan Mihajlović: Looking at the schedule and the overall composition of the teams, I think that the English got the premium and the easiest schedule. Many will underestimate them, but England should be watched in this Cup of Nations.
Dragan Petrović: France has an excellent schedule, but England and Ireland don’t have a bad schedule either. I think home field advantage will mean a lot to the French when they play the Irish, so the French definitely have the easiest schedule.
Marko Žeravica: I personally think that the English have the easiest schedule, primarily from the point of view of the teams they play with. The most desirable thing would be for them to be able to gradually raise the tempo from game to game, which they managed to do. First round Italy, second Wales and third Scotland. What would they say, could it have been better for them?
Мишел Миловић: France and England have excellent schedule this season. Bonus points can easily take the edge off in the case of the same number of points.
Stevan Ilijašević: France, Ireland and Wales will play three matches at home this year. Maybe the French will have the easiest task because they will host both Ireland and England. In the matches of the 6 Nations, the home field means a lot, and France will play the first and last match against the big rivals on the home field. England will start the competition against Italy and Wales, who are expected to be at the bottom of the table, with good starts, they can be very motivated in 3rd round against Scotland away.
France and Ireland are the two favorites to win the 6 Nations. How much will the first match of the tournament, where these two teams meet, determine how the competition will look until the very end?
Nikola Orlandić: It could be a decisive match at the end, but the English and even the Scots can mess up many accounts, I think that the tournament will be primarily uncertain in any case.
Milan Orlović: It is not necessary that this match will decide the champion. I even think he could be fatal for a team that takes it as a final. The 6 Nations is a league competition and each round brings a new unpleasant opponent. For the title, you need to beat some of the strongest teams in the world and the focus cannot be on just one match. But it is certain that these two teams are the main contenders for the victory. France is the host, and the Irish are without their virtuoso. A slight advantage on the side of the Gaelic Roosters I would say.
Nemanja Babić: First and immediately “in the flesh” 😬. The French squad has changes and two key players and a screw for the Roosters game are missing. Galtje has a system and now is the right moment to see if they really are a system or if they depend on the individual. The Irish, on the other hand, were left without not only their leader, captain and opener, but without an icon of rugby. Perhaps this very situation will give birth to a new name, one of the new leaders. Speaking of the system, how about the system that has Ireland and Farrell at the head of them. We must say that the World Cup ended positively for the selection and that the Irish can really enjoy this year’s campaign of playing in 6N.
The first match may or may not decide the winner of the tournament. We had the opportunity to wait for the final rounds of the tournament where the name of the winner would be decided. This year, in the last round of the competition, France / England and Ireland / Scotland are playing and I am convinced that those games will decide the winner of the tournament itself.
Uroš Jevđenijević: I believe that whatever the outcome of the first game is, it will make the competition very exciting. Although France are playing without Anton Dupont and Roman Ntamak, I still think they can beat Ireland, who are playing without Johnny Sexton who has finished his career.
Đorđe Veličković: I don’t believe that there is any rule, especially when we look at previous results as well as the World Rugby Cup. The French play with emotion while the Irish persevere to the end like all Anglo-Saxons.
Bogdan Mihajlović: Definitely, these two teams are the two biggest favorites. The French have to take advantage of their home ground and stock up for later. I’m surprised not to play Dupont, but I think the French have a great generation that they have to use. Their main problem is the scrum because they lack a bench. At the championship, the players who entered did not live up to expectations.
Dragan Petrović: It will definitely be the most important game of the first round, and maybe of the entire tournament. France and Ireland will play without Dupnot and Johnny Sexton, who were the brains of these two national teams. We will see how the absence of these two players will affect the game of these two national teams. The first match can be decisive, but as I said, it might not be because both teams will play without a couple of standard players who are injured, which can affect the game and take both teams in an unwanted direction.
Marko Žeravica: It is definitely, if we take the performance of both teams, the final before the final. Depending on who wins, the losing team has some serious math to get out of. Which in my opinion gives the winning team the opportunity to take the Grand Slam as well.
Mišel Milović: Exactly, the two favorites are Ireland and France, but pay attention to England! It can surprise everyone! Should Ireland win in Marseille, I think the deciding game in Round 4 when England host Ireland will decide the winner.
Stevan Ilijašević: The result of this match can pretty much pave the way to the end of the competition for the winner. Judging by the bookmakers but also by the quality of the squad, these two teams are clear favorites. Whoever wins will definitely have a huge advantage. If there is a draw, it will be total madness until the end of the competition. I think that this kind of game will be decisive, and I am very sorry that it is not played at the very end, so that we could get a grand final at the end of the competition. But it can very easily happen that the match between France and England in the last round is decisive, or between Ireland and Scotland, what if not.
Who do you see as the dark horse favorite who can surprise everyone?
Nikola Orlandić: After the World Championship, I wouldn’t put anyone as a favorite, because all European teams played a very interesting and strong tournament. He would like Wales to show something more and play as they once did, with a rejuvenated team.
