2023 Six Nations: Round 2 Predictions

After an exciting opening weekend of the Six Nations, Round 2 looks like it could be a real thriller, with a potential title showdown in Dublin and a potential Wooden Spoon decider in London.

Here are my Six Nations predictions for Round 2.

Ireland v France

I was really impressed by Ireland last weekend, demolishing Wales in the first half before going easy in the second. I think they’ll be fresher than France and I expect them to control the game and come out on top. Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray as the veterans up against the young French pairing of Romain Ntamack and Antoine Dupont will be worth watching, and I’m backing the old guys to pull Ireland through. Ireland by 6

Scotland v Wales

The Welsh were made to look very ordinary by Ireland last weekend, and Warren Gatland has responded by dropping older players like Alun Wyn Jones, and throwing in a few rookies to give them game time ahead of the World Cup. With Scotland’s confidence continuing to rise, I expect another home win here, and the Scots will really start getting their title hopes up. Scotland by 9

England v Italy

Whilst losing at home to Scotland is not the ideal way to start a tournament, there were signs of encouragement from England, particularly in attack. It was their defence that let them down last week, and whilst that should be a little tighter this week, I’m expecting a high-scoring, entertaining game. England should come out on top, and they won’t be as complacent as France, so I think it will be relatively comfortable in the end. England by 18