THE SIX NATIONS is finally back on our screens tonight. That means our pubs and sitting rooms will again be filled by the great and the not-so-great nationalistic melodies from around Europe’s rugby-hungry lands.
Don’t blame Laura Wright. She can only sing the song she’s given. Source: Andrew Matthews
If there’s one thing none of us can agree on, however; it’s which anthem is the best.
That’s why The42 is about to do six countries a solid this evening. Yes, we’ve saved you from spending the weekend embroiled in an anthemic row by setting the record straight on which songs are top-top and which downright flops.
Strike up the band, look at the flag with your most serious face and get singing.
7. GSTQ
Meh. Its only redeeming factor (the ascending da da da daaaah… bit) merely leads back to more drudgery and things that rhyme with notorious.
Source: pierrewillemse/YouTube
On that note: rhyming us with glorious? Come on, lads.
6. Our own battle cry
Leaving patriotism aside, it’s a bit on the downbeat side isn’t it? An anthem that screams ‘ah, shur lookit; we might as well.’
Source: RBS 6 Nations/YouTube
5. The other anthem
Power, good. Glory, good. Shoulders, good. Ireland, great. All the boxes were ticked for the compromised anthem, but it’s still the most divisive song this nation has known since Serge Gainsbourg’s ‘Je t’aime’ was banned.
Source: RBS 6 Nations/YouTube
4. A right good singalong (even if you don’t know the words)
Il Canto degli Italiani is a happy, bouncy, plucky, passionate number that makes everyone smile pre-match. No wonder they’re getting better every year.
Great stuff, Italy.
Source: MrJbquin/YouTube
3. No flowery language
A good decent straightforward song with no tricky changes of pace and words we can almost always remember. Sombre rather than sad too. Really makes you think about how much you want to go battle some southern invaders.
Click Here: Cruzeiro soccer tracksuit