When looking at the main candidates to win this year’s Six Nations, it’s hard to look beyond the heavyweight duo of Ireland and France as favorites for glory.
The tournament’s most anticipated opening game for years will take place between the two leading teams in Marseille on Friday night, with other teams potentially playing catch-up from day one.
There will no doubt be many twists and turns along the way, but whichever team wins at the Stade Velodrome will be firmly established as favorites to win the Six Nations.
world cup disappointment
While Ireland are ranked second and France fourth in World Rugby’s official rankings, given that Les Bleus won the Grand Slam in 2022 and Ireland repeated that feat last year, many It’s not surprising in that sense.
Both teams will also be driven by memories of their miserable World Cup disappointments. Although supported by many as the favorite to win, Ireland lost to New Zealand and France lost to South Africa in the quarter-finals.
Although their bid for silverware has come without a talismanic figure, their dominance in European rugby these days cannot be underestimated.
Ireland are without imposing fly-half Johnny Sexton, who retired after the World Cup, but kind-hearted French scrum-half Antoine Dupont, also a former World Player of the Year, is aiming for the Paris Olympics dream. He’s playing in the Sevens.
Both sides’ absences are inevitable, but Ireland and France still have enough depth to keep them close enough.
These countries are not the only ones facing major losses, with retirements, injuries and unforeseen events making headlines.
Who will be crowned champion in 2024? 🏆#Guinness M6N pic.twitter.com/8MhW7Z9A20
— Guinness Men’s Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) January 22, 2024
The headlines ahead of the Six Nations were dominated by Wales international Louis Rees-Zammit’s shocking decision to quit rugby and pursue a career in American football.
It all unfolded in the hectic time ahead of Wales head coach Warren Gatland’s Six Nations squad announcement, as well as Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny, who have retired from Test rugby, and Liam, who is currently based in Japan. Rees-Zammit was added to the list of absentees that also includes Williams. , and the injured trio of Taulupe Faletau, Jack Morgan and Dewi Lake.
England knew in late November that World Cup captain Owen Farrell would miss the Six Nations, choosing to take international leave to prioritize his and his family’s mental health.
The Saracens fly-half then signed a two-year contract with French club Racing 92 from July, but Rugby Football Union rules prohibit players from representing England on overseas trade. The period away from Test rugby will be longer.
England squad Owen Farrell absent
Apart from Farrell’s situation, Courtney Laws, Ben Youngs and Mako Vunipola (over 300 England caps between them) have left the international scene, while Exeter winger Immanuel Faye-Waboso and Northampton flyer We have some exciting new additions, including Half, Finn Smith and Sale. Tom Roebuck.
England look best placed to lead the pack, but like Wales and Scotland, who they face in Cardiff on the opening weekend, they need to get off to a strong start in a competition where momentum is key.
Meanwhile, Italy has a new coach, Gonzalo Quesada, and although Italy’s leading club Benetton, which has 17 players on its national team, won seven games, they now face the difficult task of avoiding bottom place for the ninth consecutive season. There is. He has played in nine games in the United Rugby Championship this season and remains second.
read more: Eddie Jones to return to Twickenham as Japan face England in November