Scrum and Get It: Tackling the Six Nations 2025
Photo courtesy: Thomas Serer via Unsplash
The Six Nations – European Rugby’s premier international tournament contested by Ireland, England, France, Italy, Scotland and Wales – kicked off last weekend, and the first-round fixtures stoked several storylines. Eyes are fixed on the British and Irish players’ performances, as head coach Andy Farrell, who has temporarily vacated his post as Ireland’s manager, looks to select his squad for the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
This year’s competition has historic potential, with Ireland vying to become the first team ever to win three championships in a row. Last year, their first week foes, England, denied Ireland the opportunity to join an exclusive cohort that have won sequential Six Nations Grand Slams, after a brilliant final-moment drop goal from Marcus Smith.
Smith started as England coach Steve Borthwick’s chosen fly-half in this year’s rematch. England had a point to prove, yet a positive first half did little against a flurry of electrifying tries by Ireland in the second. Ireland saw their lead through in spite of late scores by Tom Curry and then Tommy Freeman in last-second, earning England a losing bonus point with the match concluding 27-22. A redeeming step towards history for the reigning champions.
Whilst the tournament acts as a winter remedy for most rugby fans, Welsh fans were served a historic 13th consecutive test loss by their national pride on Friday. Such dreadful form contrasts their historical success, as Wales hold the joint-most Six Nations titles. They faced world no. 4 France, who are reinvigorated by the return of generational phenom Antoine Dupont from sevens rugby, where the scrum half delivered Olympic Gold last summer.
The 43-0 scoreline surely stung across Wales, felt no worse than by one fan, who has agreed to run a mile for every negative point differential Wales endure. You can do the maths on that one. Romain Ntamack’s red card, imposed after a shoulder-to-head tackle by the star fly-half, yielded no consolation for Wales. Across the border, however, English fans relished his consequential suspension from their clash with France the following weekend.
Fellow Britons Scotland, who are trying to establish themselves as a legitimate force, hosted Italy at the formidable Murrayfield Stadium, and sought to respond to a nail-biting defeat in Rome the year prior – Italy’s first victory at home since 2013. Italy, meanwhile, are on a mission to climb out of their perennial role as winners of the metaphorical ‘Wooden Spoon’: awarded to the overall loser of the Six Nations.
Saturday saw Scotland dominate in attack, establishing a 14-0 lead within just 8 minutes. Yet poor defensive discipline nullified the home-side’s advantage, as a fine penalty-kicking display kept Italy in contention. Italy then sparked comeback hopes, snatching an interception and racing in for their first try of the game, tying it 19-19. But such hopes were swiftly quashed by scintillating displays from winger Darcy Graham and centre Huw Jones. The latter added two second half tries to complete a hat-trick and win the match 31-19 for Scotland.
As it stands, the starting British Lions’ line-up for their summer tour Down Under will consist predominantly of Scottish and Irish players, given dominant performances by players like Huw Jones and James Lowe. Wales’ youth and poor form will keep most of their players from joining the tour, whereas England will likely manage a few appearances in the squad. The Lions will face an emboldened Australia, who appear to have revved into gear following victories against England and Wales in the autumn.
For now, the Six Nations is all to play for, and whilst the favourites have reinforced their reputations, surprises may lie in wait.