Six Nations news: How the tournament is shaping up
The Six Nations still has plenty of twists and turns left after only one round played.
Wins for France, Scotland and Ireland over Wales, Italy and England did not come as much of a surprise for many fans, as all three were the favoured teams going into the first fixture.
In this Sports News Blitz article, Charlie Elliott gives a rundown of how everyone is shaping up ahead of the second game, and what it means for the tournament as a whole.
Who can win the Six Nations?
Ireland are favourites to win the whole tournament, despite head coach Andy Farrell leaving for British and Irish Lions duty and being replaced by interim Simon Easterby.
After turning up the heat on England in the second half, following a rusty first period, they showed their title credentials yet again.
Having won the competition twice in a row in the past two years, winning an elusive third would make them the first-ever team to win a three-peat.
The fixture list has been kind to Simon Easterby, with a home game against France in the penultimate round hugely boosting their hopes.
France, the 2022 champions, aren’t too far behind.
They have more individual quality in their team which features stars such as Antoine Dupont, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Thomas Ramos who all can change a game by themselves.
Scotland are outsiders and put in a good performance against Italy, albeit slightly rusty.
However, an injury to Sione Tuipulotu before the start of the competition may prove to be fatal to their title hopes.
Following a loss to Ireland, England need to win all their remaining games and hope that other results benefit them, which leaves them as huge outsiders this year.
Italy and Wales are both given very little chance of success given their losses in the first game, but also due to the lack of quality they have compared to the other teams.
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Who can win the Triple Crown?
The Triple Crown is a mini tournament which is competed by the home nations - England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales - and is hotly contested due to the local bragging rights associated.
Ireland have been dominant in recent years, having won the 2022 and 2023 editions.
Being favourites for the whole tournament means that they are automatically considered the best out of the home nations.
England have had a tough time against northern neighbours Scotland in the Calcutta Cup.
However, should they manage to beat Scotland and Wales, they could end up as Triple Crown champions but will need other results to go their way.
Should Ireland beat Scotland this weekend, they will all but seal success with a win at Murrayfield.
Who will get the Wooden Spoon?
The Wooden Spoon is awarded to the team who finishes in last place, with two clear favourites.
Italy are on the rise and put in a valiant shift away in Scotland but are still a bit behind most of the competition in terms of quality.
Wales have been on a massive decline recently and are currently in their worst-ever run of form, losing their last 13 Test matches.
France away in the first game was never going to be easy but losing 43-0 and it being a positive result says all that you need to know about the place this squad is at.
Many fans want head coach Warren Gatland out for this reason, and it could be his final farewell should they finish last again.
This weekend, Italy host Wales in Rome and the loser of this will be almost guaranteed the Wooden Spoon.
MORE FROM CHARLIE ELLIOT: Six Nations news: A look at the last five meetings between England and France
