The final Six Nations table predicted as Taylor Richards delivers his verdict on every team
Six NationsWednesday, 31 January 2018 at 15:59
This year’s Six Nations will be a tight affair and I believe it’s one of the closest to call in years.
Here's how RUCK writer Taylor Richards predicted the table will finish...
6th. Italy
Despite the poor performances in past competitions, Italy have bags of confidence to take from their improvements in the PRO 14. With Conor O’Shea in charge, we should expect to see a competitive Italian squad playing with the passion and desire that we have come to see and love, especially from captain Parisse.
It’s a tough start as they host the reigning champions in the opening game and will be looking to cause a huge upset and getting their first ever victory over England. A lot can happen in rugby, like we saw with Japan beating the Springboks, but it will be a huge challenge for the Italians to avoid finishing bottom of the pile.
5th. France
It’s always difficult to predict how France will come into the 6 nations over the past couple of years and this time around is no different. New head coach, Jacques Brunel, will be looking to blood young players into the squad as France look to evolve their style and retain their competitiveness that has gone amiss in recent times.
They come up against an in-form Ireland team and will be a tough opening test for Les Bleus. Momentum can be key in this competition and if France can get off to a winning start then it could blow the title race wide open.
4th. Scotland
A real underdog this year in the competition and I wouldn’t be surprised if they finish above Wales. The first game is huge for Scotland, a win at the Principality stadium would be a huge confidence boost and a big statement to the rest of the competition.
The inclusion of Stuart Hogg is very positive after struggling with injuries this season and he will play a key part in Scotland’s attacking mind set.
Huw Jones will be another player to keep an eye on with great footwork, power and pace, he brings a lot of qualities into the centre. If they can pull together a win in their first game, I’d expect them to go on to finish 2nd or 3rd. Gregor Townsend played a part in their last win away to Wales back in 2002, and he will be hoping for the same result this time around.
RUCK POLL:
3rd. Wales
After a lacklustre autumn series and a number of injuries mounting up, including Lions’ player of the tour, Jonathan Davies, who is a huge loss as he is always at the forefront of everything Wales and the Scarlets do well. A well-deserved call up at last for James Davies (brother of Jonathan) after his sensational performances in the Pro 14 and Europe.
The one thing the Welsh can be confident about would be the form of the Scarlets and they will hope to see a similar style of play for their country. If they do manage to play a free and open style game then they may just finish higher than I’ve predicted, but it will be a huge achievement if they can emulate their past successes under Gatland and co.
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.
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.
HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
Loading
