Sky Sports Presenter Alex Payne Chats to Wooden Spoon about the 6 Nations 2017

A Weekend full of upsets, controversy and packed with excitement… Wooden Spoon caught up with Sky Sports Presenter Alex Payne to get his take on the 6 Nations and what he predicts for the tournament…

What makes the 6 Nations so special to you? 

“For me it’s all about the history, the passion, the drama, the rivalry, the unpredictability, the pain and obviously the glory.  As a sporting event, it takes some beating.”

What away grounds make the most noise? 

“Any England away game, you can always hear Swing Low beaming out from the crowds”

Who do you see as the surprise package in this years tournament? 

“Scotland.  For too long, the new dawn has been breaking.  It is time for Scotland to take some big chunks out of this year’s tournament.”

What do you love about the 6 Nations?

“It makes the most depressing part of the year absolutely fantastic.”

Who is your player to watch? 

“Kyle Sinkler.  I think he could be a Lions bolter.”

In your experience does a Lions year impact the six nations and how? 

“Rugby will always be the ultimate team game, but Lions year highlights the individual battles more than normal.”

What do you think about the new points system for this years tournament and will it have an impact on how teams approach the competition?

“I think it was inevitable that the bonus points would be brought in.  We’ll discover the impact over time, but I do think the mind-set change will help the north close the gap on the southern hemisphere.”

Can anyone stop Eddie Jones’ England?

“Yes – Ireland.  I think they might struggle in Cardiff, but Ireland can certainly pull down England in the final round.  Injuries depending…”

What change would you make to “improve” the tournament?

“I think it is pretty well set up as it is.  I certainly wouldn’t condense it into five weeks, as has recently been proposed.  The players will really struggle with five tests on the trot, and the quality could suffer.”

What are your personal 6 Nations highlight?

“England v France to win the Grand Slam in 1991.  It was the game that got me hooked.”