The Six Nations tournament gets under way on 6th February 2016 with France v Italy and finishes on 19th March 2016 with France v England. Here’s a little round up on each team:
England are hoping to improve on their disappointing World Cup and with their new coach Eddie Jones, they will be hoping for their first tournament victory since 2011. Interestingly all four home nations have non European coaches with the Australian Jones joined by three New Zealanders Warren Gatland (Wales), Joe Schmidt (Ireland) and Vern Cotter (Scotland). With England’s controversial choice of captain, all eyes will be on Dylan Hartley to see if he is able to stay on the pitch for all 80 minutes of each game. Their home games are against Ireland and Wales with their final game against France set up as the tournament decider.
Last year’s winners, Ireland, have appointed a new captain Rory Best and are hoping to be the first team ever to win three championships in a row. The Irish provincial teams haven’t performed as well in the Champions Cup so hopefully the national team can do better. Their home games are against Wales Italy and Scotland with difficult away games at Twickenham and the Stade de France.
France haven’t quite reached their potential of a few years ago coming fourth for the last two years. They have named eight uncapped players and are hoping to have a good tournament after their 62-13 humbling by the All Blacks in the World Cup.
Wales came third last year losing out to Ireland and England on points difference. They play Scotland France and Italy at home with away games and Ireland and England.
Italy narrowly avoided the wooden spoon last year with their only win against Scotland. They play England and Scotland at home with tricky away games against France Ireland and Wales.
Scotland, last year’s wooden spoon winners are hoping to kick off their campaign with a home win against England but the odds are against them having lost their last eight meetings. Their other home game is against France with Ireland Wales and Italy away.
It’s bound to be another great tournament, here’s hoping Ireland make it three in a row!