Milan Orlović: Forecasting is always ungrateful, but it would be said that Scotland has a team that can beat anyone. For years, they provide top games and take scalps from the best, but always that problem of constancy. Now whether they will finally put together some great results and win 4 or 5 times remains to be seen. The Welsh have rejuvenated the team and it will be a tough nut to crack, but I don’t expect them to win. The English would have to play beyond their capabilities, it is not unrealistic but not expected. Italy is good, but in my opinion it is difficult for them to win.
Nemanja Babić: England! 💪 😎 Several reasons to believe in the selection led by Borthwick. There is no Farrell (I’m honestly not a big fan) who definitely marked an era and we can talk about who is his supporter and who is not, but one thing is certain. Farrell is a world-class player and a brand in his own right. Farrell is not in the selection this year, but I believe one player is ready to help and mark this tournament. Smith is my favorite. Also, Borthwick has had the World Cup to familiarize himself with the players and now it’s time to play to his tune. There are a lot of young players, but also the occasional hardened “old man” to control.
Uroš Jevđenijević: I can see Scotland as a team that can surprise most. In my opinion, how successful they will be depends on the first game against Wales in Cardiff. Although the Welsh team is very weakened and has a lot of new players making their debuts, the Scots in Cardiff are playing as if they are under a curse. They last won in Cardiff in 2002, which gives the Welsh players a boost. I think the Scots are capable of beating England at home and Italy away, and realistically with losses against France and Ireland, they could very well finish the competition in 3rd place, of course if they overcome the Curse of Cardiff before then.
Đorđe Veličković: Only Italy and Scotland can make a surprise. If Italy win two games against England or Scotland, which is a long shot, it would be a huge success and a surprise. Scotland for the top ranking is a different story, but just as far-reaching.
Bogdan Mihajlović: England, if it can be said that they are lurking in the shadows.
Dragan Petrović: The Scots are always my favorite from the shadows, I would like them to win 6 Nationals. They can beat everyone as hosts, but also lose a win to the side when they need it most.
Marko Žeravica: Seeing that the favorites are the teams of France and Ireland, the only team that can surprise me is the team of England. In addition to an easier schedule of matches, the new coach now has a longer period of work with them. You will admit that he had little time for the World Cup. The wider list of 36 players is significantly different compared to the previous coach, which, in addition to the way of playing, can also give his stamp if he differs from other names.
Mišel Milović: I think that the English have a quality team with experienced players and a favorable schedule this year.
Stevan Ilijašević: Scotland definitely. If we consider that the favorites are France, Ireland and England. The Scots have a fantastic line, they have Finn Russell who when he is fit, and he is, can pass the ball equally accurately with his hand and foot, which is a nightmare for opposing defences. The Scots have two huge, strong and very fast wings, who love to play in the air, so you are in danger from all sides. When we add the centers, who play at a high level, with a mobile scrum, we get a team that can beat anyone. I also expect a lot from Italy, which starts the cycle with a young team that has already gathered a lot of experience. Don’t forget that Italian clubs have become winning teams in the URC competition as well as in European cups, and this will very soon be reflected in the national team as well.
Which players will mark the 6 nations, which players are you most interested in?
Nikola Orlandić: I think that all the teams will try to rejuvenate the teams, introduce some new guys into the selection and try some new things. The game has to progress and if they don’t realize that, I think they will pay the price at the next World Cup.
Milan Orlović: One thing is certain, there will be top rugby, some stars are injured or have said goodbye, but young talents are coming. All the teams will start building the team for the next World Cup, so we will see. A lot of players can impose themselves on their coaches, especially those on the islands, because the image of the Lions is being built. Potential player of the tournament is Finn Russell.
Nemanja Babić: In my opinion, Smith is the one who will shine and be under scrutiny. The type of player reminiscent of Cipriani who did not have the opportunity to show more in the England selection itself and under the bat of Jones. Lucidity along with efficiency adorns Smith and I believe that is exactly what the English lack to be even better and better ranked.
Uroš Jevđenijević: One of the more interesting players to watch is Damian Penaud. He needs only 3 more tries to become the French record holder for points. He is very good with the ball, he has an excellent shot and I believe he will be very motivated for the number 1 position in the French national team. He is always in the right place at the right time, which will only make it easier for him to achieve his goal. The opportunity to mention Finn Russell should also not be missed. He is also very good with his hands and has a great foot and he could be the one to emerge as one of the more important players for Scotland.
Đorđe Veličković: Due to the absence of several key (more interesting) players from England, France and Wales, it will be a more difficult task for those teams to replace them. Among the announced names, it is interesting for me to watch players such as Garry Ringrose, Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud and Maro Itoje and their selfless contribution during the game.
Bogdan Mihajlović: I expect Van der Merwe and Penaud to play at a high level. I think the player who will be a pleasant surprise will be Finn Smith from England, of course depending on how much time he spends on the field.
