Anthem for hooned youth: What’s the best Six Nations anthem?
It’s that time of year, when the pubs fill with blokes in Musto fleeces saying stuff like “soldiers deserve footballers wages”. The Six Nations is back.
Besides being one of the best tournaments in international sport, the Six Nations also hosts several classic national anthems. But which is the best?
God Save The Queen (England)
It does the job, but against songs which celebrate brave struggles and national solidarity, GSTQ is a dreary anachronism, especially when bangers like I Vow To Thee My Country are available.
The “daa dah dah dahhh…send her victorious” crescendo is always a pleasure, though.
La Marseillaise (France)
The godfather of them all. A thunderous, martial romp crammed full of evocative lyrics which sometimes go a little far. “Let’s water the fields with impure blood”, for example.
It’s one hell of a tune, with a typically French element of menace. You can imagine singing it en route to fight the Austrians. Or, y’know, while guillotining your local priest.
Ireland’s Call (Ireland)
Yes, we know there are two Irish anthems, let’s not get into all that now. Since ’95 Ireland’s Call has been the main one, and it’s a catchy, bouncy number with easy lyrics. It’s a liiiittle bit cheesy and modern, but good fun and the kids love it.
Il Canto degli Italiani (Italy)
Surprisingly popular among football fans, we always wrote it off as some nationalist hymn from a time when the fates of nations were decided by the bedroom exploits of haemophiliac princes.
But it’s actually a nice plucky one with a few loud moments. Often the highlight of Italy’s performances.
Flower of Scotland (Scotland)
Sombre yet passionate, angry yet beautiful, FOS is a rousing number, especially when set to bagpipes at a drizzly Murrayfield before they face the Auld Enemy. If we’re being picky, it’s slightly hateful compared to other options, but maybe that’s the point.
Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Wales)
The French cook, the Spanish make love, and the Welsh sha… they sing. Their anthem is an absolute spine-tingler, especially when it’s belted out by 80,000 hammered locals at the Milennium Stadium, easily the best rugby ground in the world.
Not a clue what the song’s about, though.
