England quickest off the mark as Six Nations’ strongest starters

It’s all about getting off to that perfect start at the Six Nations and our research has revealed that England are the quickest off the mark when it comes to winning their opening round fixtures.

The 2021 Six Nations campaign gets under way on Saturday and reigning champions England go into their opener against Scotland with the strongest opening round record in the competition – having claimed more points, won more games, scored more points and notched more tries than any of their rivals.

Our research analysed every first-round fixture in Six Nations history, from 2000 onwards and considered the points system change from 2017, which has revealed that England have racked up a total of 43 points over the years from opening-day games with 17 wins out of 21, while scoring an unbeaten 632 points and 69 tries in the process.

Just missing out to England for the crown of strongest starters are Ireland, who sit second with 36 points from 15 wins and a draw, while scoring 524 points and 50 tries. France sit third best on 32 points from 14 wins, while scoring 508 points and 51 tries.

Wales lie next in line in fourth with 31 points from 10 wins and a draw, with Scotland just edging Italy for fifth spot. Scotland claimed 12 points from their three wins, although their totals of 269 points and 23 tries scored were the lowest of all nations. Italy take home the wooden spoon having claimed just six points from their three wins.

Of all 21 Six Nations-winning sides since 2000, 86% of them have started their campaign with an opening-day win, with France in 2006, Wales in 2013 and England in 2020 the only teams to buck that trend.

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