Women’s Six Nations 2024
Now the men’s tournament is out of the way, we can start getting excited about its warm weather alternative.
The women’s version is being given more hype than ever, which is excellent. Each union is keeping us up-to-date with events, Guinness is pulling out all the stops (not forgetting the pints) and the launch in London promised great things.
Prospects
Can the women’s table finish anything like the men’s? There we saw every team losing at least one match, though not every team managed to win one. And it’s at that end of the table that we must direct our gaze first. That will tell us how successful the tournament is in providing close competition at every stage.
Only that way can it hope to encourage more sponsors and more media organisations to invest in it heavily. Narrow margins ensure greater excitement for spectators on the ground and viewers back home.
News that tickets are selling like hot Dundee cakes at the Hive, Edinburgh, for the England game is an excellent omen.
Round One Fixtures
Saturday 23 March
France v Ireland, Stade Marie-Marvingt, Le Mans, KO 14.15
Wales v Scotland, Cardiff Arms Park, KO 16.45
Sunday 24 March
Italy v England, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma, KO 15.00
It’s that last fixture that highlights the problem: the Azzurre have yet to beat the Red Roses. All four other nations have trouble doing so, but only the Italians, as the most recent guests to the top table, have yet to claim a first scalp. They are capable of very high standards, but still prove vulnerable at vital moments.
France move to another corner of the country that lies far from its most fervent support – the rich pastures of Normandy. It will be fascinating to see how many spectators Le Mans can attract. That will be a real test of the remarkable support the nation gives its women’s side. And les Bleues have to re-establish themselves after an underwhelming performance in WXV.
It’s momentous times for the Scots. They are sitting on an almost unbelievable 6-match run of wins. A seventh in the cauldron of Cardiff Arms Park would really set them up. But they have to overcome the absence of Jade Konkel. Until they prove they can operate equally well without the presence of one or two leading figures, their chances remain slimmer. All the same, it does reveal how quickly teams can advance from suffering to bouncing health.
John Mitchell has spoken to Nick Heath about his view of English matters. One notable detail was his mention of Emily Scarratt playing at 12. This is where she has been operating for Lightning since her return from injury, but it would still mean a new experience for her in a white shirt (correct me if I’m wrong).
I recall her wearing 13 when she appeared as the babe of the team in the 2010 World Cup final, and she’s seemed to play there ever since – with a few visits to the rear areas. You might claim she can compete in nearly every position on the field, but it’s still a surprise to hear Mitchell’s judgement. At once it alters the chances of other players appearing as starters, finishers or not at all. How do you fit all of these into one jam-jar? – Helena Rowland, Holly Aitchison, Meg Jones, Sophie Bridger, Sydney Gregson, Tatyana Heard and Zoe Harrison.
Coaches count
We tend to concentrate our attention on the players, but the coaches play a central role in ensuring success. Both in game-strategies and personnel management their input can make a heap of difference.
Most of them are relatively new to the scene, Mitchell completely so. But even he will be in no doubt about the importance each match will have for his players. The gaze of the public and the media is on them as never before. Expectations are high.
