- Several new talents set to be on show
- Ireland chasing back to back Grand Slams
- England look to make further progress, France remain favourites
Check out the best betting sites in the UK and the best bookmakers for the Six Nations to find the best place to make your picks.
SIx Nations 2024, all you need to know
As the countdown to the 2024 Guinness Six Nations ticks away, rugby enthusiasts worldwide brace themselves for a tournament pulsating with fresh energy and fierce competition. With the Rugby World Cup’s conclusion signalling the end of several illustrious international careers, this year’s Six Nations ushers in a wave of uncapped talents, new leadership, and heightened expectations.
Ireland stride into the championship as the reigning champions, shoulders burdened with the weight of expectation to retain their Grand Slam. A victory would etch their names in history as the first side to secure consecutive Six Nations Grand Slams, amplifying the pressure on Andy Farrell’s seasoned squad. Ireland have had to cope with the retirement of some seasoned campaigners such as Johnny Sexton and Keith Earls and a few other stars missing out through injury. However, Farrell is expecting evolution rather than revolution in terms of his squad and will be confident that his team will be there or thereabouts-
However, one of the main obstacles standing in Ireland’s path is a resolute England, undergoing a transformative phase under the stewardship of coach Steve Borthwick. With a significant turnover in personnel post-World Cup, England’s squad brims with fresh faces and renewed vigour, poised to overcome the absence of stalwarts like Owen Farrell. England have often adopted a pragmatic approach under Borthwick and have made steady progress. Despite some key absentees they should continue this progress during the tournament, though they still have work to do if they are to close the gap on Ireland and France.
France, buoyed by their electrifying brand of rugby, must navigate the tournament without their talismanic scrum-half Antoine Dupont, who shifts focus to Sevens rugby in pursuit of Olympic glory. Fabien Galthie’s ensemble blends experience with promising newcomers, driven by a burning desire to erase the agony of their World Cup exit. Despite the loss of Dupont the French are tournament favourites. Having home advantage over Ireland in the first match could be key.
Wales embark on a new era under the helm of Warren Gatland, charting a course with a youthful squad and an untested captain in Dafydd Jenkins. Despite bidding adieu to seasoned campaigners, Wales have some optimism, banking on the exuberance of emerging talents to carve a path forward. However, they will probably be some way short of being able to challenge for the Six Nations title.
Scotland, perennial dark horses, will be looking to continue the progress made during the 2023 Six Nations and the World Cup. With Gregor Townsend at the helm, Scotland’s roster boasts a blend of seasoned campaigners and fresh recruits, each eager to leave an indelible mark on the tournament. They are probably the fourth best side on paper.
Meanwhile, Italy, under the stewardship of Gonzalo Quesada, embraces a new chapter with eyes set on upsetting the odds. Bolstered by a mix of seasoned campaigners and uncapped prospects, Italy aims to build on past milestones and surprise their adversaries with tenacity and skill.
As the Six Nations draws near, anticipation reaches fever pitch. With each team poised to script their own narrative, the stage is set for a riveting showcase of rugby prowess and unwavering determination. Brace yourselves for a spectacle as the 2024 Guinness Six Nations unfurls its drama and spectacle on the grand stage.
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2024 Six Nations fixtures in full (All times GMT)
Round one
Friday, February 2: France v Ireland
Kick-off: 8pm
Venue: Orange Velodrome, Marseille
Referee: Karl Dickinson (ENG)
Saturday, February 3: Italy v England
Kick-off : 2.15pm
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Referee: Paul Williams (NZ)
Saturday February 3: Wales v Scotland
Kick-off: 4.45pm
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Referee: Ben O’Keefe (NZ)
Round two
Saturday, February 10: Scotland v France
Kick-off: 2.15pm
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Referee: Nic Berry (Aus)
Saturday, February 10: England v Wales
Kick-off: 4.45pm
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
Referee: James Doleman (NZ)
Sunday, February 11: Ireland v Italy
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Referee: Pierrre Brousset (Fra)
Round three
Saturday, February 24: Ireland v Wales
Kick-off: 2.15pm
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
Saturday, February 24: Scotland v England
Kick-off: 4.45pm
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ire)
Sunday, February 25: France v Italy
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Decathlon Arena, Lille
Referee: Christophe Ridley (ENG)
Round four
Saturday, March 9: Italy v Scotland
Kick-off: 2.15pm
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Referee: Jaco Peyper (SA)
Saturday, March 9: England v Ireland
Kick-off: 4.45pm
Venue: Twickenham Stadium, Cardiff
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
Sunday, March 10: Wales v France
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Referee: Luke Pearce (ENG)
Round five
Saturday March 16: Wales v Italy,
Kick-off: 2.15pm
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (Fra)
Saturday, March 16: Ireland v Scotland
Kick-off: 4.45pm
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Referee: Matthew Carley (ENG)
Saturday, March 16: France v England
Kick-off: 8pm
Venue: Groupama Stadium, Lyon
Referee: Angus Gardner (Aus)
Six Nations 2024 Betting
Currently France are favourites ahead of last year’s champions Ireland. At the time of writing, Coral have France priced at 6/5 with Ireland 5/4, England 6/1, Scotland 11/1, Wales 25/1 and Italy 500/1.
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