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The 6 Nations are nearly upon us and we are very excited! I’ve grown up loving rugby but our Canadian girl Erin was a little unsure about it all so we’ve put together a 6 Nations survival guide for her and if you want, you! 

Introducing The Edinburgh Address Guide to the 2013 RBS 6 Nations at Murrayfield.

There’s an App for that…

It’s pretty much true for everything these days and if you want to keep up with all the 6 nations action you can download this free app from the itunes store. Or if you feel the need to brush up on the rules of rugby you can download the IRB Laws of Rugby app here.

Work out how to get to Murrayfield beforehand! If you can avoid it try not to drive. Traffic can be a nightmare, take it from someone who got caught in stand still traffic for an hour! Get directions to Murrayfield here.

On game day make sure you dress warmly, the roof is open to the elements so it is likely to get cold, bring a waterproof jacket in case it rains but never an umbrella. Wear comfy shoes -no high heels - as you’ll be standing and cheering (hopefully) or at least doing a Mexican wave!

Avoid cold toes with these

altGet these ones here.

I still have the strip I got for my 16th birthday which I wear to most games but you can check out all the merchandise in the official shop here or alternatively you could go down this route.

altBuy here.

If you’re all wrapped up you’ll need some way to show your support for your team. I’d recommend face paint rather than the more extreme cheek tattoo. These look good,

altGet these ones here or pick some up at a costume shop.

and they are for age 3 to adult so we should be able to cover all bases!

If you’re keen to try to get on the big screen you can buy Scotland flags and really stupid Loch Ness Monster and Hey You Jimmy hats at the gates of the stadium.

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Most people know the national anthem of their country but if you just going along for the experience you should learn Flower of Scotland, hearing it sung in a stadium is pretty epic. The first verse is usually played with the bagpipes but the second verse is sung acapella by 60,000 fired up Scots. I get goose bumps every time, it's pretty special. Here’s a clip of the team and crowd singing it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PxZqb9D_5Y

This is also played a lot, as is this it will be stuck in your head for days!

Traditionally, at half time the teams stayed out on the pitch and had a quick snack of orange segments. Now the teams retire to their dressing rooms to talk second half strategy. I’m not sure if orange segments are still consumed. If you make it to half time you deserve some refreshment too, it’s hard work being a fan. I recommend cookies

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To be washed down with a swig from the thirst aid helmet…

altBuy here

Ok so I’m joking about this one but you can buy beer and other refreshments in the stadium.

Finally, if you’re new to the game and are not quite sure what’s going on here are some helpful phrases that will make you sound like you know what you’re talking about.

“Pass the ball!”

“Bring him down!”

“Great kick/horrible kick” (you’ll need to use you own judgment but can usually tell from the crowd.)

“Need the ball/Where’s the ball/Too slow/we need quicker ball, quicker ball!” Opposing teams try to slow the ball down to break momentum so you can pretty much guarantee you’ll be using one of these fairly regularly.

“Stop giving away stupid penalties!” Pretty much all penalties are stupid so you’re safe with this one plus if it’s at all close to the posts you can add “and it’s kickable” (don’t forget to include a disgusted sneer with this.)

“Go on Son, run RUN!” To be applied when someone makes a brake for it. Or, “chase him!” when the other team make a break for it.

Finally, it is said that Rugby is a hooligans game played by gentlemen and the fans should behave like gentlemen (and women) too. No booing the other team when they score or are about to kick. That’s just bad sportsmanship plus it’s Mean.  

The atmosphere is electric but the fans are always well behaved and whatever the outcome you’re sure to see supporters of both sides having a laugh at the pub afterwards. It’s a great day out for the whole family so make sure to bring the kids.

Scotland are playing at home in Murrayfield on the 9th of February, 24th February and the 9th of March. You can buy tickets here and see the full fixtures list here.

Now all there is to do is pray to the Rugby Gods that Scotland do well!

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We still have some flats available over the Rugby weekends, contact us for availability and prices and check out our facebook page for special offers!