That’s right fedizens, it is time. At 2010 UTC France host Ireland to kick off the 2026 Men’s Six Nations. And what a match we could have ahead. Thursday night so that Italy’s winter Olympics opening ceremony has air space, and the French love a late kick off (having been at the final game last year, I know how much fun it is too!)

Looking at the game itself and we see Dupont back, alongside a championship winning side, with France being current holders. And Ireland naming a younger challenger team, who have something to prove already if the pundits and bookies are correct. Expect a low scoring affair with the rain having beaten Paris all day, and not abaiting for the match. France’s size and experience to mean this does rightly favour the French. But discount Ireland at your peril, this is very much a potential banana skin that could set the tournament tone tonight.

Further ahead we see a tournament with just 1 rest week, so we are back-to-back-to-back here for the first time ever. Good, just how I like it!

As always, predictions, reactions, analysis, and shitposts all welcome here in !rugby

And sign up for the kicktipp, come on, it’ll be a laugh! And lineups from https://www.rugbykickoff.com/game/france_ireland_2026-02-05/

    • Olap@lemmy.worldOPMEnglish
      1·
      3 days ago

      Yes, they had a great 15/20 minutes second half. But not enough to take a win

  • PostProcess@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    3 days ago

    Don’t think Ireland have rebuilt to the class of last year. France have Dupont fit and starting, I think it’s theirs to lose!

    • Olap@lemmy.worldOPMEnglish
      1·
      3 days ago

      Post Sexton they have definitely come off the boil. Still a great side, but not grand slam material either. Unlike the French imo. Le Crunch gonna be sooo good, Sat 14th March, final game of the tournament!

      • PostProcess@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        2 days ago

        Beautiful planning in my opinion, here’s hoping it’s a grand slam decider!

        Well, not too much doubt that Ireland are not the team to beat this year! Going to be a great Saturday though, can’t wait to see what form Italy are in, they’ve shown such improvement these past few years and their youth pipeline’s really paying off.

    • Olap@lemmy.worldOPMEnglish
      2·
      3 days ago

      Thanks, fixed. Got a prediction for tonight? Hard to see past France, and by 10 for me

      • Bobby Turkalino@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        2·
        3 days ago

        The rain has me thinking Ireland by 3 or less. When the ball is wet, I feel like it doesn’t affect the ability to catch soft short-range passes (Ireland’s offense) nearly as much as the ability to catch offloads while you’re charging full speed vertically (France’s offense)

  • pirc_lover@feddit.ukEnglish
    1·
    3 days ago

    Feel Ireland lacked punch in the forwards. For that kind of tip on game you need the forwards to be getting at least parity on the gain line, and Doris couldn’t do it all on his own. McCarthy in particular was anonymous. Noticeable difference when a second 8 in Conan came on (though ofc France’s defence was more tired).

    From an England perspective I’m worried if we stick with a lightweight back row to start. Think we’re going to miss Willis massively v France, and probably have to start someone like CCS at 8 or have a lock at 6 (e.g. Chessum/Coles) to give that defensive heft for their carries off 9 and to get some go forward.

    • Olap@lemmy.worldOPMEnglish
      2·
      3 days ago

      Totally agree about the forwards, Ireland were playing on the back foot all firat half. The change in second to playing off the 9 was a huge improvement, and they got the results, but damage was all done by them

      England should fancy Ireland and fear France. As should we all!