Rugby Six Nations: France and Ireland make their debut in the tournament trying to heal the wounds left by the World Cup

Francewithout Antoine Dupont preparing the Games, and Irelandwithout the retired Jonathan Sexton, he will try to forget the fiasco of Rugby World Cup just over three months ago with the tournament title Six Nationswhose 2024 edition begins today.

The competition presents itself as the beginning of a new cycle for the powers of the northern hemisphere, in particular for the French and Irish, the two teams who dreamed of lifting their first World Cup last October at the Stadium de France and who abandoned the world event without even playing the finalin which South Africa defeated New Zealand (12-11).

Precisely, the new edition of the tournament will begin with the duel between the two great defeats at the World Cupeven if not on the stage where just over three months ago his hasty departure from the planetary event was mourned, given that the match will be played in Marseille as the Parisian temple is under construction to host the Games. It is broadcast on Star+ from 5pm (Argentine time).

After losing both quarter-finals of the World Cup, the Bleus against South Africa (29-28) and the Greens against New Zealand (28-24), the two teams arrive in reconstruction and with many absences regarding the World Cup, both due to retirements and injuries.

The French coach Gabien Galthié he will not have his star available Antonio Dupontwho is preparing for his Olympic participation with the VII rugby team, nor with the injured Romain Ntamack, Thibaud Flament, Emmanuel Meafou or Anthony Jelonch.

Faced with so much absence, Gregory Alldritt He will be the captain of the French.

“The Six Nations is always like going back to school (…) There is the feeling of a new beginning, of novelty, but also of continuity of the past four years,” Galthié said this week.

Reigning champions of the tournament, the Irish defend the title without their star Jonny Sexton, who retired after the World Cup, and without the injured Dave Kilcoyne, Mack Hansen and Jimmy O’Brien.

Third row Peter O’Mahony is the new captain of Shamrock XV.

“There is nothing more difficult than starting with a trip to France, but it is a challenge that we must face with a good state of mind,” said coach Andy Farrell, who like his French counterpart continues to hold the position despite the World Cup disappointment. .

England, from surprise to consolidation

Surprising third in the World Cup, England will try to confirm your recovery with Marco Smith out of Owen Farrell’s competition. The champion decided to take a break after receiving numerous insults from English fans.

Hooker Jamie George will take the captaincy with the mission of uniting a group that has lost other important pieces besides Farrell, such as Courtney Lawes (retired), Henry Arundell, Jack Willis and Joe Marchant (ineligible when playing for the French national team ). championship).

ScotlandFor its part, it was third in the last Six Nations, although it then failed to confirm its positive dynamics and was eliminated in the group stage of the World Cup.

Gonzalo Quesada, Italy’s chosen one

The XV of the Cardo, led by Finn Russellthe self-proclaimed ‘Messi of rugby’, will try to spoil the party for one of the favorites and continue to gain consistency.

Finally, Wales and Italy They are called to play for the Wooden Spoon, the symbolic prize for the team that loses all the matches, which the Argentine Gonzalo Quesada he will want to avoid making his debut as coach of the Azzurri.

The Italian team will not be able to count on its full-back in Saturday’s debut against England Angelo Capuozzowho is sick.

“Ange suffers from gastroenteritis and will be replaced in the starting XV by Lorenzo Pani”, explained the Italian coach in a video conference on the eve of the match.

Capuozzo was fundamental in the Italian attack and his defeat is a great loss for the XV coached by the Argentine.

Italy lost their five matches in the 2023 edition of the Six Nations Tournament, winning their eighth consecutive wooden spoon.

Quesada arrived on the national team bench to replace New Zealander Kieran Crowley after the 2023 World Cup, in which Italy finished third in their group behind hosts France and New Zealand.

Six Nations: the matches of the first week

• Friday 2/2 5.00pm – France vs Ireland
• Saturday 3/2 at 11.15am – Italy-England
• Saturday 2/3 1.45pm – Wales vs Scotland