RUGBY Six Nations:Ireland, praise be, have been saved from any Sunday matches in next year's RBS Six Nations, the schedule for which was announced yesterday.
For the first time, the reigning Triple Crown champions will play five Saturday matches, beginning with the first of three home matches at Croke Park against Italy on Saturday, February 2nd.
With a 2pm kick-off, this will constitute the tournament opener, before Ireland head to Paris and a rendezvous with the Six Nations champions France in Stade de France seven days later. After a week's break, Ireland host Scotland in round three before Wales come to Croke Park a fortnight later in what is the the only change from Ireland's itinerary of last year.
As was the case in 2006, Ireland will finish their programme on Saturday, March 15th, against England in Twickenham, invoking memories of the Triple Crown success there last year.
"It's almost a replica of 2006," observed Eddie O'Sullivan yesterday. "Obviously, Italy first up is tricky and then France away is about as tough as it can get in the Six Nations, but if you could win your first away game then you could have a chance of doing something. It's all about momentum."
The Irish coach admitted that, logistically, having all five games on Saturdays amounts to a reasonably favourable schedule.
Wales too have been afforded five Saturday games after reputedly pleading for such an itinerary on the grounds that it best suited their supporters.
With three games in Croke Park, the 2008 Six Nations is set to establish another record for aggregate attendances at the championship. Recalling the dramatic finale this year, Ireland will again kick-off first on the final day in Twickenham, with France again concluding proceedings against Wales in the Millennium Stadium, exactly as they did last year.
2008 Schedule
Saturday February 2nd
Ireland v Italy 2.00
England v Wales4.30
Sunday February 3rd
Scotland v France 3.00
Saturday February 9th
Wales v Scotland 2.00
France v Ireland 4.00
Sunday February 10th
Italy v England 2.30
Saturday February 23rd
Wales v Italy 3.00
Ireland v Scotland 5.00
France v England 8.00
Saturday March 8th
Ireland v Wales 1.15
Scotland v England 3.15
Sunday March 9th
France v Italy3.00
Saturday March 15th
Italy v Scotland 1.00
England v Ireland 3.00
Wales v France 5.00
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