The Six Nations should show which northern-hemisphere nation will offer the greatest challenge to the southern-hemisphere giants at the World Cup this autumn
Six Nations tournament can sometimes be a parochial affair, but not in a World Cup year. The European contest, which starts on February 4th, should show which northern-hemisphere nation will offer the greatest challenge to the southern-hemisphere giants—New Zealand, South Africa and Australia—in the autumn.
England, by contrast, lost to both South Africa and Argentina, though they did manage a last-minute draw against New Zealand. Wales fared worse, losing to the minnows of Georgia. The latter contest recalled the 1991 World Cup, when Wales were defeated by what was then known as Western Samoa, sparking the Welsh joke: “Thank goodness we weren’t playing the whole of Samoa.”
England and Wales could turn their fortunes around, but they have weaknesses. England’s scrum, historically a strength, was exposed by South Africa in the autumn internationals, and the team has struggled with indiscipline. Owen Farrell, the captain, is one of the worst offenders, and has only just finished a suspension for a dangerous tackle; he was suspended for a similar offence in 2020. Wales suffered a precipitous decline in form in 2022.
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