Six Nations predictions: France or Ireland to win?

It used to be a coin flip to try to predict a Six Nations champion.

However, Ireland have won three straight Six Nations titles as a result of their dominance over the past two years.

Will the departure of Irish Lions and British Head Coach Andy Farrell jeopardize that plan?

Does the return of Antoine Dupont make France favourites? After suffering a crushing defeat in November, can England make a claim? Or will Scotland eventually claim their first Six Nations title?

Ending a 12-match losing streak will be Wales ‘ number-one goal, but will it be a positive campaign? Will Italy’s upsets continue to exist?

In a major boost for France, captain Dupont, who missed last year’s championship to focus on winning Olympic sevens gold, and influential fly-half Romain Ntamack are both back to lead their team’s title challenge.

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“Out of 19 Six Nations games Dupont and Ntamack have started together, the pair have won 16 matches”, she told BBC Sport. “That figure alone indicates that France is one of my strongest competitors.”

Following a mixed Autumn Nations Series campaign in which Ireland were defeated by New Zealand, Simon Easterby steps up to take the place of Farrell.

Shane Horgan, a former Ireland wing, stated to BBC Sport: “Losing Farrell will have an impact, but we’re not sure how much.” Although Simon Easterby has been a part of the team for a very long time and is very capable, Ireland will soon have some challenging selection issues.

I believe France will win the Six Nations, despite Ireland’s three-game winning streak. Dupont demonstrated that he is the glue that brings that France team together, not just his talisman.

In November, England suffered narrow defeats by Australia and New Zealand, having led those matches heading into the closing stages.

They last won the Six Nations in 2020, and they now travel to Dublin to face reigning champion Ireland on Saturday before hosting France at home.

Ugo Monye, the former England wing, said: “England are at a point where they need to deliver a title.” With the player pool, domestic game and finances, they have to do it.

” It is time that the team get a lot closer to their potential. “

Scotland, who hosts Italy on Saturday, suffered a significant blow as a result of Sione Tuipulotu’s injury-related loss of the championship.

This is the best Scottish side I’ve seen, ex-Scotland international Johnnie Beattie told BBC Sport. Since winning the last Five Nations in 1999, it has the best-coached side and the best talent. However, other sides have a greater depth of talent.

Tuipulotu has been our brightest spark for the past three years because of how he physically challenges the gainline and uses quick passes to get Huw Jones on.

Stafford McDowall, who ran the business at a high level in the fall, will have a huge opportunity. He is aware of his role because it is comparable to Glasgow’s.

Every BBC pundit predicts that France will win the championship, with only Monye choosing Italy over Wales and the feared Wooden Spoon as the winner.

class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″>Tuttiett: 1. France. 2. Ireland. 3. England. 4. Scotland. 5 Italy. 6 Wales.

Monye: 1. France. 2. England. 3. Ireland. 4. Scotland. 5. Wales. 6. Italy.

class=”ssrcss-1xjjfut-BoldText e5tfeyi3″>Beattie: 1. France. 2. Ireland. 3. Scotland. 4. England. 5. Italy. 6. Wales.

Wales have lost 12 of their previous six meetings and only managed two victories in the tournament.

Round Two of Warren Gatland’s side’s game against Italy might offer the best chance to end their miserable run.

“Wales are going into this with a ‘ nothing to lose, just give it everything ‘ approach. The worst happened last year”, Tuttiett added.

“There are positives with the domestic game – Scarlets, Cardiff and Ospreys have all shown improvements. Although I believe Wales will perform better, I don’t know if that will be enough to win.

Tuttiett, Monye and Beattie have all predicted him to be the tournament’s top try-scorer.

” He is one of the quickest in world rugby and one of the deadliest finishers, “said Monye.

” He can make something out of nothing, “added Tuttiett.

Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe scored a hat-trick against England in last year’s Six Nations and is Horgan’s pick.

Max Llewellyn

Llewellyn, a 26-year-old Gloucester centre, was left out of Wales’ Six Nations squad, but Tuttiett thinks he could still be a potential Lions bolter with seven Premiership tries this year and three starts in the autumn Tests.

” His omission left many fans baffled in Wales, “she said”. As much as the Six Nations is a shop window for Farrell, he will be well aware of Max’s potential. “

Ryan Baird

The 25-year-old will look to show off his impressive athletic prowess when he plays blind-side flanker for Ireland on Saturday.

” Ryan Baird has extraordinary talent that will serve the Lions well,” Horgan said. “He must deliver this Six Nations to be in the conversation.”

Sam Prendergast

Monye believes that Ireland fly-half Prendergast would be a good fit for the Lions as a bolter in the wake of a major tournament. The 21-year-old starts against England in Dublin.

Jonny Gray

Gray, 30, picked up his first Scotland cap since 2023, and missed the 2023-24 season with an injury. He is now playing well for Bordeaux in the top 14 leagues and starts against Italy.

Sam Prendergast

“I can’t wait to see how Sam Prendergastgoes. He has been earmarked from a very early age,” Horgan said.

“A remarkable talent who runs the team very well and takes the ball to the line.”

Tom Rogers

Rogers, a 26-year-old Wales wing, made an impressive debut against Australia in November and has impressed for the Scarlets in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

” He’s a player who can cover the back three, is so exciting and has really matured his play with Scarlets, “Tuttiett said.

Cadan Murley

Like Murley, Monye believes the 25-year-old will perform well on his England debut against Ireland. He played rugby for his club for Harlequins on the wing.

What a privilege it was for me to represent my country at the 2009 Six Nations. I’m looking forward to seeing how hefares, Monye said.

Darcy Graham

Beattie’s choice is Scotland flyer Graham, who with 29 tries is one behind Van der Merwe in Scotland’s all-time try-scoring list.