Guinness Six Nations – Round 1 | Who’s playing, where to watch and latest odds

Welcome to the opening round of the Guinness Six Nations 2024! Get ready to dive into the exhilarating world of international rugby as we bring you comprehensive coverage of all the matches, along with essential information on where to catch the action, betting odds, and the latest team news.

As the anticipation reaches a fever pitch, join us as we break down each fixture, providing insights into the teams’ strategies, key players to watch, and predictions for the outcomes. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, our detailed match previews will ensure you’re up to speed on everything you need to know before kickoff.

What     France v Ireland

Where  Stade Velodrome (Marseille)

When    20:00, Friday 2nd February

How to watch    ITV1

Prediction: France by 4

The much-anticipated 2024 Guinness Men’s Six Nations is set to commence with a thrilling encounter between France and Ireland in Marseille on Friday night. This clash between the two most recent Grand Slam champions promises to ignite the Championship with a burst of energy as both teams seek redemption following their World Cup disappointments.

Ireland, once the top-ranked team in the world, suffered a heartbreaking loss to New Zealand in the quarter-finals of the previous World Cup. Similarly, France, known for their formidable home record, fell short by a narrow margin against eventual champions South Africa in the same stage of the tournament. As they converge in Marseille, both squads aim to put their past setbacks behind them under the guidance of familiar coaches but with new leadership—Peter O’Mahony now captaining Ireland in place of the retired Johnny Sexton, while Grégory Alldritt assumes the role for France in the absence of Antoine Dupont, who is focusing on Sevens duty ahead of the Olympics.

Having each won nine of their last ten Six Nations matches, including a victory for Ireland over France in their previous encounter, the significance of this opening match looms large for both sides. France’s dominant performance in 2022, culminating in a Grand Slam triumph that included a win over Ireland, adds further weight to the contest as both teams vie for an early advantage in the pursuit of the Championship trophy.

Teams

France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gaël Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Yoram Moefana, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Maxime Lucu, 1 Cyril Baille, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 3 Uini Atonio, 4 Paul Gabrillagues, 5 Paul Willemse, 6 François Cros, 7 Charles Ollivon, 8 Grégory Alldritt (c)

Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Posolo Tuilagi, 20 Cameron Woki, 21 Paul Boudehent, 22 Nolann Le Garrec, 23 Louis Bielle-Biarrey

Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park; 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 6 Peter O’Mahony (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris

Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 James Ryan, 20 Ryan Baird, 21 Jack Conan, 22 Conor Murray, 23 Ciaran Frawley.

What     Italy v England

Where  Stadio Olimpico (Rome)

When    14:15, Saturday 03rd February

How to watch  ITV1

Prediction: England by 8

A new era is dawning in Rome as Gonzalo Quesada prepares for his inaugural game as Italy’s head coach, offering the opportunity to etch his name into immediate history.

Italy, yet to conquer England in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, are gearing up for an intriguing clash at the Stadio Olimpico, where both teams carry uncertainties.

Despite a disappointing World Cup exit, Italy’s roster brims with talent and untapped potential. Often underestimated, they rattled France in Round 1 last year, prompting hopes of transformation under Quesada’s stewardship.

Meanwhile, England, hungry for consistency and a return to Championship contention since their 2020 triumph in Rome, endured a challenging period under Steve Borthwick, marked by heavy defeats and a loss of momentum.

However, a resurgence following a World Cup semi-final run has rekindled confidence within the English ranks, now under the leadership of Jamie George.

The showdown demands a swift start, critical for England to break their Round 1 curse since 2019.

TEAMS

Italy: 15. Tommaso Allan, 14. Ange Capuozzo, 13. Juan Ignacio Brex, 12. Tommaso Menoncello, 11. Monty Ioane, 10. Paolo Garbisi, 9. Alessandro Garbisi, 1. Danilo Fischetti, 2. Gianmarco Lucchesi, 3. Pietro Ceccarelli, 4. Niccolo Cannone, 5. Federico Ruzza, 6. Sebastian Negri, 7. Michele Lamaro (c), 8. Lorenzo Cannone

Replacements: 16. Giacomo Nicotera, 17. Mirco Spagnolo, 18. Giosue Zilocchi, 19. Andrea Zambonin, 20. Edoardo Iachizzi, 21. Manuel Zuliani, 22. Stephen Varney, 23. Lorenzo Pani

England: 15. Freddie Steward, 14. Tommy Freeman, 13. Henry Slade, 12. Fraser Dingwall, 11. Elliot Daly, 10. George Ford, 9. Alex Mitchell, 1. Joe Marler, 2. Jamie George (c), 3. Will Stuart, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. Lewis Chessum, 6. Ethan Roots, 7. Sam Underhill, 8. Ben Earl

Replacements: 16. Theo Dan, 17. Ellis Genge, 18. Dan Cole, 19. Alex Coles, 20. Chandler Cunningham-South, 21. Danny Care, 22. Fin Smith, 23. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

What     Wales v Scotland

Where  Principality Stadium, Cardiff

When    16:45, Saturday 3rd February

How to watch    BBC1

Prediction: Scotland by 4

Scotland faces their final challenge at the Principality Stadium, seeking to replicate their previous away victory against Saturday’s opponents in Llanelli back in 2020.

Despite Scotland’s request to keep the roof open, the fervent home crowd eagerly anticipates cheering on their youthful Welsh side, including debutant full-back Cameron Winnett. Notably, Dafydd Jenkins assumes the captaincy for Wales, becoming the youngest in 56 years, emblematic of Warren Gatland’s rejuvenated team.

In a changing of the guard for Scotland, Finn Russell takes charge as captain for the first time in a Guinness Men’s Six Nations fixture. Their previous encounter resulted in a resounding 35-7 victory for Scotland at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, with Russell delivering a standout performance. As holders of the Doddie Weir Cup, Scotland aims to retain the trophy with a victory this weekend.

Quick Links

Guinness Six Nations 2024 | Team-by-Team Guide