"The Six Nations is kicking off on a Thursday this year to avoid a direct clash with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. In at least one key respect, even so, the two events are perfectly aligned: one early stumble for France or Ireland and a potentially painful descent awaits. Despite the possibility of firstnight nerves and some Parisian drizzle it should still make for more intriguing viewing on ITV1 than the alternative of Dragons' Den and The Apprentice on BBC One."
"That was pretty much Wales's fate at this stage 12 months ago. By half-time in the 2025 tournament's opening fixture, France were 28-0 ahead and cruising. The final score was 43-0 and, by the middle of March, Les Bleus were hoisting aloft the trophy. Only a narrow away defeat by England, in a game Fabien Galthie's side could and should have won, prevented a French grand slam."
The Six Nations kicks off on a Thursday this year to avoid a direct clash with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. An early stumble for France or Ireland could precipitate a damaging descent in standings and set the tone for the tournament. ITV1’s opening match offers more compelling viewing than BBC One’s Dragons' Den and The Apprentice if the contest remains competitive. France demolished Wales 43-0 in the 2025 opener and went on to win the title. Ireland overturned France in Marseille in 2024 after a French red card. France are missing several established stars but field promising younger players including Oscar Jegou, Matthieu Jalibert, Nicolas Depoortere and Theo Attissogbe.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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