A Six Nations Preview: Is It England’s to Lose?

For many, predicting the outcome of this season’s Six Nations is as easy as taking candy from a baby. After all, Eddie Jones’ much improved England side enjoyed a stunning 2016, going through the year undefeated to emerge as the single best team in the Northern Hemisphere.

That this was achieved on the back of a humiliating, group stage exit during their own World Cup is even more impressive, and a testament to Jones’ experience, standards and motivational skills. All of this has made England clear favourites to land the 2017 Six Nations Championship and defend the title they won so convincingly last year.

The Six Nations is an enduringly unpredictable sporting event, and one that may yet deliver a surprise winner. With the tournament set to kick-off on February 4th, lets take a look at the key contenders and the dark-horses for success:

A Preview: Who Can Challenge England?

Let’s start with an obvious assertion; England are the runaway favourites to repeat last years’ success. They can be backed 19/20 before a ball has even been kicked in anger, for example, while they are nearly at full-strength as they approach the new season.

In terms of serious challengers, Ireland apprear to be the most likely. They are available at 5/2 at present, while they also enjoyed a superb second half to 2016 after a disappointing Six Nations (during which they lost twice and finished third). They refound their confidence after thrashing both the All Blacks and the Wallabies during the Autumn internations, with their historic 40-29 win over New Zealand ending their opponents record run of 18 consectutive victories.

This was also their first ever win over the All Blacks, and one that came at the 29th time of asking.

Make no mistake; Ireland can definitely win the Six Nations, although much will depend on how they cope with the immense power with England when the sides meet at the Aviv Stadium during the final round of fixtures on March 18th.

Can Anyone Else Bridge the Gap?

Elsewhere, France may well be considered to be the dark horses for Six Nations success. Available at the tempting price of 14/1, they showed huge improvement during the autumn internatonals after a devastating Six Nations that saw them finish fourth last time out. Despite narrow defeats away to New Zealand and Australia, they showcased immense organisation and fortitude and will surely fancy their chances of challenging England this time around.

While Wales may have finished second last year, they endured five consecutive losses during the autumn while also being thrashed 32-8 by Australia at home. This has left them vying with Scotland for a midtable berth according to the current betting, although it is fair to say that the Scots have also improved gradually during the last 18 months. The Welsh retain immense quality, however, and a return to form for players like Dan Biggar and George North could yet signal a reversal in their fortunes and make them outsiders for title success.