Steve Tandy’s side start their Six Nations campaign on Saturday, facing England at Allianz Stadium
12:54, 02 Feb 2026Updated 13:00, 02 Feb 2026
The captains of the Six Nations teams in Edinburgh for the tournament’s launch(Image: Getty Images)
“Prediction is difficult,” wrote Mark Twain, “especially when it involves the future.”
Trying to work out how the upcoming Six Nations will unfold is a fool’s errand and yet, here we are, about to do just that. Like a fool.
Wales haven’t won in the Six Nations for three years, having picked up back-to-back wooden spoons in the tournament.
Perhaps, it would take a brave man – or indeed a fool – to back them to end that drought in this year’s edition.
So, that in mind, this is how the tournament might just unfold…
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Round 1
Starting in the opening round, the novelty of a Thursday night match sees France welcome Ireland to Paris. The hosts should have enough in that one given some of Ireland’s absentees, while Scotland will likely come away from Rome with a victory.
In London, England are the undoubted favourites against Wales. You’d hope it’ll be as close as Wales’ last visit to Twickenham – a two-point defeat in 2024 – but that 68-14 hammering last year is fresh in the memory.
France 24-17 Ireland
Italy 23-30 Scotland
England 39-12 Wales
Round 2
It doesn’t get any easier for Wales, welcoming France to the Principality Stadium the following weekend. Regardless of how many fans are in there, that’s a tough one.
Elsewhere, Ireland will beat Italy, while surely this England side can get one over on Scotland.
Ireland 34-15 Italy
Scotland 15-21 England
Wales 13-38 France
Round 3
Wales could quite possibly take on a Scotland side that is either winless or chasing a Grand Slam after the first two rounds. There’s rarely any half-measures with Gregor Townsend’s side.
Scotland at home, some might argue, could be Wales’ best hope of a win in this tournament, but I just fancy Scotland to nick it.
England should also edge out Ireland, while France have far too much for the Italians.
England 24-21 Ireland
Wales 24-27 Scotland
France 41-18 Italy
Wales will push Scotland close(Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Round 4
Dublin hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Wales for some time now. Even if there’s question marks about this Ireland side in transition, that’s not going to change this year.
France’s trip to Edinburgh could be an interesting one. The draw has been kind to France this year in terms of home games against Ireland and England.
But even if they get through those, a visit to Scotland is where a Grand Slam could come off the rails. Still, I just fancy them and England to keep things going into that Grand Slam decider in Paris.
Ireland 37-7 Wales
Scotland 18-26 France
Italy 10-38 England
Round 5
If Wales could draw up their fixture list, Italy wouldn’t be the final game. If, and it’s a big if, Wales aren’t too spent from the first four games, then there’s a chance they can end that three-year wait for a win in this tournament and end the cycle of wooden spoons.
Elsewhere, all roads lead to Paris. A Grand Slam decider. If that does materialise, England will have won 15 on the spin.
At that point, Steve Borthwick’s side might have forgotten how to lose. But, home advantage might just edge it for France in what would be a crushing blow for the English.
Ireland 28-18 Scotland
Wales 23-21 Italy
France 34-30 England
Final table
1. France- 26
2. England – 19
3. Ireland- 17
4. Scotland – 10
5. Wales – 5
6. Italy – 2