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France to see double

Authors of the Grand Slam in 2022, their first since 2010, the Blues of Fabien Galthié are walking on water, chaining victories (13 in a row, current series), including one this fall against the South African world champions ( 30-26), and they impress their opponents seven months before "their" World Cup (September 8-October 28).

A second Grand Slam in a row - which would be a first since 1998 - would therefore allow Antoine Dupont's teammates to strike more minds.

But the Blues are now "expected" at the turn, warned their captain.

A solution is needed: "modify" the game plan to make it less readable, announced the French coach.

With the risk that it pass or that it breaks.

Presentation of the teams for the 2023 Six Nations Rugby Tournament © Vincent LEFAI / AFP

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Ireland, green force

2022 was the year of consecration for the XV of Clover: in addition to its place as the first oval ball nation in the world, Ireland won its tour of New Zealand with two historic victories against the All Blacks (23 -12 and 32-22) through full play.

The icing on the cake: these successes were confirmed by a clear round during the autumn tests, before the title of "best player of the year" was awarded to third row Josh van der Flier.

In total, Ireland, which extended its coach, the Englishman Andy Farrell, until 2027, had only one defeat in 2022, against France.

Enough to motivate Johnny Sexton's teammates when it comes to preventing the Blues from achieving the double, before the World Cup.

Irish third line Josh van der Flier (C) tries to escape tackles from New Zealanders Samuel Whitelock (L) and Nepo Laulala (R) during a test match on July 16, 2022 in Wellington © Marty MELVILLE / AFP /Archives

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England advance masked

After two disappointing Tournaments and autumn tests during which Argentina and South Africa won at Twickenham, the English Federation said "stop", in December, to the unexciting game offered by Australian coach Eddie Jones and "welcome" to Steve Borthwick, 43, from Leicester and a follower of a return to fundamentals.

The new English strongman has only a few months to build a team likely to compete with the best nations in the fall: this 2023 edition of the Tournament should therefore be used to boost the youngsters (Smith, Steward, van Poortvielt ) while restoring confidence to the elders (Farrell, Itoje, Cole).

England XV coach Steve Borthwick during a training session at Pennyhill Park, west London, January 25, 2023 © ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP/Archives

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Scotland to progress

Worn by Jamie Ritchie and his old veterans Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell, as well as by his "encouraging" match - in the words of coach Gregor Townsend - against the All Blacks in the fall (31-23 defeat), the XV du Chardon intends to use the Tournament to progress in anticipation of the World Cup.

Scotland have the means to repeat the feat of beating England from the start, as in 2021 and 2022, but to hope to clinch a podium, they will have to adopt Townsend's mantra: improve "in management by during the match" and keep his "cohesion and control of (his) emotions".

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Wales in turmoil

The Red Devils, crowned in 2021, are no longer what they were: ninth in the world rankings, penultimate in the 2022 edition of the Six Nations, defeated in the fall by Georgia and Italy, the teammates of neo-Toulonnais Dan Biggar chained disappointments last year.

Wales coach Warren Gatland (L) and Welsh captain Ken Owens pose alongside the Six Nations trophy during a media presentation on January 23, 2023 in London © Ben Stansall / AFP/Archives

It was enough for the Welsh Federation (WRU) to release Wayne Pivac and bring back, like a savior, the New Zealander Warren Gatland, with whom the Leek XV had achieved three Grand Slams (2008, 2012, 2019 ).

But accusations of sexism within the Federation have since undermined that momentum, leading to the resignation of the WRU's chief executive.

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Italy in the Renaissance

For Italy, the year 2022 was a turning point: first victory in the Tournament since 2015 (against the Welsh in Cardiff, 22-21), followed in the fall by a first success against Australia, there too by a small point (28-27).

Designated "male revelation" of the year, the twirling winger Ange Capuozzo could again make the difference to allow his team to win one or even two victories.

In any case, the Italians believe in it: forza!

© 2023 AFP