8 minute read
THE 2023 GUINNESS SIX NATIONS
The immensely popular Six Nations competition is only just around the corner and rugby fans will be licking their lips ahead of the spectacle.
This is an annual competition held between the home nations, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, as well as France and Italy, as the six teams battle it out for the Six Nations title.
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It is a competition which is always entertaining and regularly throws up surprise results that send shockwaves across the rugby world.
But who will win it this year?
How The Last Competition Unfolded
It was France that won the competition in 2022, which was a competition that was full of intrigue and drama.
Ireland finished second, just four points off France, followed by England, Scotland, Wales and Italy, in last. France secured a grand slam victory, as they did not lose a single game throughout the competition, having finished second in the two editions prior.
In fact, France were so dominant in this competition that they only trailed for 13 minutes across all five games, which came in the first half of the opening game against Italy.
It’s a competition which is always entertaining and regularly throws up surprise results
Prior to 2022, Italy had recorded 36 losses in a row in the Six Nations, however broke this thanks to a dramatic late victory over Wales. Ireland, who were runners-up, won the Triple Crown for the sixth time, thanks to victories over England, Scotland and Wales.
HOW THIS YEAR’S CHAMPION WILL BE DECIDED
Each team will face each other in a round robin style to decide on the champion.
Four points are awarded for a victory, while two points are awarded to both teams for a draw.
Everything you need to know about the competition that every rugby fan looks forward to
If a team scores four or more tries in a game, they are awarded a bonus point, while if the losing team is within seven points at full time, they will also receive a bonus point.
There is no host nation for this competition, so each team will play in their home stadium at least twice.
WHO ARE THE FAVOURITES?
France are being backed to retain their crown and win the competition once again.
However, many bookies are similarly expecting Ireland to provide firm competition.
England are currently third favourites, followed by Wales in fourth.
Both Scotland and Italy are not expected to fare too well, however could make a name for themselves if one or two results go in their favour, as is the fascinating nature of this tight competition.
HOW ARE ENGLAND EXPECTED TO GET ON?
England fans will be having some hopes of performing well in the competition, despite the bookies predictions.
However, few are sure of what to expect from the Red and Whites, following the recent sacking of head coach Eddie Jones after seven years in the job.
Former Leicester Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick has been appointed in the role to lead his country forward, but it remains to be seen how this change will impact England’s playstyle and overall performance in the upcoming tournament.
England will start the Six Nations at Twickenham Stadium, in London, against Scotland on February 4.
They will then face Italy at Twickenham on February 12, followed by an away game against Wales at the Principality Stadium, in Cardiff, on February 25.
The fourth round will see England face holders France at Twickenham, on March 11, with a trip to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium to take on Ireland in the final fixture on March 18.
WHERE WILL GAMES BE PLAYED?
As already stated, England’s Twickenham Stadium, with a capacity of 82,000, will host fixtures, alongside the 81,338-seated Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium, with a 67,000 capacity, the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, which seats more than 73,000 spectators and Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, with 73,000.
The smallest venue to host fixtures is Dublin’s 51,700 sized Aviva Stadium.
How You Can Watch Matches From Home
The opening fixture between Wales and Ireland will be broadcast on BBC on February 4, with the final game between Ireland and England on ITV on March 18.
Both the BBC and ITV will share broadcasting responsibilities throughout the six weeks of action to ensure those at home do not miss a second of the blood-pumping action.
Norton
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An individual and stylish home featuring vaulted ceilings and exposed wooden beams. The accommodation is highly flexible with four double bedrooms and mezzanine that allows for a variety of uses. The kitchen/dining room is a feature of this property with a modern characterful finish. The sitting room with high ceilings leads out to the private, enclosed garden. There is a shingled driveway allowing ample parking. With easy A14 access as well as a delightful village setting
Church Road, Elmswell
Located in a very well served village this detached family home enjoys meadow views in a non estate location. Offering generous size accommodation the property is offered for sale chain free with 4 good size bedrooms and an en suite. There is a large kitchen/breakfast room which overlooks the private enclosed garden. Set back from the road there is plenty of parking and access to the garage which is a larger than average size. Call to view and see how this individual home could work for you.
