France To Take Some Some Stopping At 2023 Six Nations

The form nation in world rugby leading into the tournament, reigning Six Nations champions France will take some stopping to be denied retaining their title in the competition this year.

A team brimming with stars, that has an impressive coaching team behind them, France look to be the team to beat once again in the northern hemisphere’s annual tournament.

Galthié And Edwards Leading Impressive Squad

Head coach Fabien Galthié has done a remarkable job building up his squad ahead of the highly-anticipated 2023 World Cup on French soil. The French, who are priced at 9/4 in the betting on Six Nations to win the tournament this year, were on a 13-game winning run leading into the competition. Prior to that run, Scotland were the last side to overcome the French back in March 2021 in Paris. With that kind of form behind them, it is little wonder why they are the 11/4 favourites in the rugby odds to win the World Cup later this year. With a powerful pack of forwards and some world-class talent in the backline, Galthié has a side capable of doing something special this year.

France have always been Six Nations contenders but the introduction of defence coach Shaun Edwards, who signed a new deal last year, has taken Les Blues to a new level on the international stage. A team that now prides themselves on their work done without the ball as well as with it, France are fast becoming a complete side that are serious challengers for the World Cup this year.

Ireland Stand In France’s Way

France and Ireland were deservedly billed as the two heavyweights going for the Six Nations crown this year prior to the tournament. England are somewhat of an unknown quantity following the change to sack Eddie Jones and bring in Steve Borthwick as head coach. Likewise, Wales have looked to coach Warren Gatland to turn their fortunes around after a disastrous Autumn Series. Scotland have been capable of upsets in the past and highlighted that against England in the opener but have lacked consistency, while any win for Italy is seen as a step forward for the Azzurri.

Ireland also have form going into the Six Nations and their first Test series win in New Zealand last summer was a real statement of intent from Andy Farrell’s side ahead of a World Cup year. The Irish actually entered the 2023 Six Nations as slight favourites, thanks in part that this year they are the ones who will host France at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. France do have a good recent record against Ireland, having won all of their last three meetings. That physical Test in Dublin will attract the eyes of rugby supporters across the globe, as two World Cup contenders face off at the Aviva.

With the World Cup edging closer, the hope in France is that their side have not peaked too soon before hosting the major tournament. Back-to-back Six Nations titles would certainly be another step in the right direction for a side that have swept aside all before them for almost the last two years.