The Six Nations is here, and with their current position as world number one, all eyes will be on Ireland to step up and claim victory in the Championship for the first time since 2018.
Many are also viewing this year’s tournament as a precursor to the Rugby World Cup, which again adds some extra pressure on Ireland to do well and set the stage for September.
However, the other competing national sides have all seensignificant changes of late which definitely opens things up a little in terms of who indeed be crowned winners this March. From coaching comings-and-goings, to recent strong performances and players returning to fitness, there are many variables that should be factored in when we look at Ireland’s chances.
France’s strength and depth
Last year’s winners France are certainly a force to be reckoned with and the relatively young side is full of some of rugby union’s brightest shining stars. Captain Antoine Dupont is the notable MVP, but wing Damian Penaud is another who’s expected to do great things this year. What’s more, as the host nation, France also have an incentive to do well and get set for the Rugby World Cup.
A new coach for England
It’s fair to say that England have been underperforming in the last few years, but the recent change in coach from Eddie Jones to Steve Borthwick could see the side bounce back and return to the form that many in the game expect from them.
Gatland is back for Wales
The same could also be said for Wales. Warren Gatland is back at the helm following the dismissal of Wayne Pivac and his undeniably impressive record of securing three Six Nations Grand Slams for Wales could be what spurs the side onto a fourth.
The current favourites
While all of the above will definitely make the 6 Nationsmore open and interesting, one of the key indicators that this may indeed be Ireland’s year is that they’re typically the favourites across the board right now, if you look at what the bookies are saying. Although it’s worth highlighting that they are closely followed by France in many cases.
It’s also easy to see why this is the case, what with the return of Tadhg Furlong and talismanic captain Johnny Sexton, plus Ireland will be coming off the back of three impressive victories – and all-round displays – in the Autumn Internationals.
That said, the bookies have of course been wrong before, so with that, simply sitting back and seeing what the boys in green can do on the pitch in the first few games will be one of the best ways to determine whether or not a Six Nations win – Grand Slam or otherwise – is really on the cards.
