The Six Nations is an annual rugby tournament bringing together Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France and Italy to compete during an exhilarating five week period. These games engulf pubs and households during the weekends and stir up fierce rivalries between fans and players alike.

Last year's tournament was hailed as one of the best ever, in terms of the action on the pitch, so many are hoping for more of the same excitement and drama in 2022, especially with the prospect of full capacity crowds to further enhance the atmosphere.

If you have yet to decide who you are backing, don’t fear as here is a run down of all six national sides and their prospects heading into the tournament ahead of the big kick off tomorrow.

Ireland

Ireland face a tough test to begin the tournament when they take on the 2021 champions Wales, although Andy Farrell’s side do have home advantage for what is expected to be an intriguing clash at the Aviva Stadium. Ireland, in comparison to their injury stricken opponents, have a fully fit squad ready to go into battle, fronted by their long term captain Johnny Sexton who has amassed over 100 international caps and is still one of the country’s best kickers aged 36.

As always is the issue with the Irish team, an injury to a key player, like Sexton, could cause unthinkable damage, with a lack of reliable cover for him and other important players threatening to derail their hopes of lifting the Grand Slam. For now their focus will be on upsetting the champions and then looking ahead to a tough trip to Paris in a fortnight’s time to take on a French side who have beaten them in the last two editions of the tournament.

Defeating New Zealand in November was a sign of the progress under Farrell, but the English coach will be hoping to transfer all the praise they have received for their marked improvement last for a Six Nations title come the end of the tournament.

Scotland

Having never won the tournament since it moved to a six team competition in 2000, could this be the year Scotland finally end their quest for glory?

The team has remained largely unscathed by injuries and so their captain Stuart Hogg will hope to lead the best of the Scots out to victory., starting on Saturday in their first match of the tournament at home against England, for the inter-tournament Calcutta Cup. They will be hoping that they can repeat last year's narrow 11-6 victory over England and retain the cup in what promises to be a pulsating opener at Murrayfield.

If Scotland want to be serious contenders this year and build on their fourth place finish at last year’s tournament, they must keep their level of competitiveness that they traditionally demonstrate against the English and showcase it throughout their remaining fixtures.

England

The last tournament was one to forget for the English, having lost their matches against Wales, Ireland and Scotland, subsequently finishing fifth overall.

There has been a lot of upheaval in the squad since then, with coach Eddie Jones bringing in a raft of new players to try and assemble a squad that he hopes will be capable of challenging for the 2023 World Cup.

They were dealt a huge blow on the eve of the tournament when it was announced last week that talismanic captain Owen Farrell will be unavailable as he needs to undergo surgery on his ankle after sustaining the injury in training.

Ahead of their meeting with Scotland on Saturday, Jones claimed that his opponents were the favourites, attempting to play down England’s chances and put pressure on the home team. Yet, having only won the Calcutta Cup once in the last four years, the pressure will surely all be on England to finally get their hands on the trophy again.

As for tournament expectations, with many players for whom this is their first Six Nations, England fans will be hoping that their team at least finishes in the top half of the table this year.

Wales

After winning the tournament in 2021, Wales will be looking to consolidate their success and retain their title as champions. Injuries have hampered preparations for Wayne Pivac and dampened spirits ahead of the tournament, before a ball has even been kicked.

Supporters will be anxious at the fact that they are going to be without a string of influential players, including George North and Alun Wyn Jones amongst many others for the first game against Ireland. Many are labelling them rank outsiders to get a result in Dublin, as they have not won there since 2015.

Yet, despite the injuries, it is not all doom and gloom for Wayne Pivac and his side, despite the ominous signs. Wales still have the depth in their squad to present a challenge to their competitors and will relish the chance to shake off their underdog status and go all the way to clinching the title once again this year.

France

France have recently found themselves in contention for the championship but falling short at the last hurdle, will this year be any different? The short answer is, probably.

France triumphed over New Zealand in the Autumn Series this year, showcasing their abilities to get a result against one of titans of the game. This win has led to growing optimism in the country that this could be their year, and indeed they are the favourites to win the tournament.

They begin their campaign at home against Italy on Sunday, and a win by a huge score line would surely lay down a marker of their intent before they lock horns with fellow title hopefuls Ireland the following weekend.

Italy

Italy historically have it tough in the tournament and this year looks to be no different. Whilst Italy have taken huge strides forward, so to have their opponents and given the strength of sides such as France, Ireland and Scotland it is hard to predict them causing many upsets.

They do boast a youthful side, with the average age of the team just 23 years old, highlighting their commitment to giving young players a chance. Some of those to look out for in particular during the tournament are Paulo Garbisi and Michele Lamaro who have both shown flashes of their potential in a blue shirt so far.

Overall, this tournament has all the makings of a classic. Every week will surely bring unexpected twists and turns, so it is not one to be missed!

Rebecca Keegan is a sports reporter for The Scoop and a Media and Broadcast Production student at Queen’s University Belfast.

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