2nd. Ireland
Ireland have plenty of talent coming through the ranks at the moment and they will be confident going into their first game against France after showing a lot of promise in the Autumn Internationals. Jordan Larmour is the only player in the squad that is without a cap, the 20-year-old Leinster-man is in flying form at the moment and could be someone to keep an eye on.
#Sports @Sporting_spirit Ireland’s young stars aiming to shine at Six Nations – Jordan Larmour, Jacob Stockdale, Andrew Porter, James Ryan and Joey Carbery are part of Ireland’s exciting generation of new Irish rugby stars. https://t.co/wtg5q5Uu5U
— Sporting Spirit (@sporting_spirit) January 29, 2018
As well as Joey Carbery, who has recovered from a wrist injury in time for the competition and has a lot of potential that could be on display this year. Captain Rory Best has bags of experience and will be a key influence on Ireland’s six nations’ hopes. It’s difficult to see anyone but England sealing the title this year, but the game at Twickenham between the two rivals could be the decider.
1st. England
Off the back of a very successful autumn series for Eddie Jones’ men, England will be full of confidence going into the championship as firm favourites. They will be searching for a 3rd consecutive title and I believe they will do it.
With only a year left until the World Cup, there will be a lot of England players that feel they have something to prove in order to get into that squad travelling to Japan. England have chosen 8 uncapped players going into the tournament due to injuries and suspensions to a few important players.
Most notably Billy Vunipola, who has been so unlucky with injuries recently after missing out on the Lions tour due to a damaged shoulder. Arguably England’s toughest game will come against an improved Scotland team as they have to make the trip to Murrayfield on the 24th of February, followed by another tough game against Ireland at Twickenham. I have a feeling England may slip up and lose against either Scotland or Ireland but I feel they will do enough to be crowned champions.