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Sky Sports News’ James Cole takes a look back on the 2023 Six Nations, assessing the state of play with each side ahead of the World Cup in France later this year…

Ireland

Ireland were, quite simply, head and shoulders above the rest in this year’s Six Nations.

The grand slam was a fitting end to an excellent campaign – and, indeed, an excellent 12 months. They’ve now won 10 Tests in a row, which including an historic series win in New Zealand.

Jonny Sexton seems to be getting better with age and may think twice about his decision to retire after the world cup.

Their back three have all taken their games to another level – James Lowe, Mack Hansen and Hugo Keenan are now a lethal combination. They’ve also got huge strength in depth in their squad to call upon.

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Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was delighted to clinch the Grand Slam on home turf while England’s Steve Borthwick admitted his side fell short.

And as for head coach Andy Farrell, he has created an environment in which his players can express themselves and thrive.

Hansen said as much this weekend, suggesting the motivational skills of Farrell are unrivalled

“All the coaches [deserve credit] but Andy, he can just get you up for a game like no other,” Hansen said. “He just seems to say all of the right things and it just sounds cooler in his accent as well.

The RFU must be wondering why on earth they let Farrell go in 2016.

France

France were slow starters in this campaign and weren’t at their best – not until they produced one of their greatest ever performances to destroy England at Twickenham.

Italy were beaten by just five points in Rome in the opening round, they then lost to Ireland and only just held off Scotland before everything finally clicked as they ran riot against England.

Weaknesses had been exposed against Ireland, but you sense this French side will peak when it matters.

France captain Antoine Dupont had another outstanding tournament

In captain Antoine Dupont they have a freakish talent who can single-handedly turn a game, while their back three of Damian Penaud, Thomas Ramos and Etan Dumortier are clinical.

Add to that the fact have one of the biggest and most powerful packs in world rugby and it’s clear why they are bookies favourites to win the World Cup on home soil later this year.

Scotland

Scotland had an excellent campaign and one that has left Scottish supporters wondering why head coach Gregor Townsend’s future beyond the World Cup remains in doubt.

Finn Russell was scintillating throughout and now that he and Townsend have healed their differences, Scotland are hitting their straps.

Finn Russell was a standout performer for Gregor Townsend’s Scotland side

What’s more, Blair Kinghorn’s performance against Italy, which saw him bag a hat-trick, has shown also their depth at No 10.

Giant winger Duhan Van der Merwe has taken his game to another level, and the centre combination of Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu has been a big success.

Scotland hadn’t won their first two games in this competition since 1996, but they put that to bed with impressive wins over England and Wales. It’s just such a shame that they find themselves in a World Cup pool alongside South Africa and Ireland, from which only two will progress.

England

England are a side in transition and they’re running out of time to be competitive in France.

New head coach Steve Borthwick has been quick to lay the blame on his predecessor Eddie jones – but Borthwick’s decision to drop Owen Farrell in favour of Marcus Smith against France backfired massively.

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Steve Borthwick said England’s heavy Six Nations defeat to France was ‘painful’.

England fans learnt the hard way just how crucial Farrell is to this side, whether at 10 or 12, which is something that Jones preached for years.

Up front, England’s pack restored some pride on the final weekend in Dublin but the lack of strength in depth – particularly at prop – is striking. Number 8 also remains an issue and calls for Zach Mercer to get a chance will grow.

Behind the scrum, Freddie Steward has been a revelation and was outstanding. His red card in Dublin was harsh and shouldn’t overshadow how well he has played.

Freddie Steward was controversially sent off for England in their final Six Nations game against Ireland

In Ollie Lawrence, Borthwick has another ball carrying centre aside from Manu Tuilagi, while Jack Van Portvliet has usurped his Leicester team-mate Ben Youngs at No 9. When you look at it like that, Borthwick has made big strides in evolving this team.

The defeat to France aside, England have made progress, albeit they are still well short of the best.

Maybe one day they’ll reflect on that night Twickenham turned Les Bleus and conclude it was a tough but crucial lesson.

Wales

It was a turbulent campaign for Wales, both on and off the field.

