The 2026 Six Nations has burst into life with defending champions France producing a devastating performance to crush Ireland 36-14 at the Stade de France on Wednesday. With two more Round 1 matches today — Italy vs Scotland and England vs Wales — here's everything you need to know with our betting analysis.
Result: France 36-14 Ireland (5 February)
This was a statement victory from Fabien Galthié's side. France were utterly dominant before the interval, racking up a huge lead that Ireland could never recover from. Louis Bielle-Biarrey — who scored a record eight tries in the 2025 Six Nations — was once again electric.
Key Takeaways
- Bielle-Biarrey starred again — France's lethal wing continues to terrorise defences. His pace is genuinely frightening at international level
- Ireland's dream of a third successive title is already in deep trouble — losing by 22 points in the opener leaves zero margin for error
- France's pack dominated — they won the collision battle convincingly, giving their dangerous backs front-foot ball all evening
- Ireland rallied in the second half but the damage was done before half-time. Two late tries added respectability but never threatened a comeback
- France claimed maximum points — 5 points (win + 4+ tries bonus) gives them a commanding early lead
Current Six Nations 2026 Standings
| Pos | Team | P | W | L | PD | BP | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇫🇷 France | 1 | 1 | 0 | +22 | 1 | 5 |
| 2 | 🏴 England | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | 🇮🇹 Italy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | 🏴 Scotland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | 🏴 Wales | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 | 🇮🇪 Ireland | 1 | 0 | 1 | -22 | 0 | 0 |
Today's Matches: Round 1 Continues (7 February)
Italy vs Scotland — Rome, 16:10 SAST
Italy host Scotland at the Stadio Olimpico. Italy have grown into genuine competitors in recent years — they're no longer the whipping boys. Scotland travel well but Rome has been a tricky venue.
- Italy's home form has improved significantly in recent campaigns
- Scotland need to start with a win after a mixed 2025 tournament
- The Cuttitta Cup is on the line in this fixture
Italy at home are dangerous and Scotland's away record in the Six Nations has been patchy. This could be tight.
England vs Wales — Twickenham, 18:40 SAST
England welcome Wales to Twickenham in the evening kick-off. England are expected to be France's main challengers this year and will want to make a statement at home. Wales are in a rebuilding phase and have struggled at Twickenham.
- England's pack should dominate — their set-piece has been excellent
- Wales need to be competitive but a win at Twickenham would be a major upset
- The match-up between the forwards could determine the game
England should be too strong at home. Their forward pack and Twickenham advantage should see them through comfortably.
Tournament Outlook: Can Anyone Stop France?
After that demolition job on Ireland, France look imperious. They're defending champions, they thrashed Ireland 42-27 in Dublin last year, and now they've won the rematch 36-14 in Paris. Bielle-Biarrey's record-breaking form continues, and their pack is as physical as ever.
England look the most likely challengers, but they need to deliver today against Wales to keep pace. Ireland's title hopes look effectively over after just one match — they'll need France to slip up elsewhere, which feels unlikely.
Remaining Six Nations Schedule
- Round 2 (Feb 9/14): Wales vs France, Ireland vs Italy, Scotland vs England
- Round 3 (Feb 21/22): England vs Ireland, Wales vs Scotland, France vs Italy
- Round 4 (Mar 6/7): Ireland vs Wales, Scotland vs France, Italy vs England
- Round 5 (Mar 14): Ireland vs Scotland, Wales vs Italy, France vs England