Six Nations betting odds and talking points

England progressing from their World Cup group was previously seen as a formality but Argentina and Japan will now fancy their chances this autumn.

The draw has been kind to England as a scan of the ultra-competitive Pool B shows, but the malaise that set in during the Eddie Jones era is deep rooted and means no fixture can be taken for granted.

On current form, reaching the quarter-finals would be an achievement and England’s Rugby World Cup odds of 9/1 to be crowned champions hold little appeal. The gulf in class evident against France shows they are a long way adrift of the tournament hosts and their fellow title contenders Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand.

France on a different level

At least England know they faced a France side operating at the peak of their powers. Les Bleus’ hit-and-miss Six Nations exploded into glorious technicolour as they were re-established as World Cup favourites with one of their great displays.

Powerful, inventive, intelligent – it was rugby from another world orchestrated by their remarkable half-back general Antoine Dupont.

What planet is @Dupont9A from? 🛸#GuinnessSixNations | #ENGvFRA pic.twitter.com/uX4ivEZZwk

— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 12, 2023

But he was aided by a majestic supporting cast of Thibaud Flament, Gregory Alldritt and Jonathan Danty – among others – as Fabien Galthie’s team claimed the outstanding destination victory they prized after France’s last Six Nations win at Twickenham came 18 years ago.

They will take some stopping with home advantage in the global showpiece and are worthy 11/4 favourites in the Rugby World Cup betting.

Ireland roll on

The green machine continued its ascent to the Grand Slam with a 22-7 victory over Scotland that was a humdinger until Jack Conan’s 62nd-minute try propelled Ireland out of sight.

In a similar vein to France, Andy Farrell’s side are playing a different game to most of their rivals and even the brilliant Finn Russell was unable to take the hosts’ title dream into the final round.

Ireland proved why they are the best team in the world with a display of ruthless efficiency that was delivered despite sustaining a host of injuries. Only England stand between them and their fourth Grand Slam and the Six Nations betting odds suggest glory awaits on Sunday.

Wales not kidding themselves

A first win of a testing Six Nations lifted some of the gloom surrounding Wales as they saw off Italy and delivered an eighth successive victory in Rome.

🏉 Rhys Webb ⏯ Taulupe Faletau 😍#WelshRugby | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/oq5dTDTjiT

— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@WelshRugbyUnion) March 11, 2023

Inspired by scrum-half Rhys Webb on his first Test start since October 2020, Wales delivered some impressive moments, but the juggernaut that is France now awaits.

Beating Italy was a timely morale-booster that should spare them the indignity of finishing bottom, but Les Bleus away is a completely different ball game.

2023 Six Nations fixtures/results

February 4

Wales 10-34 Ireland

England 23-29 Scotland

February 5

Italy 24-29 France

February 11

Ireland 32-19 France

Scotland 35-7 Wales

February 12

England 31-14 Italy

February 25

Italy 20-34 Ireland

Wales 10-20 England

February 26

France 32-21 Scotland

March 11

Italy 17-29 Wales

England 10-53 France

March 12

Scotland 7-22 Ireland

March 18

Scotland v Italy (Edinburgh, 12.30pm)

France v Wales (Paris, 2.45pm)

Ireland v England (Dublin, 5pm)

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication