Guinness Men’s Six Nations: Ireland get revenge over England to start title defence

After weeks of build-up, the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations finally got underway at the weekend. France kicked things off in style with a triumphant win over Wales, while Ireland came from behind to beat England and avenge last year’s Grand Slam-ending defeat.

Guinness Men’s Six Nations Table

France run riot as Wales woes continue

France 43-0 Wales

It was a familiar story for Wales as they were forced to merely take part in Friday night’s opening Guinness Men’s Six Nations match. France have established themselves as one of the most-feared nations in world rugby in recent years and they showed exactly why in Paris.

The hosts were on fire as they raced into a stunning 28-0 half-time lead, inspired by the returning Antoine Dupont. The France talisman missed the competition last year in order to focus on representing his nation in the rugby sevens at the Olympic Games.

And after claiming a gold medal, he put on a gold star performance, providing three assists in the 49 minutes he was on the pitch. While he wasn’t among France’s points scorers, he was central to almost all of their attacking play and he beautifully set up both of Theo Attissogbé’s first-half tries.

Attissogbé’s opposite wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey also scored a double and the pair will undoubtedly be feared by any defence they come up against in the coming weeks. While France partied, Wales will be wondering when things might turn around for them.

Not even a red card for France’s Romain Ntamack gave them any hope of scoring. 2024 saw Wales become the first international side since 1937 to lose every match in a calendar year.

Their dismal form saw them claim the wooden spoon after finishing rock-bottom of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations table and if Warren Gatland doesn’t find answers soon, they’re in danger of repeating the feat this time around.

Scotland start strongly against Italy

Scotland 31-19 Italy

Duhan van der Merwe was the star of the show for Scotland last year as he became their all-time leading try scorer. But the wing turned provider at the weekend as he played his part in helping Huw Jones grab the headlines with a stunning hat-trick.

The centre scored his first after just eight minutes and after it was converted, Scotland were in dreamland as they led 10-0. Italy recovered well but the hosts held firm to go into the break 19-9 up.

An even second half meant the Scots stayed in control, as Jones added two more tries to take his international tally to 22. It was the perfect start for Gregor Townsend but his side have bigger tests to come, starting against defending champions Ireland this week.

Meanwhile, Italy are set for a huge clash against Wales. Both sides will be desperate to avoid the wooden spoon and it’s highly likely that the loser of Sunday’s meeting will be destined to finish bottom of the pile in this year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations.

Ireland come from behind to sink England

Ireland 27-22 England

As England took to the field in Dublin on Saturday evening, they would have been forgiven for thinking they had more than a chance of getting a result. Just over 11 months ago, a dramatic last-gasp drop goal from Marcus Smith earned England a one-point win over their old rivals.

That win ultimately prevented Ireland from securing a second successive Grand Slam. And while England were confident at kick-off at the weekend, they’d have been pinching themselves at half-time after going into the break with a 10-5 advantage.

A debut try from Cadan Murley set them on their way in a battling opening period. Sadly for England, they’d hurt Ireland’s pride, which ultimately woke the beast. The hosts came out firing in the second half and took control. A trio of tries from Bundee Aki, Tadhg Beirne and Dan Sheehan all but secured a bonus point win for the Irish and a triumphant start as they seek their third consecutive Guinness Men’s Six Nations title.

The visitors clawed back some pride late on, with tries from Tom Curry and Tommy Freeman confirming a losing bonus point. While Steve Borthwick’s side will have had high hopes going into the competition, they’ve now lost six of their last seven games and a meeting with France this weekend could further compound their misery.

Ireland face a tricky trip to Scotland but they’ll be full of confidence. They then face minnows Italy and will expect to be flying high at the top of the table by the time they meet the French in week four.

Guinness Men’s Six Nations week two fixtures

Italy v Wales – Saturday 8th February, 14:15
Stadio Olimpico, Rome

England v France – Saturday 8th February, 16:45
Allianz Stadium, London

Scotland v Ireland – Sunday 9th February, 15:00
Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh

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