It’s that time of year again! Get ready for the kick-off of the Six Nations rugby championship on 2nd February. Six of Europe’s top international squads will battle it out in a thrilling round-robin tournament spanning a month and a half. Who’s going to claim the crown in 2024? There’s so much more than bragging rights up for grabs. This year is as competitive as ever, and we can’t wait to get stuck in. Without further ado, here’s our preview of the tournament including the latest Six Nations betting odds.
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Six Nations Preview
Off the back of a massive World Cup, in which the Southern Hemisphere sides got the edge, it’s time for the European nations to battle it out between themselves. Ireland secured the Grand Slam in 2023 and will be optimistic about their chances of making another strong bid, but they might face some challenges this time around.
France could prove formidable in their pursuit of a second title in three years, especially with the favourable fixture list working in their favour. They will be disappointed after the World Cup and the fashion of their exit. This is a massive chance for a little bit of redemption.
As for the chasing pack, there are plenty of other sides that are looking to cause an upset. Sides like Wales, England, and Scotland seem to be in a transitional phase; however, you just never know what could happen in this historic tournament. England have loads of young talent waiting to get their chance. Wales’ ageing side might just have a few more big performances in them. Finally, never write off the Scots. Get ready for a huge few weeks of rugby action!
The Frontrunners
France: 2.10
France disappointed in the 2023 Six Nations, delivering one of their worst performances under Fabien Galthie in Round Two, losing 31-19 to Ireland. They lacked emotion, pace, and mojo. The absence of Romain Ntamack, Dupont’s partner, persists. However, Thomas Ramos’ playmaking skills make him a potential points leader. If not deployed at fly-half by Fabien Galthie, the dynamic Matthieu Jalibert is a viable option at 10.
France have undergone a rejuvenation, re-evaluating their strategies for the future. The absence of Dupont for the entire season due to his Olympic 7s venture, coupled with the unavailability of the occasionally controversial yet mercurial player, Ntamack, until at least March, pose challenges. Adding to the setbacks, Anthony Jelonch, the formidable Troisieme ligne, has endured a second ACL rupture in his left knee, ruling him out for a minimum of six months.
In terms of results, France will aim to demonstrate that 2023 served as a learning curve, drawing parallels with England’s 1999 campaign. The pivotal challenge awaits as they face Ireland under the lights on the compact pitch in Marseille. Fans anticipate a response following the South Africa quarter-final, demanding nothing short of a compelling performance.
Ireland: 2.50
Ireland went into the World Cup as the favourites. But they couldn’t shake the World Cup curse. After securing the Grand Slam in 2023, Ireland faced the familiar heartbreak of a quarter-final defeat at the autumn Rugby World Cup. Now, under the leadership of Andy Farrell, the question remains: how will his team respond?
In 2023, Ireland held the world No. 1 ranking for an extended period, boasting a Six Nations Grand Slam and a 17-Test winning streak, which included a victory over eventual world champions South Africa in the World Cup pool stage. Despite their dominance, Farrell’s side ultimately succumbed to New Zealand 28-24 in the quarter-finals at the Stade de France.
Ireland’s new captain is 34-year-old flanker Peter O’Mahony, succeeding Johnny Sexton following the fly-half’s retirement post-World Cup. O’Mahony, who has previously captained Ireland in 10 Test starts and throughout his impressive 101 international caps, emerged as the chosen leader over contenders such as James Ryan, Garry Ringrose, and Iain Henderson. Andy Farrell has entrusted O’Mahony to guide the team forward in this new chapter.
The coaching team of Farrell, Paul O’Connell, Mike Catt, and Simon Easterby, which has contributed to Ireland’s success, remains intact. Additionally, Ireland has maintained an impressive record, not losing a Test in Dublin since February 2021, and not losing a Test in Dublin with a crowd for four years, dating back to February 2019. Despite the squad’s strength, questions linger about a potential World Cup hangover and the potential impact of Johnny Sexton’s absence. The answers to these uncertainties will unfold in due course as we wait and watch.
England: 7.50
England enter the 2024 Six Nations under the guidance of head coach Steve Borthwick, aiming for substantial improvements following a period of notable disruption.
In their last three Six Nations campaigns, England have faced challenges, losing three out of five fixtures in each year. They finished fifth in 2021, secured a third-place finish well behind France and Ireland in 2022, and claimed the fourth spot in 2023.
Amidst significant changes, England seek a resurgence in the upcoming championship. After finishing third at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, the team, albeit progressing through a softer side of the draw, encountered a fair share of hurdles, avoiding encounters with the world’s top five sides until the semi-finals.
Despite the absence of Farrell and disruptions in coaching, England face additional challenges heading into the championship, including injuries and the unavailability of certain quality players. These factors add to the pressure on England to deliver a strong performance. However, the team also finds itself somewhat under the radar in terms of expectations, a position that may not be the worst as they aim to compete in the upcoming championship.
Latest Six Nations Betting Odds
Outright Winners
France: 2.10
Ireland: 2.50
England: 7.50
Scotland: 13.00
Wales: 26.00
Italy: 251.00
Top 2 Finish
France: 1.29
Ireland: 1.33
England: 3.00
Scotland: 5.00
Wales: 11.00
Italy: 101.00
Bottom 2 Finish
Italy: 1.08
Wales: 1.80
Scotland: 2.50
England: 4.50
Ireland: 34.00
France: 34.00
*Odds subject to change.
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