---

The Six Nations has kicked off in earnest, and already it feels like the six teams are separating into rather predictable groupings.

France are the clear favourites amongst the bookmakers, thanks to a dominant 36-14 opening night win. In truth, the score flattered Ireland. Meanwhile, England got an equally dominant win over Wales, 48-7, though the fact that Wales are in a total rebuild and transition period makes that less impressive.

Meanwhile, Scotland did what they always do and fell apart when least expected. Yes, the weather played a crucial role in that loss, but as commentator and former Scotland captain John Barclay noted, both teams played in that torrential rain. So, no excuses for the Scots and already likely looking at another year without a Six Nations title push.

That leaves us with one question – can anyone stop the French from yet another dominant year?

What Do The Bookies Say? Can Anyone Stop France?

The odds are pretty firmly stacked in France’s favour. At Bet365 and Ladbrokes, respectively, they sit at 4/9 and 2/5. Those odds are for an outright title win, too, and with one of their hardest games dealt with in such convincing fashion, it would be hard to look beyond France for the whole thing.

England: The Only Real Competitor

The next challenger is England (2s @ Bet365, 2/5 @ Ladbrokes). England have gone from looking like a potentially lost generation to being one of the most in-form teams in international rugby. With a fantastic pool of players who can’t even get in the team, they are the only Six Nations side with the depth to really give France a run for their money.

England has the depth, quality, and momentum. The last weekend game in France looks like it could be a deciding one.

Ireland: A Telling Defeat

Ireland (33s @ bet365, 50s @ Ladbrokes) is an utter long shot now. The opening game loss was brutal, and it looks to have completely zapped any confidence they might have had. When you lose your opener, it can sour the entire momentum ahead of the remaining games.

Ireland has been in a period of transition ever since Jonny Sexton called it quits, and it shows no signs of slowing down yet. While they have ample talent and quality, they look too light in positions that France dominates. Expect Ireland to compete in the other games, but they look like France has left them behind a little.

Scotland: No Chance

Scotland, what can we say? The Scots (40s @ bet365, 100s @ Ladbrokes) just cannot get out of their own way. Repeatedly, they throw away chances to build momentum. In recent years, Scotland have done the business when they should – usually, that means beating Wales and Italy – and have a strong record against England under Gregor Townsend.

However, when it comes to big matches against Ireland or France that could potentially decide their Six Nations fate, they regularly fall apart. What has been a highly talented Scotland side backed by good United Rugby Championship-level players at Glasgow and Edinburgh, respectively, looks like they’ll go down as yet another generation of nearly-men.

Italy: Extremely Unlikely

The other three – the ‘lesser half’ of the Six Nations, if you will – have little to no chance of a win.

Italy (100s @ bet365, 150s @ Ladbrokes) impressed in their 18-15 win against Scotland, but the fact that they still celebrate so wildly over defeating one of the sport's great underperformers shows that any ideas of winning the tournament are fanciful. Italy are a much improved rugby nation, but is still miles off competing with the top dogs, France. Until they start putting results in against England, France, and Ireland, Italy will always be a side topic.

Wales: In Total Transition

Wales’ complete meltdown against England on matchday one says it all. Despite the return of Louis Reece-Zammit, they are miles off competing. Gone are the days when Wales could compete not only for the Six Nations but for a Grand Slam. They are in a total rebuild.