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The Six Nations kicks off this weekend as England go in search of a third consecutive title amid stiff competition.
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While the reigning champions head to Italy for their opening match, Wales host a Scotland side whose chances are being talked up by many.
But it was Ireland who dashed England’s hopes of back-to-back Grand Slams last time out, and they will look to begin their campaign with a bang away to France.
With four more rounds of fixtures to follow until the finale on March 17, we take a look at each of the sides involved to see how they are shaping up.
ENGLAND
Who’s in charge?
The inimitable Eddie Jones has led England to 22 wins in 23 matches, including a Grand Slam success at the 2016 edition of this tournament. The 58-year-old was named the World Rugby Coach of the Year for 2017.
It started with a hard fought win in Scotland and ended in Grand Slam glory in Paris 🌹 Eddie looks back on @SixNationsRugby in 2016. pic.twitter.com/t6RAOhPMK4
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) December 29, 2016
Who’s got the captain’s armband?
Dylan Hartley’s position as skipper has come under some scrutiny as the hooker continues to struggle for form with Northampton Saints, but the 31-year-old appears to have the backing of his coach.
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Who’s the key man?
Saracens star Owen Farrell is prolific with the boot and displays a cool head with the ball in hand. He can help make England tick.
What happened last year?
England retained their Six Nations crown, despite finally suffering a loss under Jones’ stewardship, going down 13-9 against Ireland in Dublin.
What’s expected this year?
The last two Six Nations titles have gone England’s way and they are favourites to make it an unprecedented three on the spin. That burden of expectation has rarely been a problem for Jones and his men, but once again they are the side everyone else is out to get.
IRELAND
Who’s in charge?
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New Zealander Joe Schmidt’s Ireland tenure has seen the country win this tournament twice, though questions have been asked since they failed to build on a 2016 win over the All Blacks.
Who’s got the captain’s armband?
Rory Best has not enjoyed the ideal preparation for the Six Nations with his wait for an extension to his Ulster and Ireland contract continuing to drag on. However, the commitment of the veteran hooker, who skippered the British and Irish Lions last year, during the competition will surely be unwavering.
Who’s the key man?
Unlike Best, CJ Stander’s future is sorted having agreed a three-year deal with Munster in December despite interest from France. The powerful number eight is bound to eat up the metres and will look for any opportunity to get Ireland on the front foot.
What happened last year?
The final-game win over England ensured second spot for Ireland, who were always playing catch-up after suffering a 27-22 loss to Scotland in their opener.
What’s expected this year?
Having won the tournament two years running before England’s recent dominance began, Ireland’s expectation will be to usurp the holders and claim the honour for themselves once again.
SCOTLAND
Who’s in charge?
It will be a first Six Nations at the helm for Gregor Townsend, whose appointment has provided a significant boost for a Scotland side very much on the up.
Who’s got the captain’s armband?
Since making his international debut at the age of 20, back-rower John Barclay has become an integral part of Scotland’s make-up, with 66 caps to his name.
Who’s the key man?
Scotland’s new-found confidence has manifested in a style of play that is a joy to watch and Stuart Hogg is a major part of that.
What happened last year?
Wins over Wales and Ireland showed the potential that this Scotland side has, even if points difference left them in a rather harsh-looking fourth spot.
What’s expected this year?
Lots. Scotland’s progress was underlined by two wins over Australia and a gutsy performance in defeat to the All Blacks in 2017, form that has marked them out as genuine contenders.
IT'S All OVER AT BT MURRAYFIELD AND SCOTLAND HAVE BEATEN AUSTRALIA 53-24! #AsOne pic.twitter.com/BtZLrEaRA6
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) November 25, 2017
WALES
Who’s in charge?
Two-time British and Irish Lions boss Warren Gatland is the man charged with the almighty challenge to make an injury-plagued Wales outfit competitive this year.
Who’s got the captain’s armband?
It has fallen to Alun Wyn Jones to give his patched-up team as much guidance and leadership as possible.
Who’s the key man?
Liam Williams is set to miss Wales’ first game, but Gatland has expressed hope he will feature in the tournament and his involvement would give the side a huge lift.
What happened last year?
Beating Ireland in Cardiff proved to be the highlight for Wales last time out, with Italy the only other side they defeated en route to fifth.
What’s expected this year?
Fitness woes have blighted Gatland’s selection options and will in all likelihood limit their chances of troubling the trophy engravers.
FRANCE
Who’s in charge?
Jacques Brunel was appointed to turn things around for France, who sacked Guy Noves after six winless matches in 2017. Brunel knows what it takes to win the tournament having been an assistant to Bernard Laporte for the Grand Slam triumphs in 2002 and 2004.
Who’s got the captain’s armband?
The backing to remain as skipper from Brunel will no doubt be a boost to Guilhem Guirado, but the hooker will be expected to lead by example and help France turn in some vastly improved displays.
Who’s the key man?
Kevin Gourdon’s versatility on the back row makes him hugely important for Les Bleus. He is predominantly a flanker, a position at which he has excelled for La Rochelle, but he may find himself being used at number eight.
What happened last year?
