2023 Six Nations predictions and favourites
This year’s Guinness Six Nations championship will be the final major tournament before the World Cup in France in September; and each nation will have different objectives going in. For Ireland and France, the two stand out teams, it will be to continue the form and momentum they’ve gained over the last couple of seasons; which have elevated them to first and second, respectively, in the IRB World rankings. For the rest it will be an opportunity to find form and much needed confidence, a chance to cement their best starting XI’s, and maybe uncover some exciting new talent going in to the World Cup. The annual tournament will run from February 4th – March 18th.
Form guide
Ireland
The men in green look increasingly comfortable with the world no.1 tag; which is a testament not only to the players but the management staff, not least Andy Farrell, who has built a team full of confidence and self belief, where every player knows their role and style of play. The last 4 seasons has been the most successful in the nations history: with a Grand Slam, wins over South Africa and Australia, and perhaps the greatest of all achievements, a series win against the All Blacks in their own backyard. They’ll once again be lead by Johnny Sexton, who was cleared fit this week. It’ll likely be his last Six Nations and he’ll want to bow out in style. The Irish narrowly lost out to France in last year’s championship, but time round they have home advantage which could prove pivotal in deciding the destination of 2023 title.
Player to watch: Josh Van De Flier (IRB player of the year), Flanker.
Ireland are the 2023 Six Nations favourites at 11/8
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France
As with Ireland, this French team are brim full of confidence and playing some of the most exciting rugby we’ve seen from Les Bleus in decades. They combine speed and flair with incredible forward power. Last year’s Grand Slam champions continued their impressive form in to the Autumn series with a standout win against current world champions South Africa. They’re playing the best rugby of any team in the world right now; and with one eye on the World Cup in September, which they host, France will look to put down a marker and make it back to back Slams.
With captain Antoine Dupont, the world’s best scrum half, at the helm, who’d bet against them to do just that.
Player to watch: Antoine Dupont, Scrum half.
France are second favourites, priced just behind Ireland at 13/8
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England
Where to start?
It’s been an interesting 12 months for England to say the least. Losses to France, Ireland and Scotland in last years championship, and a first loss to Argentina at Twickenham in the autumn culminated in the sacking of coach Eddie Jones; the claim that this England side hadn’t progressed under his tenure has hard to counter. New coach Steve Borthwick has a big task on his hands. But the new boss has already made a statement with his squad selection for the opener against Scotland: out go Billy Vunipola, Jonny May and Jack Nowell and in come 5 new caps. The new coach clearly has one eye on the world cup, and with only months until then England need to get back to winning ways and restore much needed confidence. Seems strange to say but a 3rd place finish would be a success in the context.
Player to watch: Owen Farrell, Centre
England to win 4/1
Wales
Wales find themselves in a similar position to England. Last year’s Six Nations was a disaster for the Welsh who finished 5th with only one win and first loss to Italy at home. The poor form continued in to the autumn series culminating in a humiliating defeat to Georgia. This lead to the inevitable sacking of coach Wayne Pivac and the return of Warren Gatland, Wales’ most successful coach. Welsh fans will be hoping that Gatland still has that magic touch which brought home 3 Grand Slams in 10 seasons. Expect a big improvement in performance this season but no trophies. They face a tough opener against the Irish.
Player to watch: Louis Rees-Zammit, Winger
Wales to win are 12/1
Scotland
Gregor Townsend starts the 2023 Six Nations looking to continue Scotland’s recent dominance of the Calcutta Cup against England to kickstart the championship in a World Cup year: they’ve beaten the English in the previous two championships. With England in a state of flux it could be a great opportunity to make it a hattrick. One bonus for Townsend is the likely availability of talisman Stuart Hogg, who looks to have recovered from injury in time for the championship opener at Twickenham on 4th February. The Scotland squad boasts 4 new caps who’ll have an opportunity to cement a regular place ahead of the World Cup.
Player to watch: Stuart Hogg, Full back
Wales – 22/1
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Italy
The ‘Azzuri’ are enjoying somewhat of a golden period at present. Although they finished bottom in last years Six Nations (which they do most every year) they claimed a famous victory at the Millennium Stadium over the Welsh; then followed that up with an even bigger scalp defeating the mighty Australians in Florence in the autumn. The big question is whether they can build on this and maintain this new level of competitiveness. All the Italian players now play at the big European clubs and this experience seems to be finally paying dividends; and in players such as Ange Capuozzo, who set up the memorable winning try against Wales, they have that x-factor you need at the highest level. They face a very tough opening round match against France. Will be fascinating to watch how they deal with greater expectations.
Player to watch: Ange Capuozzo, Full back.
Italy are priced way out at 500/1!
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