Our favourtie time of year is upon us. The Six Nations is back and it promises to be another stellar championship as Europe’s elite seek glory. However, this year’s tournament has an extra edge; it provides an opportunity of redemption following heartbreaking conclusions to 2023 Rugby World Cup campaigns. Hosts France endured an excruciating exit on home soil while former world number one side Ireland suffered yet another tragic defeat in the quarter finals. Steve Borthwick‘s England fell agonizingly short of toppling the Springboks in the semi-finals.
The other home nations and Italy didn’t fare any better with Scotland and the Azzurri unceremoniously dumped out in the group stages while an underwhelming display from Wales in the last eight ensured Warren Gatland‘s side were on an early flight back home. All in all, the World Cup was a disastrous one for the northern hemisphere. But thankfully the coaches haven’t had to wait for their chance to restore some pride. Here’s our look at what to expect from the 2024 Guinness Six Nations.
Ireland
The stars were aligned for the men in green to break their World Cup hoodoo and lift the famous Webb Ellis trophy but instead, the Emerald Isle were condemned to wait four more years. But Irish fans should not despair because while one opportunity went begging, another is waiting just around the corner. No Ireland side has ever won back-to-back Grand Slams and following their triumph in 2023’s championship, Andy Farrell has the chance to write yet another chapter in Irish rugby history. Despite fly-half Johnny Sexton’s retirement, their squad remains the best Irish side of this or any other generation. Their wealth of experience combined with some exciting fresh prospects makes the men in green the ones to beat. However, their toughest test comes in their opening fixture when they take on Fabien Galthie’s side under the lights on February 2nd. Should Farrell find the formula to pull off only Ireland’s fourth victory on French soil this century then they will find themselves in prime position not just for the title, but a fifth Grand Slam.
France
Les Bleus will also be out to lay down a marker as joint favourites alongside Ireland and are set to do battle with their closest competition in what promises to be an enthralling encounter in the Six Nations curtain raiser. While getting one over the Irish was a step too far for Gregory Alldritt and co. last year, victory feels firmly within their grasp this time round. Ireland’s record in France is poor wand while Galthie may be without his star man Antoine Dupont at half-back, even without their talisman, a fired up crowd in Marseilles gives them the edge. With a favourable run of fixtures following on from the opening contest, a win over Farrell’s side will serve them well in their bid to win a second championship in three years.
England
Borthwick was thrown in at the deep end when taking on the role as England’s head coach but so far he has navigated treacherous waters relatively well. Granted there were some stumbles in 2023’s championship, as well as a disastrous defeat to Fiji in their World Cup preparation, but England’s incredible display against the Springboks in the semi-final earned him plenty of good will from rugby fans across the land. Now buoyed by a bronze medal at the World Cup, the 44-year-old takes his new look England side into this tournament full of optimism and hope that this squad can restore some much-needed faith back in the Rose. Those wanting to place a bet on the Six Nations can see list of top options for betting in the UK.
Scotland
The past few months have not been the kindest for Scottish Rugby. An unenviable World Cup draw made their eventual exit from the tournament a bittersweet pill to swallow, only to be followed up by the unsavoury revelations surrounding former captain Staurt Hogg’s retirement. Unfortunately for Scotland’s head coach Gregor Townsend, February may offer little respite. Townsend’s squad are a quality outfit but the Scots have practically perfected their routine of showing promise but failing to realize their full potential. They remain one rung below Ireland and France on the pecking order and that will likely prevent 2024 being their year. Who knows, a win in Cardiff for the first time in 22 years could be a rallying cry for their championship and may inspire an upset or two along the way. Having said that, three wins would represent a successful tournament for the Scots.
Wales
Since returning as head coach, Gatland has struggled to reach the heights of his previous spell. Wales have blown hot and cold, routinely making costly errors and often looking devoid of any attacking flair. Out in France a semi-final spot was within reach only for it to slip away with some desperately poor game management. If they replicate that form in this year’s championship they will pay the price. Thankfully for Gats he faces his favourite foe in Scotland in the opening fixture. Before last year he had never lost to a Scottish side and with history in Cardiff in their favour, he will be hoping to condemn the Scots to another demoralizing defeat in the Welsh capital.
Italy
The Azzurri have put together some impressive displays in the last two campaigns but sadly they are likely to play out their perennial role of the Six Nations whipping boys once again. Significant improvements are being made and with an exciting academy waiting in the wings there is plenty for new head coach Gonzalo Quesada to work with. The Italians will likely target Wales and Scotland with maybe a groundbreaking upset of England as a longshot but it feels unlikely to amount to anything.
