4 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.
Advertisement
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.
An outstanding and spacious four-bedroom detached property that has been completely renovated and remodelled by the current owners to a very high standard. Pleasantly located in the highly desirable Village of Sheepy Magna this ideal family home is set within a small private close with stunning views over open countryside.
Church Croft, CV9 Asking Price
A rare opportunity to acquire this most impressive, extended, and well-appointed detached property nicely positioned at the foot of a private drive on the popular Maple Park Development. An ideal family home that offers considerable well planned and flexible accommodation that can be easily adapted to suit your needs.
Sunburst Drive, CV11
£420,000
A very well presented four bedroom double fronted detached property that sits nicely on its own plot and is located on this most desirable Davidsons new build estate just off popular Long Shoot thoroughfare. A spacious family home which boasts an enviable position with a large private driveway and occupying a large corner plot and is not overlooked.
A very well presented and much improved two/three bedroom detached bungalow located on the highly desirable St Nicolas Park Estate conveniently located within close proximity to many local amenities, shops and a bus stop. The property has been recently updated by the current owner to include replacement UPVC windows, updated electrics and consumer units, replacement driveway, landscaped garden and has the benefit of No Upwards Chain.
Three Storey, Three Bedroom with en-suite, garage & no upward chain! A very well presented and spacious three bedroom semi detached property nicely laid out over three floors. Located on this most popular modern development within close proximity to the new primary school and many shops and local amenities makes this an ideal family house or first time buy.
BEDWORTH 02476 480 444 ATHERSTONE 01827 215 100 NUNEATON 02476 388 863
Nuneaton Road, CV12
£310,000
A superbly presented extended and remodelled three bedroom semi detached property located on this most popular thoroughfare in the desirable Village of Bulkington. The property has been completely updated by the current owners to include replacement windows, boiler, kitchen, bathroom, guests cloak, and stairs with redecoration through out and new flooring. An ideal family home.
A superbly appointed and beautifully presented five-bedroom detached property located in the highly sought and desirable Village of Sheepy Magna surrounded by beautiful countryside. A generous sized family home that boasts five double bedrooms with uninterrupted views over fields with sheep to the rear and cows to the front.
