Rugby Union
Six Nations Round One Predictions
The 2026 Six Nations Championship is upon us and the first round brings with it some enticing matchups.
This year’s Championship looks destined to be a real spectacle, with countless superstars, Test rugby stalwarts and young stars with bags of potential on show.
The first round is always crucial in setting the tone for the tournament, as the nations find out what the unknown entities of their squad are really made of.
Here, we take a closer look at the three opening games, how they could play out and who the favourites are.
France v Ireland – Thursday 5th February, Stade de France
This year’s Championship gets underway in alternative fashion, with the curtain-raiser taking place on a Thursday evening. Despite it being a midweek fixture, it is by no means a minor one, as two of the big hitters go toe-to-toe.
France are this year’s hosts and they will get the tournament underway against Ireland at the Stade de France. These two were the two market principles heading into last year’s Championship, and having come out on top in 2025, France are 3/4 favourites to defend their title.
Things haven’t been so sweet for Ireland since last February. They went into the 2025 Championship ranked second in the world and looking a formidable force, but since then they have dropped down to fourth in the World Rugby rankings and are third in the outright betting at 17/2.
Looking ahead to this clash, France are the overwhelming favourites at 1/6. They have an incredibly strong squad, with serial scorers like Thomas Ramos and Louis Bielle-Biarrey in the ranks, but they standout name is obviously Antoine Dupont. He’s widely regarded to be the best player in the world, and some go as far as to say he’s one of the best of all-time.
If Ireland are to stop France, it will have to be through sheer grit and determination. With the likes of Tadhg Furlong, Hugo Keenan, Ryan Baird and Mack Hansen all on the treatment table, while Bundee Aki is suspended, this looks an incredibly tough task and it’s easy to see why they’re 4/1 underdogs here.
With a weakened pack, Ireland are expected to be on the back foot at the breakdown. That could open the door for Antoine Dupont to snipe around rucks and scrums, and he could be good value at 11/8 to score anytime.
Italy v Scotland – Saturday 7th February, Stadio Olimpico
The first match on Saturday afternoon sees Scotland head to Rome as they take on Italy for the Cuttitta Cup. This fixture was a thriller last year, with the sides level entering the final 20 minutes before Huw Jones scored twice to complete his hat-trick and secure a late Scottish victory. Scotland are 2/7 favourites to repeat that victory here.
Italy arrive dealing with a number of injury concerns, most notably the absence of Northampton’s Eduardo Todaro, who many tipped to break out on the international stage this season. With opportunities opening up, Louis Lynagh will be asked to make a major impact once again against the Scots, having impressed on his debut against the same opponents two years ago. Italy will also look to their pack for momentum, with Lorenzo Cannone central to their carrying and breakdown work. They are the 11/4 underdogs here, but you can never count them out in Rome.
Scotland remain a side opponents treat with caution every year. Captain Sione Tuipulotu returns after missing last year’s Championship and forms a powerful midfield partnership with Jones, while Finn Russell’s control and creativity will be key to their attacking rhythm.
Key battles loom across the park, including Jones against Tommaso Menoncello in midfield and a fascinating prop duel between Danilo Fischetti and Zander Fagerson. With emerging talents like Andrea Zambonin and Freddy Douglas also in the spotlight, this clash looks set to deliver another compelling chapter in the rivalry.
England v Wales – Saturday 7th February, Allianz Stadium
Round One is capped off by a game that in previous years has been a blockbuster clash but looks as one-sided as ever this time around. England welcome Wales to the Allianz Stadium with very different expectations surrounding each camp.
England arrive here as overwhelming 1/66 favourites on the back of a hugely productive 2025, a year that included an emphatic victory in Cardiff and an 11-game winning run that underlined their growing cohesion. Steve Borthwick has freshened things up without losing momentum, with Tommy Freeman moving into the midfield alongside Fraser Dingwall after his remarkable try-scoring run last year. There is also a chance for others to step into the spotlight, notably Joe Heyes at tighthead and Alex Coles, whose consistency at club level has translated seamlessly onto the international stage.
There is a lot of confidence behind England at the moment, which is reflected in the fact that they’re second favourites for the Championship. Originally 9/4, ahead of the opening match we have boosted their price to 5/2.
For Wales, this fixture represents both a challenge and an opportunity. A new chapter begins under Steve Tandy after a bruising spell that has seen Championship wins dry up, but there are signs of renewal. Louis Rees-Zammit’s return adds a genuine cutting edge, while Dan Edwards continues to mature quickly at fly-half after a rapid rise over the past 12 months. With Jac Morgan sidelined, Alex Mann will shoulder increased responsibility in a pack that will need to match England’s physicality. Their chances of a victory look bleak at 14/1, so there will be more focus on the performance than the scoreline.
Several individual contests could define the narrative. Out wide, the duel between Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Rees-Zammit promises fireworks, while Alex Mitchell and Tomas Williams offer contrasting styles at scrum-half. In the engine room, Ollie Chessum’s power and lineout presence will be tested by the relentless work rate of Dafydd Jenkins, with potential breakout performances from Guy Pepper and Joe Hawkins adding further intrigue to this classic rivalry.
