The Six Nations makes its annual return at the beginning of February, with favourites France hosting reigning champions Ireland in what is bound to be a captivating opener.
Matchday one also sees perennial underdogs Italy host England, while Scotland will travel to the Millennium Stadium to face Wales.
- France to win
- Wales to finish in the bottom two
- Damian Penaud to be top try scorer
Les Bleus To Regain The Championship
France went twelve years without lifting the Six Nations trophy before reclaiming the title in 2022, winning the Grand Slam in the process.
Ireland took the title away from Les Bleus last year in what was a mostly positive tournament for Fabien Galthie’s men, finishing second in the table as well as registering emphatic victories over England and Wales.
The last competitive match for France was back at the 2023 World Cup, where Les Bleus were beaten by eventual champions South Africa 29-28, and this was one of just three defeats suffered by Galthie’s side that calendar year.
Both they and the Irish will be favourites to battle it out at the top once again and their meeting at the Stade de France on opening night could be the decider, with the victor in historical meetings between these two usually finishing above the other come the end of the competition.
Home advantage may prove to be pivotal for France this year and if they can find a way to overcome Ireland, then they will be firm favourites to go on to reclaim their title once more.
More Misery For Warren’s Wales
Another testing tournament is on the cards for Warren Gatland’s Wales, who were for the most part poor in 2023.
Despite an emphatic pool stage in the World Cup which included a 40-6 humiliation of Australia, Wales failed to impress in many of their fixtures last year, winning just three of their ten games outside of the sport’s biggest contest.
The Welsh finished second bottom in the Six Nations last year, staying above the usual Wooden Spoon recipients in Italy, and another similar finish can be expected after a youthful and inexperienced squad was named for the tournament.
16 members of Gatland’s squad have appeared less than ten times for their country, while there is real concern at fly-half with Ioan Lloyd, Sam Costelow and Cai Evans registering just 11 caps between them
The notable omission of Louis Rees-Zammit, after the talented 22-year opted to pursue a career in the NFL, is a real blow in attack for Wales, while Dan Biggar has also retired from international rugby.
Wales may struggle if any key experienced players pick up knocks, and an underwhelming performance is to be expected.
WALES TO FINISH IN THE BOTTOM TWO
Try Time For Prized Penaud
France were the top point scorers last year despite not lifting the trophy and their free-flowing attack is likely to prove too hot to handle once again this time around.
Damian Penaud was top try scorer with five last campaign and shared this accolade with Ireland’s James Lowe and fellow Frenchman Gabin Villiere in 2021.
The winger has scored 55 points in nine games for Bordeaux this season and this fine form is likely to carry over into the Six Nations, with Penaud likely to dive over the tryline on a number of occasions.
