One of the unique elements of the Six Nations is the huge difference in culture and ambience in each of the six countries, making it one of the ultimate sporting events to attend for any bucket list chaser. Beyond that, the fierce, historic rivalries between all 6 European teams, makes the Six Nations one of the most engaging sporting competitions in the world.
Defending champions France blew away all before them last year, winning not just the Championship but completing the Grand Slam – the title given to a team that wins all 5 of their matches in a specific Six Nations campaign. Key to France’s success in 2022 was their ability to play expansive rugby and to combine it with an intense defensive structure that opposing teams failed to breakdown.
Having the Rugby Union World Cup in France later in 2023 could have a small impact on France’s enthusiasm for the Six Nations but it is a chance for all the players in the French squad to showcase their talents. Whilst there is still plenty of rugby to be played between now and the start of the 2023 Six Nations in February, France look to be the team to beat once more at +140 and they will want to get off to the strongest possible start.
Ireland have long been on the periphery in Six Nations rugby and they too will have one eye on the pending World Cup later in 2023.
Andy Farrell’s side are developing constantly and they will be eager to put down a marker here, ahead of the World Cup. According to oddsmakers at NJ Bet, at +195 to win the Six Nations in 2023, Ireland look the side best placed to challenge France moving forward. England and Wales are two sides that are enduring transitional periods but they will see the Six Nations as the perfect opportunity to blood in new talent, ahead of the World Cup.
At +400 and +1500 respectively, England and Wales should be in the mix in the 2023 Six Nations and neither side can be discarded. Scotland and Italy complete the line-up once more for the Six Nations in 2023 and winning the Championship looks to be a tall order for both sides. Recent improvements in results have been a boost for Scotland at +2000, whilst Italy’s story is similar at +150000.
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