It’s never too early to look ahead to the Six Nations.
Year in, year out the tournament delivers and 2023 is set to be no different. But with next year’s edition coming only a few months before the Rugby World Cup, the competition is set to be more interesting than ever.
Can France repeat last year’s Grand Slam? Or will the world’s number-one ranked side, Ireland, win their first title since 2018? And what of England and their chances under Eddie Jones?
Let’s look ahead at the prospects of each side, along with what the bookies reckon.
France to retain their crown?
There’s quite rightly no looking past Les Bleus,winners of the 2022 Championship and outright favourites with the bookies.
France will look to build on the success of winning their first Six Nations title and Grand Slam win since 2010, and, at the same time, lay down a marker with a home World Cup on the horizon.
Timing is everything in sport and Fabien Galthie’s side appear to be peaking at just the right moment with the masterful Antoine Dupont pulling the strings at the back and Camron Woki starring alongside a strong set of forwards.
Tricky trips to Dublin and London this time around will prove pivotal to their chances. But France, as they were last year, remain the team to beat.
Key fixtures:
- 11/02/2023: vs Ireland (a)
- 11/02/2023: vsEngland (a)
- 18/03/2023: vs Wales (h)
Can Ireland go one better than last year?
The Irish enjoyed a memorable 2022 with a historic series win over New Zealand, securing their status as the number-one ranked team in the world.
In doing so, Ireland usurped France as the top team, a perfect response to narrowly losing out to Les Bleus in the Six Nations some might say.
If any team is to challenge France, look no further than Andy Farrell’s side – they’re second in line to win the 2023 title according to the top Irish betting sites.
The Boys In Green have home advantage in the key fixtures versus France and England and will be seeking to marry form and results with silverware.
Key fixtures:
- 04/02/2023: vs Wales (a)
- 11/02/2023: vs France (h)
- 18/03/2023: vs England (h)
England out to improve on previous showings
A bitterly disappointing Six Nations campaign last time out saw England suffer three defeats – including a second in as many years to Scotland – on their way to third place.
It was a better showing than finishing fifth in 2021 but in comparison to the high standards shown by France and Ireland, England were mediocre, to say the least. There have been shoots of recovery since however.
Eddie Jones, under pressure prior to England’s summer tour to his native Australia, would’ve breathed a sigh of relief after guiding his team to another series victory over the Wallabies. Whether the win proves to be a stepping stone to greater things remains to be seen.
But regardless of where they are on their journey, England can beat any team on their day and therefore can’t be completely written off.
Key fixtures:
- 25/02/2023: vs Wales (a)
- 11/03/2023: vs France (h)
- 18/02/2023: vs Ireland (h)
Dark horses Wales looking to bounce back
Despite experiencing a series defeat to World Champions, South Africa, Wales, like England, can also look back on a largely positive summer.
Before they succumb to a series defeat, Wales recorded their first win on South African soil in 58 years, a reminder of Wales’ credentials on the biggest stage.
The victory was also a welcome boost for head coach Wayne Pivac after a disastrous Six Nations campaign which ended with an embarrassing defeat to serial Wooden Spoon winners, Italy.
Wales will be hoping last year was just a one-off. And with Six Nations titles to their name as recent as 2021 and 2019, a win for the Welsh wouldn’t be the biggest shock.
Key fixtures:
- 04/02/2023: vs Ireland (h)
- 25/02/2023: vs England (h)
- 18/03/2023: vs France (a)