After the Autumn internationals which saw contrasting fortunes for England’s experimental XVs, traditional rivalries are resumed with the 6 Nations 2014. This year England have fixtures in Italy, France and Scotland and the whites look strong. Providing there are no serious injuries to the likes of Owen Farrell and Courtney Lawes, Twickenham could hold the key to a successful campaign.
The tale of the tape
England and Wales stand tied on 4 championships each (and also 26 top finishes across all the various guises of the tournament) so will be hoping to catch up with the French tally of 5 for bragging rights. If Stuart Lancaster’s men can stay fit, make the tackles and compete, there is every chance that Chris Robshaw could be celebrating with a grand slam come March.
Dates and Fixtures
The 2014 Six Nations Championships begin on the first day of Febuary and the winners (England) will be crowned after the last game in mid March, England’s Games are as follows.
1st February: France v England
8th February: Scotland v England
22nd February: England v Ireland
9th March: England v Wales
15th March: Italy v England.
French hotel locations and home comforts
For the first fixture, hotels near Stade de France, Paris include the riverside Sovereign or the more affordable Kyriad at the Clichy Centre, regular visitors will know that this quarter has plenty of bars and food options in the surrounding area. For home games, hotels near Twickenham Stadium, London are already near capacity for match days but Richmond and Putney are close enough. The Travel Inn sites at these locations are a convenient base for rugby supporters.
Staying in Rome and Edinburgh
Hotels near Stadio Olimpico, Rome include Bed in Rome which is just 200 metres away or, slightly further is the four star River Chateau which offers a degree of luxury in the Roman Spring. Hotels near Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh include Ellersly House or Apex European, both of which cater especially for rugby supporters during the six nations.
Booking in good time is advised to make sure you can get a comfortable room close to each of the stadiums. We summarized datesvenues for all the fixtures to let you choose the match you want to attend:
Opponent Squad: France
Date: 1st February 6 pm
Venue: Stade de France, Paris
Where to stay: hotels near Stade de France, ParisÂ
Opponent Squad: Scotland
Date: 8th February 5 pm
Venue: Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Where to stay: Hotels near Murrayfield Stadium, EdinburghÂ
Opponent Squad: Ireland
Date: 22nd February 4 pm
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Where to stay: hotels near Twickenham Stadium, LondonÂ
Opponent Squad: Wales
Date: 9th March 3 pm
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Where to stay: hotels near Twickenham Stadium, LondonÂ
Opponent Squad: Italy
Date: 15th March 1:30 pm
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Where to stay: Hotels near Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Can England come out on top?
Last year’s wooden spoon went to France so England should enter that game with confidence and, although Italy are improving, the last fixture in Rome should be a formality. So the middle three games will be all important. Scotland are still at a low ebb but the other home nations have had a promising build up and some outstanding lions performances from the likes of Leigh Halfpenny and George North means that Wales will again be a stern test. Will home advantage over the dragons of Wales give England an edge to recapture the championship?
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Article source: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/amateur-rugby/north-wales-rugby-rgc-must-6398877
Your Guide to Following England at the 6 Nations Rugby 2014
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