Affinity Magazine February 2012 master _Layout 1 copy 20/01/2012 18:30 Page 59
coincided with the 1910 opening of the RFU’s new home at Twickenham. France joined the fray in1910, and initially struggled to achieve any notable success. The outbreak of war saw the tournament put on hold between 1914 – 1920 and the inter war years were dominated by England as they swept to nine championship victories including five Grand Slams. France continued to struggle and in 1931 they were forced to pull out of the championship, and didn’t rejoin until the end of the Second World War in 1947 – in the early post war seasons Ireland took three outright titles including consecutive triple crowns in 1948 and 49. France shared the title in 1954 and 55 and were then champions for four years in a row from 1959 – 1962 and in 1968 won their first Grand Slam. The 1970’s brought mixed fortunes. In 1972 the
tournament couldn’t be completed because Scotland and Wales refused to play in Dublin because of the escalating political problems. And the following year the tournament ended with a unique five way tie – every country having won and lost two games. The 1970’s belonged to Wales, whereas England struggled throughout the 1970’s and most of the following decade – in the 1980’s it was France that came into their own, winning the title outright three times, including two Grand Slams in 1981 and 1987
Italy started this newly christened tournament superbly, winning their opening game gainst Scotland in Rome, and in 2007 had their best tournament to date with back to back wins against Scotland and Wales. The 2010 Six Nations belonged to France as they won the Grand Slam for the first time since 2004.
In 1984 Scotland won their first Grand Slam for 59 years and Ireland 12 months later – neither have won it since.
The 2011 Six Nations could have brought England their first Grand Slam since 2003 but Ireland beat them in the penultimate game of the tournament, leaving Wales a slim chance of taking the title if they had beat France by a wide margin, but France beat Wales and England took the title.
The dominance of England and France during the 1990’s brought criticism that the championship was not offering a high enough standard of competition, and thus Italy were asked to join in 2000, and the six Nations were born.
The 6 Nations has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a simple challenge from one country to another. It is now one of the most exciting events in the rugby calendar and 2012 looks set to be no exception!