Dragan Petrović: I definitely expect 6 Nations to mark Finn Russell and lead the Scots to win this trophy. The constellation of a rejuvenated Wales team with new young captain Jenkinson and a few young England players will be interesting to watch such as Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and a couple of Northampton Saints players who are playing brilliantly this season Dingwall, Freeman, Furbank and Finn Smith. They will play the first 6 Nations and it will be a baptism of fire for them.
Marko Žeravica: As someone who follows the French competition the most, I think that the opener of the Žaliber team will have his 5 minutes. Previously, he was overshadowed by the Dupont and Entamack duo. At this year’s 6 Nations competition, he has Lucu, his teammate from Bordeaux, in the scrumhalf position. If you’ve been paying attention, most of the French diagonal is from Bordeaux, which is no small item in the mix.
Mišel Milović: It is difficult to talk about the players, but I think that Alldritt, the cap of France, is in excellent shape, even more, he will be the captain.
Stevan Ilijašević: It will be very interesting to see how the players will perform this year. There are several players that I will pay special attention to and from whom I expect a lot. I’m primarily thinking of Danty, who plays in the center position in France. He definitely didn’t deliver satisfactory performances at the World Cup, where he came off an injury, but he is one of the best young centers in the world and a lot is expected of him. I will be interested to see what Ben Earl looks like, who is seriously establishing himself as the ideal solution in England at the number 8 position. I’m waiting to see Finn Russell for one. There’s Bandee Aki, but in Ireland I just adore Tadh Beirne, who is the engine of their scrum. I was hoping this would be a Jac Morgan tournament, but the Wales World Cup captain won’t be in the squad. With Italy, it will be very interesting to see second line player Ruzza, who has shown consistency in defensive and static tasks. It will be very interesting to see if Monty Iaone can catch the form of two years ago.
Who will you root for, and why?
Nikola Orlandić: Personally, I would like European Rugby to progress to be faster and more efficient, with more counter-attacks and possession of the ball, and for the games to be fluid and attacking. I am a big fan of the Southern Hemisphere and the Rugby that was played ten years ago, with a lot of running and fast phases. I hope for good rugby, uncertain games with a lot of essays and a clear game plan, without influencing the referees, questionable decisions and incessant milking of penalties in scrums. I think the French have the most mature game and I like their temperament and idea of the game the most. Although the ever-lucid Scots have always had my affection for combativeness and the desire to win. We will see, in any case another holiday of rugby and good emotions.
Milan Orlović: I always support the Scots. Their courage and desire that they leave on the field not infrequently compensate for the real qualitative deficit in relation to the opponent. Although they have great players, maybe even the best in the tournament, they don’t have as wide a range of choices as the other national teams, and that is always decisive in the end. But it’s fun to see how proudly they wear that thistle on their chests, even those who weren’t born in the bagpipe hills. I’m really hoping for the best this time.
Nemanja Babić: I praised the English selection 😁😂, but I am always with those teams that are weaker or that no one attaches importance to. Italy has a new coach, an Argentinian and through the short history of several Gauchos, they have had a significant contribution to Italian rugby to rise to where it is today. It is probably due to a similar mentality with an excellent knowledge of the players themselves. Benetton is never better this season and that can be a great incentive for the players themselves to believe in two to three victories in this 6N cycle.
Uroš Jevđenijević: I will follow Scotland in the competition. I think they are able to provide good resistance in the competition. In addition to other teams that lost quality and important players, I think that Scotland could surprise in the first game by beating the Welsh.
Đorđe Veličković: I’m not sure, but probably between France, Scotland and Italy because of the way they play.
Bogdan Mihajlović: For France, maybe I’m boring, but I simply like their style the most. It’s my fault that they didn’t do more in the championship, so let this be their consolation prize.
Dragan Petrović: Always for the Scots, because they are a small rugby country, and I always support those who are weaker and have fewer chances. The friendly Scots are close to my heart and I always root for them. I love the Scots as a people and a country, and that’s why I always support Scotland.
Marko Žeravica: This year I will support the French team for the simple reason that I like their rugby the most when they get out of the pattern, that is, when they smell the advantage and the space created by that pattern of play. It’s just that they can’t wait to have an open game to show what they know and that rugby players aren’t robots who blindly stick to the game plan at all costs.
Mišel Milović: Of course I will support France, because they deserved to win the World Cup! France has a fast and spectacular modern game with quality players. In order to attract the public and children to our sport, this is the kind of game that needs to be played, not a game based on aggressive defense and great footwork.
Limited play and fighting is their place, but for fast play and ball flow you have to play with the back line and build mobility. You have to find the right balance. It is my opinion.
Stevan Ilijašević: As I already mentioned, I am one of the few in Serbia who supports England. The reason I support England is the third line scrum game in the 2003 World Cup, the only time they won it. I just think of Neil Beck, the kind of player he was. That enjoyment of watching Beck, Dallaglio and Hill made me an England fan. It was my first World Cup since I started coaching rugby and that impression has not faded even to this day.
