Six Nations 2016: Dates, Times, TV and Live Stream Info for Round 1 Fixtures
The first RBS Six Nations after a Rugby World Cup always makes for fascinating viewing, and there are plenty of storylines to get stuck into as one of rugby union’s most prestigious competitions gets underway once again this weekend.
Ireland are on the hunt for a third successive triumph, after they secured the crown in dramatic style last year. But with England beginning a new regime under the tutelage of Eddie Jones and a revitalised Wales also well fancied, the men in green are unlikely to have things all their own way in defence of their title.
Here’s a look at the matches to come in the first round, the key viewing details for the competition and a closer look at two teams many are tipping to be in the mix for the title.
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| Saturday, Feb. 6 | 2:25 p.m. | France vs. Italy |
| Saturday, Feb. 6 | 4:50 p.m. | Scotland vs. England |
| Sunday, Feb. 7 | 3 p.m. | Ireland vs. Wales |
Matches can be seen live on BBC and be streamed via BBC iPlayer (UK).
Wales
After threatening to do something special at the World Cup following their win over England at Twickenham in the group stages, the Welsh eventually fell short in pursuit of glory. But head coach Warren Gatland will be confident of seeing a reaction from his players.
Indeed, as we can see here courtesy of the team’s official Twitter feed, it’s a competition Gatland is very much looking forward to:
And why not? Wales boast arguably the most inspirational skipper in the tournament in Sam Warburton and the team have a plethora of talented players.
The XV will always possess men who are exceptional with the ball in hand, whether conjuring chances through swift passing or shrewd kicking.
Dan Biggar blossomed as one of the best fly-halves in the game at the World Cup, and he’ll get chances to tot up points with Warburton’s tenacity at the breakdown.
Alun Wyn Jones is another who enjoyed a brilliant World Cup; as we can see here courtesy of BBC Sport Wales, the lock was recently named as one of the finest players in the world:
In terms of raw talent, the Welsh are the strongest side in the entire competition, and in Gatland, they have a savvy operator at the helm too.
What they need to do is find a steely mentality to complement the ability in the group. But after a gruelling 2015, expect to see a battle-hardened and emboldened Wales team go all the way this season.
Prediction: Winners
England
Although many are undecided on how Jones will fare in the England job, he’s brought an undeniable sense of excitement back to the national side since his appointment.
The former Japan coach has taken on the position vacated by Stuart Lancaster in the wake of England’s awful World Cup on home soil, and the opening fixture should tell us plenty about what he’ll bring to the setup.
As noted by Tom Vickers of the Northampton Chronicle, it seems as though Jones, who masterminded Japan’s massive upset win over South Africa at the World Cup, is allowing no liberties at all:
Jones does have talent to work with in this England squad, with a lot players looking to make a big impression at this competition.
Jonathan Joseph’s absence at the World Cup was a huge blow for this side and his effervescence from centre will give England a major threat. Full-back Mike Brown is another who has long been a steady operator, while new captain Dylan Hartley—a controversial choice in the eyes of some—will want to show he has the temperament to lead this outfit.
As we can see courtesy of BBC Radio 5 live, Jones has offered his new skipper some advice on how to get the best from his team-mates:
There’s a lot of work for Jones to do with England, and it’ll be too much to ask for this group to go all the way this year.
Prediction: Second
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