Last year Six Nations 2010: Some would say that the wheels came off the England machine in the 2010 Championship. Things all began so encouragingly with a success over Wales at Twickenham and they backed that up with a hard-fought win on Italian soil. However, that second victory was one that frustrated many as England slipped back into their kick-chase mindset with Ireland, Scotland and France subsequently not bowled over by what they had seen from the Red Rose. What followed proved just that as a defeat, draw and then defeat saw them ultimately finish in a disappointing third position. Lewis Moody was a new leader.
This year Six Nations 2011: England can finally be allowed a little room for optimism following what was a decent second half to 2010. They star off with a visit to the hostile venue that is the Millennium Stadium but with Wales struggling for numbers, the visitors will fancy their chances of opening things up strongly. Following that clash there is a three-game home run for the 2003 World Cup winners, beginning against Italy before France and Scotland go to Twickenham. There is no doubt that this side will be there or thereabouts but whether the old problem of consistency will become an issue remains a nagging doubt.
Coach Six Nations 2011 : Former England and British & Irish Lions captain Martin Johnson succeeded Bath stalwart Brian Ashton as coach in 2008 after another below-par Six Nations, inheriting a team very much in an uncertain period of transition. Johnson, who retired from playing after lifting the 2003 World Cup, installed ex-London Irish boss Brian Smith as his right-hand man in an attempt to improve their attacking flair. And it finally seems to be happening.
Captain Six Nations 2011 : Bath flanker Lewis Moody seems to be Johnson's man for the job after doing good things at Leicester and now the Rec. First handed the England armband in their last game of the 2010 Six Nations, 'Mad Dog' was swiftly taken over on a full-time basis and will continue to lead by example - when fit - in 2011.
Player to watch Six Nations 2011: Shooting up both club and national ranks over the last year or so, scrum-half Ben Youngs exemplifies everything that a coach craves from his number nine. Lively at the base and always a threat with breaks, the Leicester Tiger is key to England's new-look side. But will he have Toby Flood or Jonny Wilkinson outside him?
Fixtures Six Nations 2011 :
Friday 4th Feb: vs Wales -- Millennium Stadium
Saturday 12th Feb: vs Italy -- Twickenham
Saturday 26th Feb: vs France -- Twickenham
Sunday 13th Mar: vs Scotland -- Twickenham
Saturday 19th Mar: vs Ireland -- Lansdowne Road
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