The 2025 Guinness Six Nations kicks off this weekend with a clear favorite in the eyes of the BBC’s expert panel, but every side arrives carrying its own set of injuries, form concerns and tactical questions. Below is a concise health check on each nation and the pundits’ projected final table.
Predicted Final Standings
BBC analysts collectively rank the tournament as follows:
1️⃣ France 2️⃣ Scotland 3️⃣ England 4️⃣ Ireland 5️⃣ Italy 6️⃣ Wales
France – The Front‑Runners
France head into the championship with a relatively fit squad, boasting a backline that has been prolific in the Autumn Internationals. The only notable absentee is scrum‑half Antoine Dupont, who is sidelined with a minor shoulder issue. Coach Fabien Galthié’s emphasis on a high‑tempo, expansive game is expected to keep the French attack ticking over, and the pundits agree that the Les Bleus have the depth to maintain consistency throughout the six‑week campaign.
Scotland – The Dark Horses
Scotland arrive in a surprisingly strong position after a hard‑fought victory over New Zealand in the summer. However, the loss of flanker Hamish Watson to a knee ligament strain raises concerns about the breakdown’s stability. Head coach Gregor Townsend’s side will rely on the form of Finn Russell and the emerging talent of Kyle Steyn to sustain momentum, a factor that has earned them the second‑place prediction.
England – The Resilient Contenders
England’s campaign has been hampered by a spate of injuries to key forwards, including a rib injury to lock Maro Itoje and a calf problem for prop Ellis Genge. Despite these setbacks, the team’s defensive structure remains solid, and the return of fly‑half Marcus Smith from a brief lay‑off adds a creative spark. The pundits view England’s depth as sufficient to secure a top‑three finish, albeit with a degree of uncertainty.
Ireland – The Consistent Performers
Ireland’s squad is largely intact, but the loss of centre James Lowe to a concussion protocol in the final warm‑up match has forced a reshuffle in the midfield. Coach Andy Farrell will lean on the experience of Johnny Sexton and the emerging prowess of Hugo Keenan. Consistency in set‑piece execution keeps Ireland in the pundits’ fourth‑place slot.
Italy – The Building Project
Italy continue their rebuilding phase under coach Kieran Crowley. While the forwards have shown improvement, the backline still lacks the cutting edge needed to challenge the top tier. A lingering shoulder injury to fly‑half Tommaso Allan limits his involvement, and the team will need to rely on the form of flanker Luca Bigi to provide leadership. The BBC panel places Italy fifth, acknowledging incremental progress.
Wales – The Struggling Side
Wales enter the tournament with a depleted roster, missing several veterans to injury, most notably lock Alun Wyn Jones, who is out with a back‑row injury. The loss of key playmaker Dan Biggar to a shoulder problem further compounds their woes. Coach Warren Gatland’s side will depend heavily on the resurgence of centre Liam Williams and the youthful vigor of hooker Sam Wainwright. The pundits predict a sixth‑place finish unless a rapid turnaround occurs.
Key Themes Ahead of the Opening Weekend
Across the board, squad depth and injury management will be decisive. The BBC’s consensus underscores France’s superior blend of talent and fitness, while Scotland’s recent form propels them into a surprise second‑place slot. England and Ireland remain strong but must navigate injury lists, whereas Italy and Wales face uphill battles to climb the table.
As the first matches loom, fans can expect a tournament defined by tactical adaptability and the ever‑present battle against injuries. Stay tuned for live coverage and expert analysis throughout the Six Nations.
