There’s only weeks to go now until Rugby’s Greatest Championship the Six Nations kicks off and wouldn’t you know the opening game is Ireland v France at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. Two teams that will be bitterly disappointed with how their Rugby World Cup finished last October.
It’s a 9pm kick-off on the Friday night and you can be sure the whole of the rugby world will be watching it. If you are looking for ticket for any of the games, check out Live Rugby Tickets.
A lot has happened since the Rugby World Finished last month, Johnny Sexton has retired from the game and Antoine Dupont won’t be taking part as he has signed on to play with the French sevens team ahead of the Olympics next summer.
So who do we think will win the Championship?
England’s Redemption Quest:
England will have to play the tournament without their tailsman and captain Owen Farrell as he has decided to take some time out to concrete on him his families mental health well being. Steve Borthwick will be in the job as head coach over a year by the time the Six Nations roles around.
After a good World Cup it’s important that England build and those foundations for the future.
Wales’ Consistency:
Wales have turned it around and looked a lot better in the Rugby World Cup compared to the Six Nations in 2023, but they still have a long way to come. It will be very interesting to see if Warren Gatland can continue the good work that was put in, prior to the World Cup with their training camps in the Swiss Alps. The Welsh job is a tough one for any manager ..
Ireland’s Evolution:
One of Ireland’s greatest ever players Johnny Sexton has departed, having played in the green jersey for over 15 years. Who will step up and fill in his big boots?
Will Andy Farrell be the Lions coach for the summer of 2025? Can Ireland win two Grand Slams back to back for the first time ever? Ireland are the team to watch ..
Scotland’s Ascent:
Scotland are nearly everyone’s second team with some quality players in Finn Russell and Jamie Ritchie can the Scots finally win the Six Nations for the first time since 1999? It could be one of their last chances as Finn Russell is once in a generation type player.
Italy’s Determination:
Italy are improving all the time, Ok their Rugby World Cup was disappointing after a good Six Nations in 2023, but their U20’s are getting better the whole time, could this be the year that Italy finally step up to the place and be real contenders?