Willow Close, Badwell Ash
£475,000
Located in a quiet and pretty village, this super-size detached family home has plenty of accommodation on offer. Standing in just over a quarter of an acre, the private gardens enjoy a large decked seating area. In addition to the main house is an attached annexe which can be used as a self-contained unit or as a sizeable increase to the existing accommodation. With a spacious sitting room complete with open fire and French doors overlooking the garden. The ground floor has a dining room, study, and cloakroom along with a good sized kitchen/breakfast room. On the first floor there are 4 good sized bedrooms all served by a family bathroom. The main bedroom benefits from a built-in wardrobe and en-suite. There is also ample parking on the paved driveway to the front. An internal viewing is highly recommended
Hazelwood Close, Thurston
£450,000
In a private close of just seven properties this attractive detached home is offered for sale being chain free. Built about 20 years ago in a non estate location this individual property has 4 bedrooms, en suite, dressing room and family bathroom. The light and airey accommodation is flowing with a generous size sitting room and dining room. Views of the garden are enjoyed from the well designed kitchen. There is a study and a cloakroom which completes the ground floor accommodation. The property further benefits from a private enclosed sunny garden, garage and ample parking. Viewing is essential to appreciate this lovely home in a sought after location.
Mill Lane, Woolpit
£425,000
Situated in the delightful and very well served village of Woolpit you will find this non estate bungalow close to the centre with easy access to all amenities. There is plenty of room inside the property with well proportioned accommodation throughout. The cosy sitting room is a generous size with an open fireplace and large windows letting in plenty of light. There are three good sized double bedrooms all with built in storage, a family bathroom with separate WC and a further cloakroom. An open plan kitchen and dining room offers ideal entertaining space. Set within a generous plot with gardens that wrap around the bungalow with ample parking to the front of the property and a garage. Book your viewing now!
Muriel King Close, Hessett
£385,000
Amazing Field Views! In a private close, this attractive, non-estate detached home has 3 bedrooms, en suite and family bathroom. The light and airy accommodation is flowing with a generous size sitting room with log burner. The kitchen looks over the garden which enjoys wonderful field views to the rear and is open plan to the dining room. The utility room and downstairs cloakroom completes the ground floor accommodation. The property further benefits from a private enclosed garden with fantastic field views, single garage and off street parking space. Viewing is essential to appreciate this delightful family home.
Church Street, Wetherden
£385,000
Just a year old, this truly exceptional and unique property is finished to an impeccable standard and situated the heart of Wetherden. Designed to reflect traditional Victorian architecture with flowing single storey accommodation throughout. With two good sized double bedrooms, a modern bathroom and a useful large store room containing the eco-friendly state of the art Air Source Heat Pump. The sitting room is bright and airy with oak flooring and French doors leading to the sandstone terrace nestled in the private low maintenance garden. There is a contemporary and stylish well equipped kitchen with space for dining overlooking the garden. All rooms benefit from oak doors and underfloor heating with individual room thermostats. There is a well kept driveway to the front with ample parking.
Michaelhouse Way, Stanton
Standing in a large garden this family home enjoys plenty of privacy from this corner plot position. Offering generous rooms sizes throughout with further potential to extend (subject to planning permission) this property is bound to be a popular choice. A large sitting room overlooks the garden with an open plan kitchen and dining room. There are 4 good size bedrooms and a modern en suite, family bathroom and downstairs cloakroom. A garage is currently being used as a commercial kitchen/utility room with plenty of off road parking. An internal viewing is highly recommended to appreciate all that this home has to offer.
Kings Road, Thurston
PART EXCHANGE AVAILABLE! Chain free! This brand new four bedroom detached family home offers plenty of space and is located in the popular village of Thurston. The property has a spacious living room accessing the garden, lovely kitchen dining/room and downstairs cloakroom. There are four bedrooms on the first floor with the main bedroom having an en-suite and family bathroom. The rear garden has access to the single garage and off street parking. Call now to book your viewing!
Elmswell Road, Great Ashfield
£350,000
Three Double Bedrooms! This very well proportioned family home is located in a non-estate location with a private garden and parking. All the room sizes are generous with a welcoming entrance hallway and a cloakroom. A large sitting room with open fireplace is dual aspect with views of the garden. The kitchen/dining room impresses with its modern units and space. Once upstairs the house has 3 double bedrooms and the main bedroom is served by an en-suite bathroom and a family bathroom as well. The setting and accommodation make this a desirable home within easy access of the well served village of Elmswell and the A14. Viewing is essential to appreciate the benefits this property has to offer.
Jervises Croft, Elmswell
£350,000
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