Guinness Six Nations 2023
Can anyone stop France? That is the question on everyone’s mind, as we approach the 2023 Six Nations. Kicking off on Saturday the 4th of February, the yearly tournament follows the usual format with each team playing one another once.
The final game this year is scheduled for Saturday the 18th of March. The reigning champions went the entire 2022 undefeated. On top of their Six Nation success, France also won close games against South Africa and Australia respectively. The current top ranked team in the world, Ireland is probably the one team that will also challenge for the title this year. This being a World Cup year puts even more pressure on the different teams to perform. Whoever manages to have a successful Six Nations campaign will be quietly confident heading into the global showpiece in France later this year.
Recent 6 Nations history
2022 winners, France went unbeaten in last year’s competition. After a few lean years, the French finally lived up to their hype. Not only did they emerge victorious, but they did it with style. Lead by the talismanic Antoine Dupont, the team performances were a fantastic advertisement for running rugby.
Wales, who won the competition in 2021 have since struggled with consistency and form in recent years. Only managing one win in the 2022 competition was a low point for the multiple time champions. Ireland, the current number one ranked team in the world came close to taking the title last year. They have not won since 2018, but by all accounts, they should fancy their chances in the Guinness Six Nations 2023.
Scotland play an exciting brand of rugby these days. However, lack of consistency is their main weakness. Last finishing in the top three in 2018, the Scots want to return to the top half of the table this year. The English team has also not quite lived up to expectation during the last few tournaments. Last winning in 2020, England want to get back to their winning ways. With a new coach at the helm, they have the opportunity to start afresh.
For perennial wooden-spooners Italy, anything more than last place would be a decent result. They have caused some major upsets over the years- they now just need to repeat these performances a bit more regularly if they want to be taken seriously.
Form and predictions
Wales
The six-time champions have struggled since their successful 2021 campaign. Losing to all but Scotland in 2022 set them on the path of a tough year. Finishing second last was a low point for the red dragons. With coach Warren Gatland back at the helm, one hopes that this could be the turning point for the Welsh. The focus will be on the Rugby World Cup later this year, so it may be another tough Six Nations for them.
England
England remain the most successful team in Six Nations history. A poor year in 2022 (they finished third in the Six Nations with only two wins) resulted in coach Eddie Jones getting the boot. Whether this was the right call so close to a World Cup remains to be seen. Steve Borthwick has been entrusted to turn things around. There is plenty of talent available no doubt, however success in this competition does not come easily. It could be another tough year for the English.
Ireland
Current leaders in the world rankings, Ireland are looking to continue their good form. The defending champions had a stellar 2022. A historic series win in New Zealand was perhaps the defining moment for them. In the Six Nations, they only lost to eventual champions France. Only a few teams could realistically challenge the French team right now. Ireland are one of those teams. Their match against the French this year could well turn out to be the decider of the overall tournament winner
Scotland
Could this be Scotland’s year? They are a team who seem to have the potential to claim a maiden Six Nations title. It is a pity that the other teams in the competition are of such a high calibre too. They ran both Australia and New Zealand close last year during the Autumn Internationals and will feel aggrieved to have lost both encounters. Should they wish to challenge for overall victory, they must close out the close games.
Italy
Known for causing an upset or two, Italy hope to gain some more respect amongst their peers in 2023. The youthful team put away Wales in last year’s competition. They also got the better of a more fancied Australia later in the year. They could realistically aim for a mid-table finish. However, it will take a mental shift should they wish to achieve this.
France
Easily the form team of 2022, the French enter the 2023 tournaments as favourites. As the 2022 rugby season drew to a close, France’s unbeaten streak stood at 13 test matches. Only a few teams could trouble Fabian Galthrie’s men. If the other nations do not step up, it could very well be more of the same in this year’s tournament.
Women’s competition
The women’s Six nations begins on Saturday the 25th of March and culminates on Saturday the 29th of April. Whether anyone can beat the number two team in the world remains to be seen. Winning the last four editions of the women’s Six Nations, England really are the team to beat. Supersport will be airing these games in support of “Here For Her” in 2023. It is very exciting to see what women’s sport is achieving so far this year. Have a look at our Women’s Six Nations 2023 article for more information.
Guinness Six Nations 2023 – Final Conclusion
The Rugby World Cup is the main focus for all nations in 2023. A good result in the Guinness Six Nations 2023 will go a long way in terms of team confidence as we head into the business end of the year. Will France accomplish a repeat, or can Ireland go one better than in 2022? How will England and Wales fare with new coaches at the helm? Whatever the outcomes, we are in for an exciting tournament no doubt! Why not brush up on last years run up to the tournament – Guinness Six Nations 2022.
The Guinness Six Nations 2023 will be filled with excitement for sure, unexpected triumphs and a bunch of talent. So if you are new to the Six Nations rugby tournament, why not read our article where we explain the format, history and so much more. Head over to our Best Betting Rugby Sites to place a bet on the highly anticipated Six Nations 2023 and place a bet or 2.
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