
Six Nations: Round 1 Predictions
The Six Nations is upon us, and I’ll be sharing my picks here each week to encourage some debate ahead of the weekend.
This year, we're also spicing things up as you are able to try and beat me on in our brand new cash league - open to players in the UK and Ireland that are over 18.
Lots of people usually disagree with my predictions, and now you can put £5 of your money where your mouth is! The winner takes the whole pot and there’s a guaranteed minimum prize of £500.
Please do come and take me on - click here to join.
Here are my Round 1 predictions:

How do your predictions compare?
This year, we're also spicing things up as you are able to try and beat me on in our brand new cash league - open to players in the UK and Ireland that are over 18.
Lots of people usually disagree with my predictions, and now you can put £5 of your money where your mouth is! The winner takes the whole pot and there’s a guaranteed minimum prize of £500.
Please do come and take me on - click here to join.
Here are my Round 1 predictions:

France v Wales
I quite enjoy a Friday night kick off for the Six Nations, although I know it’s not everybody’s favourite. This should be a great occasion, although it has the potential to be very one-sided. Wales have always struggled with their strength in depth, and with some injury issues going into this tournament, they have named two front row forwards for their first start, as well as a relative rookie at fly-half. Away in Paris could be a baptism of fire, and although there is more experience in the outside backs, it could get ugly if there’s a retreating pack and no platform to build from. Prediction: France by 23Scotland v Italy
Scotland were beaten in Rome last season, but they should win this one at Murrayfield and get their tournament off to a strong start, and they’ll want a bonus point too. Italy had a relatively poor Autumn, with heavy defeats by Argentina and New Zealand, and only a narrow win over Georgia to celebrate. They may well spring a surprise and they’ll be targeting this match for a potential win, but I think Finn Russell and Scotland will be too good. Prediction: Scotland by 13Ireland v England
England head to Dublin as underdogs and a little short of confidence after a poor November campaign. They also tend to start slowly in the Six Nations, and this is a tough task away at the tournament favourites. England have lost their opening match in 4 of the last 5 tournaments, and the only win was by 3 points over Italy last season. With low expectations, England might do a little better, but Ireland are chasing a 3rd title in a row, and should be too strong. Prediction: Ireland by 9How do your predictions compare?
- no complaints to world rugby!
Scotland 21 - Italy 22
Ireland 20 - England 32 31 Jan 12:27
31 Jan 14:49
31 Jan 14:55
Scotland to prove too strong for indisciplined Italy, and
England to scare new Ireland in Dublin but only enough to win a losing BP.
Scotland 21 - Italy 22
Ireland 20 - England 32
5 Feb 15:19