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.
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.
Moss Lane, Yarnfield
Asking Price £880,000
A fabulous family home surrounded by countryside in a convenient location a few moments drive from Stone. Victoria Cottage was built to a high specification and offers exceptionally spacious living space with room to accommodate the largest of families, featuring three reception rooms, conservatory and farmhouse kitchen, complemented by seven bedrooms and three bathrooms arranged over the first and second floors. The outside space is equally impressive occupying a circa 0.5 acre plot with beautifully landscaped gardens, large ornamental fish pool , oodles of parking and a four car garage / workshop. Great location convenient for Stone and every amenity the area has to offer and within easy reach of The Potteries, Stafford and M6 motorway.
Snape Hall Road, Whitmore
£1,150,000
A beautifully appointed executive detached family home set in a prime quiet location with a fabulous open rear view. Appointed to a high specification throughout with no expense spared. Offering accommodation comprising; reception hallway, guest cloakroom, four reception rooms, gorgeous dining kitchen, matching utility, boot room, five double bedrooms and five luxurious bathrooms. The property is approached via two electric gated entrances, driveways lead to an integral double garage to the front of the property and open timber framed garage and log store to the rear. A stunning house in a super location - Viewing Highly Recommended
Meaford, Stone
Asking Price of £795,000
Three properties for the price of one! A unique opportunity to acquire a substantial detached house which has been re-modelled to form 3 separate dwellings: a pair of semi-detached houses and a detached 2 bed bungalow, making it an ideal investment property and particularly suited to multi-generation occupancy. The ‘main house’ comprises a large open plan dining kitchen, spacious sitting room, cloakroom with WC and separate utility combined with 4 bedrooms, en-suite shower room to the main bedroom and a family bathroom. The adjoining semi-detached house has a large sitting room, dining room, two double bedrooms and bathroom. The separate ‘annexe’ features a large sitting room, kitchen, two bedrooms and bathroom.
Sovereign Lane, Ashley
£790,000
A mature family home at the heart of Ashley village set in gardens extending to 0.66 acres. The Mount occupies an elevated plot at the end of Sovereign Lane, close to the village centre and a stones throw from picturesque country walks. The house has been in the same ownership for many years and offers comfortable, well appointed accommodation which caters for every requirement of modern family living featuring a welcoming entrance hall, three reception rooms, kitchen with space for casual dining and complemented by an elegant sufficiency of four double bedrooms, shower room and guest bathroom. Step outside and you will discover a large, private garden which offers endless opportunities for outdoor living, extensive parking and a two car garage.
Call us today for a free market appraisal
Whitesytch Lane, Stone
Asking Price of £600,000
A country cottage in a popular village location a little over 4 miles from Stone town centre. Lea House is located in a quiet position in a single track lane on the edge of the village and is within strolling distance of village amenities. Offering good size accommodation with two reception rooms, traditional style kitchen and a sunny conservatory linking the living accommodation. Upstairs in the main house there are three double bedrooms, with en-suite shower room to the main bedroom and a generous guest bathroom. In addition to the main house there is a self-contained annexe (fourth bedroom) above the garage which has been successfully let through Air B’n’B for several years, and would equally be suitable for a dependent relative or as a home office.
Cauldon Drive, Stone
Asking Price of £549,000
The perfect family home in the perfect family location! A generously proportioned detached house in a quiet suburban cul-de-sac less than mile from Stone town centre and within walking distance of local schools and most of the delights that the town has to offer. Beautifully presented throughout and offering all the accoutrements for modern living featuring: a spacious reception hall, comfortable sitting room, large open plan dining kitchen with doors opening to the gardens, separate utility and a kiddie’s play room. The living accommodation is complemented by five bedrooms, including a fabulous master suite with dressing room and full en-suite bathroom, en-suite to the guest bedroom and family bathroom.
Moreton Avenue, Clayton
Asking Price £365,000
A mature detached bungalow tucked away in the leafy suburban location on the outskirts of Clayton. The bungalow has been extensively updated and re-modelled and has recently been carpeted and decorated throughout, offering comfortable and adaptable accommodation which is appointed to a high standard throughout. The sitting room has large patio windows overlooking the rear garden and is complemented by a stylish upgraded kitchen with space for dining, three bedrooms, updated shower room, utility & cloakroom. The property benefits from upvc double glazing throughout and has a recently installed central heating boiler.
Green Close, Barlaston
Asking Price of £350,000
If you are seeking exceptional space for your money in Barlaston village then this deceptively large family home could be just want you’re looking for. The property has been in the same family ownership for many years and as been extended, remodelled and upgraded to provide spacious and adaptable accommodation with plenty of room for a growing family and possibly even Grandma as well! The ground floor features a good size sitting room, open plan dining kitchen with sunny conservatory extension to the rear, large utility area and ground floor double bedroom with en-suite shower. No upward chain.
