Les Bleus after first clean sweep since 2010
Let’s face it, the Six Nations 2021 was a lot like Christmas 2020; devoid of its usual character and just plain weird. But the fans are back and rarely has an international tournament been so eagerly anticipated. It’s always been the envy of the rugby world as it is, so the millions that tune in across the globe, year after year, are surely in for something monumental – here’s how we see it going.
England
You can’t really blame the lack of fans for last year’s flirtation with the wooden spoon (there was victory against France at Twickenham, after all), but England will be looking to the crowd for that x-factor this time around. To be fair they’re going to need it, particularly with Eddie Jones‘s current contract soon to expire. Their last game of the tournament? Only France in Paris! If they have designs on finishing top of the pile, they’ll almost certainly have to win that tasty little tie – you couldn’t script it, could you?
Prediction: 2nd
France
With the World Cup just over a year and a half away, this is around the time where teams look to start building momentum. As hosts in 2023, France will be more eager than most to make their mark, and what better opportunity to do so than at the Six Nations? With home advantage against Ireland and, perhaps crucially, in the last game with England, a first Grand Slam since 2010 is certainly within their grasp.
Prediction: Champions and Grand Slam winners
Ireland
They’re still yet to progress beyond the quarter-final stage at the World Cup, but the Irish could always rely on this competition for a hefty dose of national pride. That’s far from the case these days, so have they become too reliant on tbe boot of Johnny Sexton? They may not have a choice and will likely struggle in comparison to previous campaigns.
Prediction: 4th
Italy
It’s sometimes as difficult to write positives about Italy as it is for their team to register any points. The chasm between the Azzurri and the rest continues to grow, as does the argument for their displacement from the Six Nations. Some will say their best bet is to just try and prevent rugby scores from becoming cricket scores, but with former World-Cup winning All-Black, Kieran Crowley, now at the helm, surely there’s reason for optimism.
Prediction: 6th
Scotland
The most interesting angle for a neutral could well be a look at how far Scotland have come from 12 months ago, as they improve year on year under Gregor Townsend‘s stewardship. We won’t be waiting long for an idea of how much that is, with Auld Enemy England arriving in Murrayfeld for the opener. Surely now is the time to emulate 2018’s third-place finish, or maybe even better…
Prediction: 3rd
Wales
Despite strains of Land of our Fathers/Bread of Heaven/Delilah being absent in 2021, Wales did remarkably well last time out – so much so they were crowned champions. But they’d swap victory at that convoluted, uncharismatic competition for one in front of the faithful any day of the week. It’s hard to see that happening, mind you, but much stranger things have happened. After all, isn’t that just one of the many things we love about the Six Nations? Bring it on!
Prediction: 5th
What are your oval ball opinions? Will the French fail? Will Irish eyes be smiling rather than crying? Let us know your thoughts inside the box!
The Early Whistle 
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