The opening round of the Six Nations delivered a transfixing blend of clinical dominance, near-historic collapses, and the birth of a new era for northern hemisphere rugby. As the dust settles on a weekend that saw records broken and nerves frayed, the landscape of the tournament has shifted significantly, leaving some nations dreaming of Grand Slams and others facing a grueling month of introspection.
1. Ireland remains the team to beat
Any concerns that Ireland would suffer a post-World Cup hangover or struggle to adapt to life after Johnny Sexton were emphatically dismissed in Marseille. Andy Farrell’s side produced a performance of terrifying efficiency to dismantle France on their own soil. Jack Crowley stepped into the fly-half void with composed authority, but it was the collective cohesion of the Irish system that shone brightest. Their ability to retain possession and strike with surgical precision suggests that the defending champions have not only maintained their standard but may have evolved beyond their rivals.
2. France grapples with a Dupont-sized void
Les Bleus appeared a shadow of the side that captivated the world over the last three years. While Paul Willemse’s early red card undoubtedly handicapped their efforts, the underlying issues seemed more profound. Without the talismanic Antoine Dupont, France lacked their usual tactical spark and defensive discipline. Fabien Galthié now faces the daunting task of recalibrating a squad that looked emotionally and physically drained, raising questions about whether the scars of their home World Cup exit have truly healed.
3. Scotland’s brilliance marred by inconsistency
For 45 minutes in Cardiff, Scotland played some of the most sublime rugby seen in the modern era, racing to a 27-0 lead. However, the subsequent collapse that saw them narrowly escape with a 27-26 victory highlighted a recurring fragility. While Finn Russell’s game management eventually secured the win—Scotland’s first in Cardiff for over two decades—the second-half surrender will worry Gregor Townsend. To challenge for the title, Scotland must find a way to marry their attacking flair with eighty minutes of mental fortitude.
4. England’s “New Era” finds a foothold
Steve Borthwick’s promised evolution was on display in Rome, albeit in fits and starts. England’s narrow victory over Italy featured a more expansive attacking intent, spearheaded by the impressive debut of Ethan Roots and the creative sparks of Fraser Dingwall. While defensive lapses allowed Italy to stay within striking distance, the resilience shown to overturn a half-time deficit suggests a growing maturity. England are far from the finished article, but there is a sense of direction that was missing twelve months ago.
5. The gap is closing at the bottom
Perhaps the most encouraging takeaway for the tournament’s health was the competitiveness of the perceived underdogs. Italy pushed England to the brink with a sophisticated attacking game under new coach Gonzalo Quesada, while a youthful Wales side showed immense character to nearly pull off the greatest comeback in Six Nations history. There are no “easy” fixtures in this year’s edition; the technical gap between the established powers and the chasing pack is narrowing, ensuring that bonus points and marginal gains will likely decide the final standings.
