Six Nations news: Power rankings after first round as France and England impress, Ireland struggle
The first round of the 2026 Six Nations has been and gone as France and England both staked claims to win the crown.
England crushed Wales 48-7 and France outplayed Ireland 36-14, while Italy defeated Scotland 18-15 in what was a demoralising loss for the under-pressure Scots.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Joseph Terry gives his power rankings after the opening weekend of arguably the greatest rugby competition in the world.
First: France
Undoubtedly the best team of the weekend, France dominated Ireland in front of a baying, floodlit crowd in Paris.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey presented why he is the popular pick for the top tryscorer award, while Theo Attisogbe matched Bielle-Biarrey’s superb performance on the opposite wing.
Julien Marchand then took control of the front row in the absence of Uini Atonio, steering the scrum to seven victories.
It was a result that staked a strong claim for the title and perhaps even a Grand Slam.
Second: England
England didn’t need to shift out of second gear to defeat Wales as Henry Arundell scored a hat-trick in 28 minutes.
The Bath back, on his first Six Nations appearance, proved why he is viewed as the prime attacking threat for the English.
Jamie George deputised for Maro Itoje as captain with confidence and George Ford’s trademark spiral bombs wreaked havoc.
All in all, a competent performance that held many of Steve Borthwick’s cards unplayed.
READ MORE: Six Nations news: Five talking points from England’s comprehensive victory over Wales at Twickenham
Third: Ireland
A sluggish Irish XV made it look like few lessons had been learned since their flat Autumn Nations Series.
Kicks were focussed on contestable kick-and-chase phases, but Ireland only claimed a first catch on the hour mark as the plan failed.
Sam Prendergast was picked over Harry Byrne and Jack Crowley at 10, and the Leinster youngster struggled to kick for territory and caused a scrum for the second try.
A weak scrum was also exploited as the inexperienced prop partnership, due to injuries, was unable to compete.
Not even a bonus point was the worst possible start for the 2023 and 2024 champions.
Fourth: Italy
In biblical Roman rain, the Italians secured a second consecutive win against the Scottish at the Stadio Olimpico.
Louis Lynagh was a crucial component, collecting a grubber kick to score the opening try and attacking a kick-and-chase that led to the second try.
Paolo Garbisi kicked eight points and even attempted drop goals in the driving rain, with gli Azzurri catching out Scotland with an attacking kicking strategy.
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Fifth: Scotland
The pressure built on head coach Gregor Townsend expanded after a bruising loss in Rome.
Despite making double the carries and nearly 200 more metres, the Scots struggled to retain their overwhelming territory advantage.
Scottish lineout ball was stolen four times by the Italians alongside five lost throws in wet and windy conditions.
A strong response is required against England at Murrayfield to avoid a Calcutta Cup collapse.
Sixth: Wales
Welsh fans left Twickenham at half time and that spells embarrassment.
Poor discipline ruined any momentum the strugglers built as they were awarded four yellow cards and reduced to 13 men on two occasions, conceding 14 defensive penalties.
Steve Tandy’s puzzling team selection started Louis Rees-Zammit at full-back, an unsuited role where the primarily wing-playing speedster toiled unsuccessfully in kicking battles.
However, young fly-half Dan Edwards played a more confident game, with the Ospreys half-back developing into a national team mainstay.
