6 Nations 2026 – Tournament Favourites
- 1. France
- 2. England
- 3. Ireland
- 4. Scotland
- 5. Wales
- 6. Italy
The 2026 Six Nations kicks off this Thursday! Discover our expert match predictions, latest 6 Nations odds from top SA bookmakers, and find out if France can dethrone the Irish giants.
Six Nations Favourites: The Battle for the Crown
As we head into the opening weekend, France stands as the clear tournament favourite. The return of Antoine Dupont as captain has shifted the market significantly, with many local punters backing "Les Bleus" to dominate. Their depth is frightening, and playing the opener at home gives them a massive psychological edge.
Ireland, the defending champions, are facing a tougher road this year. A string of injuries to key veterans has seen their Six Nations odds drift slightly, making them a high-value pick if you believe in Andy Farrell’s system.
Meanwhile, England continues to evolve under Steve Borthwick, and Scotland remains a "dark horse" threat, especially with South African-born Duhan van der Merwe looking to add to his try-scoring tally.
Power Stats: The Technical Edge
To make accurate 6 Nations predictions, you have to look at the "engine room" stats that South African fans know best:
Scrum Dominance: France leads the pack with a 94% scrum success rate. This makes them incredibly dangerous in the "red zone" where they play for penalties.
Discipline & Rucks: Ireland remains the most disciplined side, conceding fewer than 9 penalties per match. This keeps the scoreboard ticking and frustrates aggressive defenses.
Lineout Steals: England has focused heavily on their aerial game, leading the 2025 stats in lineout steals. This is a crucial metric for those looking at "Under/Over" total points markets.
6 Nations Match Predictions: Round 5
The 2026 Six Nations title race has reached a fever pitch following a Round 4 that will live long in the memory. Scotland’s breath-taking 50-40 victory over France at Murrayfield didn't just end Les Bleus’ Grand Slam dreams; it turned "Super Saturday" into a three-way shootout for the trophy. While France remains top on points difference, they are now level on points with a resurgent Scotland, while Ireland’s professional 27-17 bonus-point win over Wales keeps them within striking distance. However, the weekend's biggest shock came in Rome, where Italy secured a historic first-ever win over England, a result that has seen Steve Borthwick's side's Six Nations odds plummet as they head to Paris in disarray. With the championship and the Wooden Spoon both on the line, the final weekend promises unprecedented drama.
| Match | Date & Time (SAST) | Home Odds | Draw | Away Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland vs Scotland | 14 Mar - 15:10 | 1.51 | 22.00 | 2.85 |
| Wales vs Italy | 14 Mar - 17:40 | 2.80 | 22.00 | 1.52 |
| France vs England | 14 Mar - 21:10 | 1.14 | 40.00 | 6.40 |
Provisional Standings after Round 4
| Pos | Team | Diff | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | +79 | 16 |
| 2 | Scotland | +21 | 16 |
| 3 | Ireland | +16 | 14 |
| 4 | Italy | -24 | 9 |
| 5 | England | +4 | 6 |
| 6 | Wales | -96 | 1 |
Ireland vs Scotland
Dublin plays host to a de facto championship semi-final. Ireland (1.51) looked back to their clinical best against Wales, with Jack Crowley growing into the fly-half role and the Irish lineout functioning like a well-oiled machine. However, Scotland (2.85) arrives with the momentum of a 50-point haul against France. The battle between Finn Russell and the Irish defensive system will be fascinating; Russell’s ability to manipulate the rush defense with delayed passes and chips is currently peerless. While Scotland’s attack is electric, Ireland’s superior depth and the home-ground advantage at the Aviva usually tell in the final twenty minutes. Expect a high-intensity battle where the Irish forward pack aims to choke the Scottish supply line at the source.
Prediction: Ireland to win a tight contest by 5-8 points.
Wales vs Italy
In a reversal of historical roles, Italy (1.52) enters Cardiff as the favorites against a struggling Wales (2.80). The Azzurri are riding high after their historic conquest of England, showcasing a tactical maturity and defensive grit rarely seen in previous campaigns. Tommaso Menoncello is the form center of the tournament, and his duel with the Welsh midfield will be decisive. Wales showed much-improved fight in Dublin, particularly through the carrying of Rhys Carre, but they lack clinical execution in the red zone. If Italy can maintain their discipline at the breakdown and exploit the Welsh defensive lapses that have plagued them all tournament, they could secure their best-ever championship finish.
Prediction: Italy to win by 6 points and condemn Wales to the Wooden Spoon.
France vs England
France (1.14) will be a wounded animal in Saint-Denis. Despite the loss in Edinburgh, they remain the favorites to lift the trophy if they can overpower a demoralized England (6.40). The French pack, led by a frustrated Antoine Dupont, will likely look to physically bully an English side that has conceded over 20 points in three consecutive games. England’s defense has looked disorganized under pressure, and the loss of captain Maro Itoje to a potential suspension/injury would be catastrophic. For England to stand a chance, they must find a way to stop the French offloading game and disrupt the breakdown. However, with the Stade de France crowd behind them, "Les Bleus" are expected to deliver a statement performance to secure the title.
Prediction: France to win comfortably by 15+ points.
Best SA Betting Sites & Promo Codes
If you're looking to place your Six Nations predictions into action, these local operators offer the best markets for South African rugby fans:
Betway: Known for the best rugby interface; use the Betway sign up-code to get started with your first deposit bonus.
Hollywoodbets: A local favourite for "Anytime Try Scorer" markets. Be sure to apply your Hollywoodbets promo code for extra value.
10bet: Perfect for those who prefer mobile betting; use the 10bet promo code to unlock exclusive rugby promotions.
SuperSportBet: Experience seamless integration with the live broadcast. Don't forget to use the SuperSportBet promo code when registering.
Sportingbet: The go-to for live, in-play 6 Nations odds. Boost your bankroll by using the SportingBet Promo Code today.
Where to Watch in South Africa
Don't get caught out by the unusual Thursday start!
Channel: Catch every second of the action live on SuperSport (Channels 201 and 211).
Time Zone: All matches listed above are in SAST (South African Standard Time).
The Final Word
This year’s tournament is France's to lose, but the beauty of the 6 Nations is its unpredictability. Whether you are backing the favourites or hunting for an Italian upset, make sure to use your promo codes and keep an eye on those live Six Nations odds as the matches progress.
People Also Ask
Who won the Six Nations tournament in 2025?
France won the 2025 title, securing their seventh trophy and equaling England's record for the most successful nation.
Who are the favorites for the 2026 edition?
France and England are the frontrunners for the title this year, while Ireland is currently ranked as the third favorite.
Which teams are in the Six Nations tournament?
The competition features six major nations: France, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, and Italy.
Will South Africa join the competition soon?
No, a final decision has been made and officials have shut down talks regarding the Springboks joining the tournament.