Head coach Warren Gatland’s reappointment brought much hope to Welsh fans but it didn’t materialise in this campaign.

The chastening defeat to Scotland was a reality check for many. Off the field, the contact row and threat of strike action before England’s visit to Cardiff divided the squad and the game itself.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland oversaw a turbulent Six Nations campaign on and off the field

On the pitch, Gatland continuously chopped and changed his teams during the campaign as he struggled to find the balance between evolution and revolution.

The emergence of young centres Joe Hawkins and Mason Grady is a big plus. Wales also have a plethora of talented back rowers but lacked cutting edge when it mattered.

That said, they’ll be hard to beat come the World Cup – and were they to meet England in the quarter-finals, you wouldn’t rule out Gatland masterminding another England downfall.

Italy

Italy may have ended up winless and with the wooden spoon but they showed they can now compete with the best.

Had they been more clinical against Wales and Scotland, Kieran Crowley’s side could well have produced an upset.

They were also the better team in the second half against England, while they pushed both France and Ireland closer than anyone would have predicted.

Italy were much improved in this year’s Six Nations

Italy are better now than ever before – but they must start taking their opportunities.

Unfortunately for them, they find themselves in a World Cup pool alongside New Zealand and hosts France. It’s hard to see them emerging from that one.

We hear from all four camps ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations opening weekend, as Wales host Ireland in Cardiff and England face Scotland at Twickenham…

Gatland: Ireland clash a ‘free hit’ for us | Farrell: ‘No such thing in Test rugby’

Wales boss Warren Gatland has claimed Saturday’s Six Nations opener between Wales and Ireland at the Principality Stadium is a “free hit” for the hosts.

Marginal title favourites Ireland kick off their campaign against Wales, and arrive as the world-ranked No 1 team following a spell of sustained success that saw them claim a Test series triumph against the All Blacks in New Zealand, beat South Africa and Australia and also land a Six Nations Triple Crown.

Wales have claimed four successive Six Nations victories at Ireland’s expense on home soil, while the Gatland factor also cannot be ignored.

His second stint as Wales head coach begins just over three years after the first one ended. When he last held the post between 2008 and 2019, Wales won four Six Nations titles, three Grand Slams and reached two World Cup semi-finals.

“I suppose the free hit for us is that the expectation and pressure is on them (Ireland) to win as favourites,” Gatland added.

“It hasn’t always been the easiest tag for Irish and Welsh teams in the past to carry going in as the favourites.

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Wales head coach Warren Gatland says the past week has been ‘a challenge’, but insists focus for the players is wholly on their Six Nations opener against Ireland

“You can get an upset because there is a huge amount of history and rivalry between those two nations and there has been a lot of close games.

“The secret, and I am sure Andy will be talking about this, is that you don’t run away from that, you look to embrace the expectations of being the No 1 team in the world.

“That is definitely the attitude I would be taking if I was in the Ireland camp. I’ve had that experience in the past with Wales, having to handle the favourites’ tag.

“There were probably one or two games in the autumn when they (Ireland) were under a little bit of pressure and they could have lost or it could have gone the other way, but they knew how to close the game down and manage it.

“We had that experience in 2018 and 2019 with Wales. We went through 14 matches unbeaten, and the thing about that is you’ve got a team that has composure, takes their moment and is able to manage games.

“That is probably the Irish team at the moment.”

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The Welsh Rugby Union’s acting chief executive, Nigel Walker admitted the organisation had been in denial, despite the warning signs, after allegations of sexism, misogyny and a toxic culture at the organisation were revealed

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Welsh Rugby Union chairman Ieuan Evans has vowed that an external taskforce will be established to help tackle the recent discrimination allegations

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has backed “massive personality” Finlay Bealham to fill the void left by star prop Tadhg Furlong.

Australia-born Bealham will make his full debut in the championship at the age of 31 by deputising at tighthead on the back of some standout displays for Connacht and a series of impressive Test outings from the bench.

Farrell is hopeful Furlong (calf) will be back in contention for next week’s Round 2 clash with France but has full faith in his understudy, who has won 23 of his 27 international caps as a replacement.

