Stephen Ferris: Wales can spring Six Nations surprise under Gatland
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Stephen Ferris previews 2023 Six Nations Championship
The Six Nations returns this weekend when favourites Ireland kick off the tournament in Wales on Saturday which is followed by the Calcutta Cup clash between England and Scotland.
France start the defence of their title on Sunday with a trip to Italy, but who will finish top of the table in six weeks’ time? Former Ireland international and Ladbrokes ambassador Stephen Ferris pores through the runners and riders.
Will we see a new name on the trophy or will France build on what was a very impressive 2022?
The reigning champions don’t go into this year’s competition as favourites, and that’s because Ireland are still holding on to that world number one ranking after a clean sweep in the Autumn Internationals.
It seems to be a two-horse race between Ireland at 5/4 and France at 13/8, but with the Boys In Green hosting Les Bleus in Dublin in round two, this could be the decisive factor in the winning and losing of the championship.
Wales can cause a surprise under Gatland
I’m sure many people can’t see past Ireland or France, but with Warren Gatland back as Wales head coach and the Welsh regions starting to hit a bit of form, I’ve a feeling they are going put down a marker and surprise a lot of people once again at 12/1. I don’t know how he does it but Gatland just gets the best out of his players when he needs it most and Wales certainly need it.
England are another team who have made significant changes to their coaching set-up and are 4/1 to win the Six Nations. Eddie Jones had been under huge pressure in the last couple of seasons, but unfortunately for him the faith of his employers ran out and the guillotine finally dropped. Sacked less than a year out from the Rugby World Cup left a lot of people bewildered, although the word from behind closed doors is that they probably left it later than they should have done in parting ways.
Steve Borthwick takes over England after his success with Leicester winning the Gallagher Premiership last season. The towering former second row international strives for success and vows to do everything possible to make sure this English side return to the top table in world rugby. Watch this space!
Scots can be dangerous but title looks out of reach
Propping up the bottom of the betting are Scotland and Italy. The Scots are 20/1 for a good reason because they haven’t really staged a challenge for many years. They huff and puff and never blow the house down, although they can be very dangerous on their day and I’m sure we will see some good rugby from them at times.
The Italians are 500/1, but don’t even think about putting on a pound or a euro – it’s never going to happen.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