How different it all might have been had France held on to their lead to win at Twickenham. As it was, a Ben Te’o try handed Les Bleus a losing start in the competition and, despite wins over Scotland, Italy and Wales, put paid to their aspirations of a first triumph since 2010.
What’s expected this year?
Of all the sides, France may be the least predictable. With a new coach and several fresh faces in the mix on the playing side, they could well capitalise on the advantage of having three home games this year.
ITALY
Who’s in charge?
Conor O’Shea may have the toughest job of all the coaches, with a fight on his hands to avoid another whitewash like the ones Italy have suffered in each of the last two editions.
Who’s got the captain’s armband?
Sergio Parisse, the colossal number eight, has the skills to grace any team, but it is Italy who have been blessed with his presence for an international career that has spanned 16 years.
Who’s the key man?
Italy are not a one-man team, but few players stand out as brightly for their side as Parisse does for Italy. With him, they have hope.
https://twitter.com/SixNationsRugby/status/958111136213237760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”> January 29, 2018
What happened last year?
A familiar tale unfolded for Italy, who lost all five matches and claimed the wooden spoon for the third time in four years, taking their overall tally to 12.
What’s expected this year?
Quite probably more of the same. O’Shea’s men are rank outsiders and can only hope England endure a slow start when they arrive in Rome for Sunday’s showdown.
Comments on RugbyPass
What a dagg in more ways than one
5 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
5 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to commentsA long held question in popular culture asks if art imitates life or does the latter influence the former? Over this 6 nations I can ask the same question of the media influencing the thoughts of its audience or vice versa. Nobody wants to see cricket scores in rugby, as a spectacle it is not sustainable. With so many articles about England’s procession and lack of competition it feeds the epicaricacy of many looking for an opportunity to pounce. England are not the first team to dominate nor does it happen only in rugby, think Federer, Nadal, Red Bull or Mercedes, Manchester Utd, Australia in tests and World Cups. Instead of celebrating the achievements why find reasons to falsify it pointing towards larger playing pool, professional for a longer period or mitigate with the lack of growth in other nations. Can we not enjoy it while it is here and know that it won’t last for ever, others coveting what England have will soon take the crown, ask the aforementioned?
6 Go to commentsShame he won’t turn out for the Netherlands now they’re improving. U20s are Euro champs and in the U20 Trophy this year. The senior sides gets better every year too.
3 Go to commentsWill rugbypass tv be showing these games?
1 Go to commentsWell where do you start, the fact that England have a professional domestic league and Ireland’s is fully amatuer, that they have fully seperated professional squads at Fifteens and Sevens (7’s thinly disguised as GB), and Ireland have fully pro Sevens squad who loan some players back to the Semi-Professional Fifteens squad (moved from amateur for only a year or so) for a few games at 6N & RWC’s. The Women’s games is a shambles, and is at risk of killing itself by pushing for professionalism when the market isn’t really there to support it outside one or two countnries..
6 Go to commentsWayne Smith's input didn't have as much impact on the last final as Davison's red card for Thompson. England were 14 points up and flying when that happened.
6 Go to commentsBilly's been playing consistently well for 2 - 3 seasons now and deserves a look in at the top level. Ioane and ALB are still first choice but there needs to be injury cover and succession. His partnership with Jordie gives him first dibs you'd think. Go the Hurricanes.
4 Go to commentsIt’s not up to Wales to support Georgian Rugby. That’s up to International Rugby and Georgia. I sympathise with Georgia’s decent attempt to create this fixture. But for Wales the proposed match up is just a potential stick to beat them with and a potential big psychological blow that young Welsh team doesn’t need. (I’m Irish BTW.)
3 Go to commentsCale certainly looks great in space, but as you say, he has struggled in contact. At 23 years old, turning 24 this year, he should be close to full physical maturity and yet there exists a considerable gap in the power and physicality required for international rugby. Weight doesn’t automatically equate to power and physicality either. Can he go from a player who’s being physically dominated in Super rugby to physically dominating in international rugby in 1 or 2 years? That’s a big ask but he may end up being a late bloomer.
38 Go to commentsIf rugby wants to remain interesting in the AI era then it will need to work on changing the rules. AI will reduce the tactical advantage of smart game plans, will neutralize primary attacking weapons, and will move rugby from a being a game of inches to a game of millimetres. It will be about sheer athleticism and technique,about avoiding mistakes, and about referees. Many fans will find that boring. The answer is to add creative degrees of freedom to the game. The 50-22 is an example. But we can have fun inventing others, like the right to add more players for X minutes per game, or the equivalent of the 2-point conversion in American football, the ability to call a 12-player scrum, etc. Not saying these are great ideas, but making the point that the more of these alternatives you allow, the less AI will be able to lock down high-probability strategies. This is not because AI does not have the compute power, but because it has more choices and has less data, or less-specific data. That will take time and debate, but big, positive and immediate impact could be in the area of ref/TMO assistance. The technology is easily good enough today to detect forward passes, not-straight lineouts, offside at breakdown/scrum/lineout, obstruction, early/late tackles, and a lot of other things. WR should be ultra aggressive in doing this, as it will really help in an area in which the game is really struggling. In the long run there needs to be substantial creativity applied to the rules. Without that AI (along with all of the pro innovations) will turn rugby into a bash fest.
24 Go to comments