Our Six Nations Predictions
The 2023 Six Nations is set to be a two horse race with arguably the two best teams in the world looking to start their road the the World Cup with a Championship win. Both France and Ireland will be favourites this year to gun in it out for top spot.
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Ireland
After missing out last year to France Ireland will want to right that wrong. A strong Autumn will give them real confidence. Adding to that the provinces have looked strong in all areas in the Champions Cup, both Leinster and Muster played with confidence going forward, strong set piece and good strike running. No sign of the English kick chase from across the Irish Sea.
Verdict - 2nd Place
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France
It's theirs to lose. Simple as that.
Verdict: Champs
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Wales
Losing a coach mid season won't help but they've gone back to what they know in Warren Gatland. However the regions are in a constant battle with the WRU, there is little strength in depth and the big stars appear to be looking overseas for their pay checks. The coach is back, replacing Jones and Jenkins is after a clean break, a reset from the Pivac era.
Warren Gatland is a great coach, in the past he had a good crop of Welsh players, this doesn't seem to be the case this time around. It didn't work out at the Chiefs in his homeland which most likely diverted the All Blacks towards Joe Scmidt, who looks a likely successor to the current set up.
Saying that Gatland has a knack of getting the best out of any and all players he coaches.
Verdict: 5th
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England
New coaches Borthwick and Sinfield will make an instant impression on the England players. Borthwick using his Sabremetric approach to player selection and Sinfields defensive rugby brain and inspirational personality are surely going to allow the men in white to bounce back. The Calcutta cup is first, so it's a big start for the new boys in charge.
The focus has to be on the 10,12 13 channels. Tuilagi is spent, no longer can the national team rely on 2 carries a game and 60 mins of leaning on rucks. Ollie Lawrence needs to be in the 13 channel, he offers much more than Manu. At 12 Dan Kelly is a shoe in, his days with Borthwick at Leicester will help. Kelly has it all, vision, hands, physicality, youth.
The 10 spot is easy, Owen Farrell has to be 10 with Smith coming on late when the field is broken and tired.
As for the forwards, balance in the back row is key. Ben Curry isn't dynamic or disruptive for country as he is for the club. Lawes being back for Northampton is a boost.
Genge should be made captain following his leadership success of last year.
Verdict: 3rd/4th
Italy
Here to make up the numbers? Not anymore with some recent famous wins over Wales and Australia. South Africa saw the dangers of exposing a 'B-Team' in Italy so they went full ball and made a statement. Not a fun day for the Azzuri.
The italians will put up a decent fight, they appear to be gaining momentum and small levels of continuity.
It'll be another tough competition and they'll most likely be last but the games will be worth a watch. Enough to keep the Georgians at bay.
Verdict: Last Place
Scotland
Should do better. As always under Townsend there is an air of expectation with the Scots. Their attacking flair in the backline and the grunt of their pack provides great platforms to attack from all over. They just seem to trip themselves up. Keeping hold of that Calcutta cup will be a huge KPI for the coaching team and England will be chomping at the bit to make a good start under new management. Hopefully the rumours about Townsends future don't fog up the vision and game plans heading into the competition. Focus needs to be on the players and the results, lets talk recruitment in April.
Verdict 3rd/4th
