Six Nations Round One Preview

The 2025 Six Nations begins on January 31, with the first of five rounds starting in Paris as France play host to Wales (Friday, 20:15 – live on ITV1).

The other two matches take place on Saturday February 1, starting at Murrayfield when Scotland take on Italy (14:15 – live on BBC1).

The Aviva Stadium is the venue for Ireland v England (16:45 – live on ITV1), as Simon Easterby’s men open the defence of the title they won last year.

Ireland target the hat-trick

History beckons for Ireland, as they look to become the first nation to win three Six Nations titles in a row, following successes in 2023 and 2024.

There has been a change at the top though, with Easterby taking charge as Andy Farrell temporarily steps down to concentrate on his role as British & Irish Lions coach.

France have finished second in the last two years and look like the main threat to the Irish, although England and Scotland have made progress over the last 12 months.

Both Steve Borthwick’s squad and Gregor Townsend’s sides have three home games this year and that could be a key factor.

Eight years of collecting the Wooden Spoon came to an end for Italy in 2024, with Wales finishing bottom and having big work to do to avoid that prize again

Tip 1: France to beat Wales

Losing 12 Test matches in a row is hardly ideal preparation for a Six Nations campaign and Wales would have hoped for an easier opening fixture.

Warren Gatland’s men travel to France facing the prospect of losing another international, in one of three away games they have in this tournament.

The visitors do have Lions duo Josh Adams and Liam Williams back in their squad, but the experienced Taulupe Faletau misses out.

Wales’ task has been made even tougher following the France team news, with the hosts welcoming back key stars in Paris.

Fly-half Romain Ntamack will make his first appearance for Les Bleus for 17 months, after a serious knee injury, while Antoine Dupont is also back in the fold.

Half-back Dupont missed last year’s Six Nations to concentrate on the Olympics Rugby Sevens, but will team up with Ntamack again.

Tip 2: Scotland v Italy – Italy +12.5 Handicap

Scotland will feel three home fixtures – against Ireland, Italy and Wales – could see them enjoy a success campaign this year.

There are quite a few new faces though in the Scots’ camp and it may take them a bit of time to get up to speed.

Italy will hope that will help them run them close at Murrayfield, with the last four meetings between the sides having been split by 12 points or fewer.

Tip 3: Ireland v England – England to win by 11-20 points

Saturday’s late game sees two title hopefuls meet in Dublin and England are looking to take that next step on the road to silverware.

Borthwick’s squad ran all three Southern Hemisphere giants close in the Autumn internationals, but couldn’t quite get over the line.

With a new coach in charge of the defending champions, the visitors will feel this is a good time to take advantage.

Easterby has also made a big call to select the inexperienced Sam Prendergast ahead of Jack Crowley at fly-half, something which England might be able to exploit.