2026 Six Nations: Hutch's Round 5 Predictions

After the high of picking Italy to beat Scotland in the opening weekend, it has been downhill ever since frankly! Luckily everyone else is in the same boat, and I had a quick look at the ‘predictability’ of the tournament on the Superbru Rugby app - this season has a 63% predictability score, compared to 82% in 2025.

It has been an exciting tournament though, and we’ll hopefully have a fitting finale on Super Saturday.



Here are my Six Nations predictions for Round 5.

Ireland v Scotland

The Scots are in contention on the final weekend for the first time ever, and it would be quite extraordinary if they win the title having lost to Italy in Round 1. They have the players and the ambition to trouble Ireland, who have looked vulnerable against a fast-paced attack, but there’s something holding me back from picking a Scotland win.

Ireland look more assured with Jack Crowley at fly-half, and given they are also in contention for the title, they have plenty of motivation. That, along with an outstanding record against Scotland, means I’m going for a home win here.

Prediction: Ireland by 4

Wales v Italy

The hosts are playing to avoid another whitewash and to record a first Six Nations win since 2023, but Italy have proven to be a formidable opponent in this tournament. Their first-ever win over England last weekend was impressive, but they also had more than they showed in that performance.

Wales are on an upward trajectory, however, and they have started to restore some confidence, and the home crowd should be behind them again. If the Azzurri have been out celebrating for a few days since beating England, this could be a home win.

Prediction: Wales by 2

France v England

This looks like the most straightforward pick of the weekend. France blew their Grand Slam chances in a below-par performance at Murrayfield last weekend, and I’m expecting a backlash in an angry performance against England.

Having begun the tournament among the favourites, the visitors look devoid of ideas and are suddenly playing like a group of strangers rather than a close-knit team. Have the players lost faith in Steve Borthwhick? Whatever has happened, I can’t see anything to suggest that we’ll get a big turnaround in Paris this weekend, and my prediction is for a comfortable French win and the end of Borthwick’s tenure as coach.

Prediction: France by 13

How do your picks compare?