“He’s not quite ready,” Farrell said of Furlong. “In fact, he’s progressing pretty well but he’s not quite there yet.

“He could possibly be there in the next few days or week or whatever, but we just think that Finlay deserves it as well.

Key man Tadhg Furlong (calf) has been ruled out injured for Ireland’s opening Six Nations clash vs Wales in Cardiff

“He’s playing some outstanding rugby at this moment in time. The last game he played, he scored a hat-trick, he’s scrummaging very well, so he deserves a start.

“Tadhg will keep working away to hopefully be fit for the French game.

“Coming back from the autumn, or any camp he’s been in with us, he (Bealham) has had that trust.

“He’s a massive personality within our squad, he’s very popular, but coming out of the autumn and how that translates, going back to Connacht and his performances since then has been top-drawer.”

Connacht tighthead Finlay Bealham is the man to come in for Furlong, and head coach Andy Farrell says he deserves his place

Farrell is happy the Principality Stadium roof will be closed for the encounter as he is eager for his in-form team to handle the loudest possible atmosphere.

However, the Englishman laughed off claims from rival Gatland that the clash is a “free hit” for Wales due to Ireland’s position at the top of the world rankings.

Farrell said: “A free shot in Test match rugby? Where do you get them from?

“We’d love to be able to buy one of those. Maybe I’ll buy him a free shot after the game.

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Ireland boss Farrell says there is an extra layer of spice to the Six Nations this year

“But there’s absolutely no doubt that Warren will expect his side to win…and so do I. I expect our side to win.

“His past record shows what he’s about in this competition. Finding a way to win has always been key to those teams, and we’re very aware of that.”

Wales: 15 Liam Williams, 14 Josh Adams, 13 George North, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Tomos Williams; 1 Gareth Thomas, 2 Ken Owens (c), 3 Tomas Francis, 4 Adam Beard, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 6 Jac Morgan, 7 Justin Tipuric, 8 Taulupe Faletau

Replacements: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Rhys Carre, 18 Dillon Lewis, 19 Dafydd Jenkins, 20 Tommy Reffell, 21 Rhys Webb, 22 Owen Williams, 23 Alex Cuthbert

Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 James Lowe, 10 Johnny Sexon, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park; 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Finlay Bealham, 4 Tadhg Beirne, 5 James Ryan, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris.

Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Tom O’Toole, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Ross Byrne, 23 Bundee Aki.

Genge: Buzzing England squad excited under Borthwick | Gray keen to seize Six Nations chance: ‘Previous results vs England give us belief’

England prop Ellis Genge says he is “buzzing” to be back working alongside Steve Borthwick – but has vowed to “kick on and create something new” ahead of his country’s Six Nations opener against Scotland.

Under Borthwick’s tutelage at Leicester, Genge, 27, skippered the Tigers to last season’s Premiership title – nine years after they were last crowned kings of the English domestic game.

Borthwick transformed Leicester’s fortunes in just two seasons as head coach and he has now been tasked with reversing England’s slump following the dismissal of Eddie Jones.

Kevin Sinfield followed Borthwick from Leicester as defence coach, while Tigers tighthead Dan Cole, 35, is back in the England set-up after three years away.

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New England head coach Steve Borthwick says he is as excited as the supporters for the Calcutta Cup match against Scotland

“I probably did think that I wouldn’t be coached by him again, so I’m buzzing to be working back with Steve and Kev,” said Genge, who moved to his home-town club Bristol following Leicester’s championship triumph.

“But what’s unspoken is that we don’t want to rekindle that Leicester relationship. We want to kick on and create something new.

“We haven’t been speaking about the good old days, even though it was only last year. We’ve been trying to kick on and master what we’re trying to do here.”

Genge, capped 43 times by England, having made his debut in 2016, added: “When he (Borthwick) was captain for England, it probably didn’t end the way he wanted it to end.

“He spoke really well in the meeting the other day. When you hear a coach who has been in that role, numerous times, and ended up captain and then having it taken away from him, you know he really understands.

