6 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.
Lound Road,
Blundeston
Offers Over £725,000
Beautiful character cottage in delightful setting on the outskirts of Blundeston village. The original property is believed to date back 150 years or so, but recently has had modern extensions which not only combine the ‘Old & New’ , but Cleverley retain much charm and character. This is a very comfortable home having a lovely lounge with bressummer beam fireplace and a large separate sitting room, both with log burners providing that lovely cosy cottage feel. The stunning kitchen/ diner is situated in the centre of the property and brings both halves together and forms the heart of the home.
The property comprises a particularly spacious 4 bedroomed executive property built by Messrs Badger Builders and is located on the edge of a small and sought after development in the highly desirable village of Blundeston. The property has the benefit of a spacious through lounge, separate dining room, utility and downstairs cloakroom. Upstairs you will find 4 good size bedrooms with a master suite having a dressing room and shower room..
An attractive cottage style home situated in one of the nicest positions in the village of Wenhaston. The property is located adjacent to a rural track providing easy access to BLACK HEATH COMMON, a natural wildlife haven perfect for birdwatching, walking the dog and generally just chilling out. Excellent ales and pub grub can be enjoyed if you visit the village pub, ‘Star Inn’ which is only a short stroll away. In addition, the property has the benefit of 8 solar panels, and together with high levels of insulation, make this an extremely efficient and cheap home to run.
DISTANT SEA VIEWS!!! A rare opportunity to acquire this unique upside down house with main living accommodation on the first floor and designed to take full advantage of the views towards Pakefield Church and beyond to the sea. The generous size living accommodation is open planned and comprises lounge, kitchen/diner and a unique first floor conservatory. Continuing outside the gardens are picturesque and quiet and provide a fabulous place to sit back and relax and listen to the distant sounds of the sea. A short stroll will take you to the sea and beach where you will find Pakefield’s famous flotilla of small fishing boats resting on the beach.
The property comprises a detached house situated in a prime location overlooking a green area well presented and immaculately decorated. Originally 4 bedrooms but now has 3 double bedrooms with spacious ground floor accommodation extended by a conservatory with off road parking with a detached garage. The property has quality fixtures and fitments, attractive well maintained gardens and benefits from gas fired central heating and upvc sealed unit double glazing. A viewing is essential to appreciate its quality.
Long Road, Lowestoft
Price Guide £365,000
Price Guide £390,000
The property comprises an imposing detached bungalow situated in the quieter part of Long Road which now forms a desirable cul de sac. The property provides deceptive accommodation having a large rear extension, and also enjoys lovely size gardens. In addition the vendor has recently refitted the kitchen to include a range cooker. There are far too many attractive features to mention, and an internal inspection is essential to appreciate.
UNIQUE ‘SABBERTON BUILT’ bungalow situated on a popular residential development on the outskirts of the historic market town of Bungay where all main shopping and recreational facilities are located. The property has the benefit of a large double garage and because of the terrain, the main bungalow is situated above this.
The bungalow itself has rooms of good proportion with 3 generous size bedrooms, an en-suite shower, and a spacious family wet room. In addition, there are 2 large reception rooms, one having patio doors leading out to a sunny patio area and the delightful landscaped gardens, which incorporate extensive rockeries and borders.
Elmdale Drive, Carlton Colville
Asking Price £330,000
Mayfair Road, Bungay
Offers Over £325,000
Hardimans are thrilled to offer this SUPERB extended family home where everything has been done. The property has the benefit of a fantastic kitchen/diner family room with a gorgeous vaulted ceiling and attractive beams, providing a wonderful place to sit and relax. The beautiful gardens compliment the house, with a distinctive palm tree at the front and a lovely private rear garden, great for alfresco dining and entertaining. This is an immaculately presented home offered in ready to move in condition, and certainly one that must be viewed.
