UNTIL SIMON ZEBO did that weird flicky-kicky thing, one of the few things that Six Nations fans could agree on regardless of nationality was this: the six “national anthems” are absolutely boss.
But it got us thinking — which of the six is the best? Is it the alpha-male boom of Land of My Fathers (Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau)? Or the mournful lament of Flower of Scotland? The “lads on tour” bounciness of the Italian anthem? Or the historical weight of France’s?
(There’s no point entertaining the thought that Ireland or England might win. They’re definite candidates for the wooden spoon.)
We asked our finest minds to put their heads together, rank their favourites from one to six, and leave a brief explanation. As you’ll see, the quality of response varies dramatically.
*drumroll please*
6. God Save the Queen
YouTube Credit: MrJbquin
Short enough not to lose its way, with a tune that can easily be appropriated by anything else (see also, ‘My Country ‘Tis Of Thee’).
I’ve no problem with HRH but she needs a new theme tune. How about Shakira’s “Whenever, Wherever”? Despite a worrying level of panpipes, there’d never have been a question how Croke Park would react to that.
If you love your country and your monarch, the second half is nice and powerful, though hardly intimidating. It’s just a pity you have to sit through the first part to get to it.
Don’t believe in god, not a fan of monarchy. Double whammy.
5. Ireland’s Call
YouTube Credit: MrJbquin
The sentiment is great and all that but…
Doesn’t inspire me with as much hate and anger as most people, but it’s awful monotonous.
A bit of a box-ticking exercise, and with all due credit to Phil Coulter, could have been written by someone in primary school.
If that’s Ireland’s call, I’m not answering #amiright?
4. Flower of Scotland
YouTube Credit: MrJbquin
It’s the only one I know all the words to.
Not nearly enough life, rousing quality, no vocal range, bizarre melismatic minor seventh thing going on… nope. Just nope.
The saddest of all the anthems, but it makes you want to avenge something. Anything.
Hairs on the back of the neck stuff. My favourite of the bunch.
3. Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau
YouTube Credit: MrJbquin
Hen Wlad Fy Nhada indeed.
Utterly perfect for the sort of country it is. Top notch stuff for a male voice choir – doesn’t go for the upbeat version, but instead a steadfast affirmation of heritage. Bliss.
Not great for a late-night Harcourt Street singalong, unless you’re actually Welsh of course.
It’s right tidy.
2. La Marseillaise
YouTube Credit: enjoyvideoclips
“Pow! Have some of that, fils,” they say.
I particularly like the bit where they say the enemy is coming to slit your throat. Like a French version of the boogeyman.
Catchy. Just damn catchy. Also has a nice minor to lead you back into a rousing major bit.
You’d imagine with such an inspirational anthem they’d be better at war and such.
1. Il Canto degli Italiani
YouTube Credit: MrJbquin
1:37 of drunk rugby fans singing ‘Ee – tal – ee – ah’ over and over again.
Apart from the fact that the instrumental bit always reminds me of the theme tune to Keeping Up Appearances, it’s class.
‘Italia, Italia….’ and so on. Brilliant, rousing.
So rousing! So Michael Schumacher circa 2003!
The organisers have ruined this competition. I’m delighted a French team have been given the same treatment as Leinster but it still doesn’t make it right.
Happy for Connacht though.
@Clark: what would you do though? Or what exactly can be done, considering the pandemic
@Andrew Taz Donohoe: play the feckin tie with players that have tested negative today. Same as should have been done with Leinster, we had a negative match day ready to go. These outbreaks will come and go, those players that are vaccinated and also negative on the day should be allowed play on.
You mean Testdemic.
@Clark: Agrred. These 28 :0 wins were never any good in situations where no one is at fault. Whoever came up with that should be fired on the spot! 1D10TS
@Andrew Taz Donohoe: think the point is, some games 28-0 and others 0-0.. how can that be‽?
@Eoin Roche: where you saying the same when Toulon had a match day 23 all test negative, yet the game was awarded to Leinster?
@Karl Mc Cauley: Thats easy, some games were cancalled due to covid outbreaks (which EPRC legistrates for) and awarded 28-0, and some were cancelled due to travel restrictions (which isnt legislatiled for) so were given as draws.
I didn’t see LNR say anything about it being a scandalous decision when Montpellier were handed a 28-0 win against Leinster
Well deserved, a justification for the brand of rugby they promote.
It’s a total anticlimax of a way for us to make the knockouts, but reaching the knockouts this year, is not near the same as reaching it when there’s only 8 teams, and there’s been a fair and equal group stage. However it’s still great to make it to the last 16, the aim now has to be to make sure we can put our best foot forward, and target further progression in the competition. Have to say I always liked Toulouse, but it’s totally hilarious to see the reaction from both Toulouse and the LNR. One thing to note is how the URC never came in to back Scarlets, Ospreys or Leinster when they got shafted.
@Patrick Breen: good point re the URC… And regarding getting through, its a topsy turvy year, take what you can get, and I bet there will be a great buzz in Connacht now going into this last game regardless.
@SPQH: enjoy it. Get to a semi snd earn the buzz
There’ll be no easy games in the last 16 but I’d like to avoid Racing and Leinster, Exeter and Le Rochelle also if I’m making wish-list
@mike ryan: I think they will be hoping to avoid us as well. A good win tomorrow should give us a home draw, which means we should avoid the likes of the teams you’re talking about.
@Donal McCarthy: actually, just had another look at the table, we need Scarlets to beat Bristol for that to happen. Unlikely
Castres will regret no going full guns last week, but then again they didn’t seem to be too bothered
@Scott Crossfield: I don’t think they give a daam, they’ve always been a bit of a disappointment in Europe, a bit like Montpellier.
@Scott Crossfield: if castres and wasps win toulouse go out.
@Scott Crossfield: Castes have been absolutley ridden by the Mike Addission and his team. The officals have a lot to answer for forward passes by quinns sealing off penalties not given. The last 20 miniutes of reffing was a disgrace
I had my doubts about this years H Cup when I first saw the format. But now………….. meh.
Leicester given a walkover too.
All done in trying to justify the unfair treatment of Leinster. 2 wrongs don’t make a right
More 28 nil BS.