Abu Dhabi: Former Wales and Scotland rugby legends Jonathon Davies and Gavin Hastings seem to back England as favourite for victory in the forthcoming six nations tournament, which kicks off on February 4.
Speaking on the sidelines of kids rugby clinics held in the interactive village at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, the pair agreed. "England played well in the autumn. They got their backsides smacked against South Africa but it brought them down to earth. If they win the first game in Wales all of a sudden a Grand Slam is on — that game has a huge baring on the competition," said Davies.
‘Depth of talent'
Hastings added: "They had a great victory over Australia, didn't play well against New Zealand. It's how they react to their injuries — they have a great depth of talent. Its whether they can produce it on the day."
"They've settled their half partnership with Youngs and Flood, have pace up front with Foden and Ashton. If they sort their ten, 12, 13 axis they're a bloody solid side — Youngs is key to England, he raises their tempo," said Davies.
Of their own respective sides Scotland and Wales, the views of Hastings and Davies differed. Hastings said of Scotland, who haven't won since 1999: "Andy Robinson brought in some young guys, Richard Gray is a very exciting prospect he'll energise Scotland. They are on their way up and can challenge for Six Nations honours in three or four years."
"They don't deserve to be written up but that doesn't make them incapable of victories. It's all about building momentum for yourself — we've done it before and can do it again," added Hastings.
Meanwhile, Davies was less complimentary of 2008 winners Wales: "They can create but can't finish. For some reason they squander all the opportunities — at club level you can get away with it but if you don't take chances as they come internationally you wont have many."
"The other issue is we've lost Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones to injury so it doesn't look as solid a platform to play off — there's no strength in depth unfortunately."
Both agreed 2009 winning team Ireland were on their "last roll of the dice" with regard to ageing players and that France would find it hard to reclaim honours given the difficulty of back-to-back wins.