England loosehead Ellis Genge lauded praise on new head coach Borthwick and the start he has made to the job

“A lot of coaches always say you’ve got to be better at this, got to be better at that. And Steve does that, but he looks at your super strength and says, ‘That is what I want you to be incredible at’.

“He doesn’t shout, he doesn’t bawl, he’s not one of those that’s going to hang you out to dry in front of people. Don’t get me wrong, he will do if he needs to. But most of the time he speaks calmly and he knows what he’s trying to get across and he makes a very good point of doing that.”

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England second row Maro Itoje says Borthwick has made it clear that every player in the squad must fight for their shirt

England will be back in front of the Twickenham crowd for the first time since they suffered a humbling 27-13 defeat to South Africa in November – Jones’ last match in charge.

Genge concluded: “I don’t think we’re a desperate team but we are extremely keen.

“Eddie is an absolutely world-class coach. Rightly or wrongly, the regime has been changed. Whether or not it was on the back of that performance against South Africa, I can’t speak on that.

“But what I can tell you is that we’ve had a great week’s preparation, and we’re excited to move forward.”

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Borthwick has called on his players to keep fighting for their places and does not close the door on the possible inclusion of Manu Tuilagi in the future

On the Scotland side, Richie Gray is relishing this year’s Six Nations as he admits there were times in recent seasons when he wondered if he would get to play in the tournament again.

The 33-year-old Glasgow lock has won 69 caps but has been on the periphery of the national team for much of Gregor Townsend’s five-and-a-half-year reign.

Gray has made only three Six Nations appearances under the current head coach, with the last of those coming at home to Wales in February 2021.

However, after making a positive impression following a surprise recall to the squad for the recent autumn Tests, he is in line to start Saturday’s Calcutta Cup match.

“Yeah, probably,” he said, when asked if he thought occasions such as this weekend’s Twickenham showdown were in the past for him. “For two years, maybe more than that, I wasn’t really getting in.

Scotland lock Richie Gray says he thought his Six Nations days might be over, adding there is belief they can beat England again

“With the strength and depth across the second row, it’s an area we’re really strong at, so there were a few moments when you go, ‘I might struggle to get back in here’.

“From that perspective, I’m very fortunate to be back here. I’m making the most of my time and enjoying it as much as I can as I’m very aware how quickly it can all pass by.”

Gray was among the substitutes two years ago when Scotland won at Twickenham for the first time since 1983.

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Scotland boss Gregor Townsend has backed Luke Crosbie to bring his Edinburgh form to the national team in Saturday’s Six Nations opener against England

Townsend’s team have claimed the Calcutta Cup in four of the last five years and Gray feels they can draw confidence from memories of 2021 as they bid to ensure Borthwick gets off to a losing start.

“In 2021 we won down there, albeit in very different circumstances with no crowd, but we take belief from that,” he said. “Recent results against England have been favourable, but we’re under no illusions as to how big the challenge is.

“They’re under new management so will have a point to prove. They’ll also be hurting from the autumn and will come out all guns blazing, so we’ll need to match them.

“They’ve got quality across the board. If you look at Borthwick and how he played at Leicester with that traditional strong English pack who want to take you on up front. We’re aware of that as a pack of forwards, it will be a challenge. But one I hope and believe we can match.

“That’s the challenge, to do it when there are 80,000 getting behind their team. How do we react under that pressure? But I certainly believe we can.”

England: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Max Malins, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Jack van Poortvliet; 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 4 Ollie Chessum, 5 Maro Itoje, 6 Lewis Ludlam, 7 Ben Curry, 8 Alex Dombrandt

Replacements: 16 Jack Walker, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Nick Isiekwe, 20 Ben Earl, 21 Ben Youngs, 22 Ollie Lawrence, 23 Anthony Watson.

Scotland: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Kyle Steyn, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White; 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 George Turner, 3 WP Nel, 4 Richie Gray, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 6 Jamie Ritchie (c), 7 Luke Crosbie, 8 Matt Fagerson

Replacements: 16 Fraser Brown, 17 Jamie Bhatti, 18 Simon Berghan, 19 Jonny Gray, 20 Jack Dempsey, 21 George Horne, 22 Blair Kinghorn, 23 Chris Harris