"On the surface it was business at usual at this year's Six Nations launch in a chilly Edinburgh. Had the city's most famous literary sleuth poked his nose into the venue at the top of the Royal Mile, Inspector Rebus would have clocked the usual suspects: head coaches trying not to divulge any secrets, captains quietly studying their opposite numbers and content creators seeking to jazz up their tournament previews."
"Modern rugby, though, is a fast-changing environment. The championship's 143rd edition is imminent but at least one aspect will be different this year. The men's tournament has been trimmed by a week, with just one fallow week as opposed to two. It will demand stamina and require every coach to think about how to nurse senior players through five huge matches in six weekends."
"On paper it should favour nations with greater strength in depth. England and France both have massive player reserves to draw on; others not so much. Ireland are already on the brink of a propping emergency while Wales will also be praying their main men can stay fit for the duration."
The Six Nations launch in Edinburgh featured the usual pre-tournament theatricality and light moments. The men's championship has been shortened by a week, leaving only one fallow week and creating a schedule of five matches in six weekends. The condensed calendar will demand greater stamina and careful management as coaches must nurse senior players through consecutive high-stakes fixtures. The format advantages nations with extensive player reserves, such as England and France, while countries with thinner depth, like Ireland and Wales, face heightened selection and injury risks. England's head coach, Steve Borthwick, stressed that the player welfare picture is less clear-cut.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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