Reigning champions with a different head coach
With Andy Farrell now away on British and Irish Lions duty, Simon Easterby steps into the role of interim head coach for Ireland. Easterby, who has been a key figure in the Irish coaching setup since 2014, brings a wealth of experience and familiarity to the team - read about his influence on Wales great Ken Owens here. His deep understanding of the squad and his established relationships with the players are expected to provide continuity and stability as Ireland aim for an historic third consecutive title.
Easterby's approach is heavily influenced by his extensive background as both a player and a coach. As a former flanker, he earned 65 caps for Ireland and was known for his tenacity and leadership on the field. His coaching career began with the Scarlets after ending his playing days there. He served as head coach from 2012 to 2014 before joining Ireland as a forwards coach. In 2021, he transitioned to the role of defence coach, contributing to Ireland's defensive solidity and overall success as they rose to the top of the world game.
Those who have played under him say Easterby's key strengths is his ability to foster a cohesive and motivated squad. His familiarity with the players and the existing coaching staff ensures a seamless transition in leadership, while his decision to stick with a core group of Six Nations-winning veterans, while also integrating promising new talents like uncapped prop Jack Boyle, reflects his balanced approach to squad selection.
Farrell is a hard act to follow, so Easterby's leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead. His tactical acumen, combined with his ability to inspire and unite the team, positions Ireland as strong contenders for the title. The opening match against England will be a significant test, though, and will set the tone for Easterby’s first Championship campaign in charge.
France’s fly-half conundrum
Among the 42 players selected by Fabien Galthié for the 2025 Championship, three fly-halves are vying for the starting role: Romain Ntamack (37 caps), Matthieu Jalibert (34 caps), and Thomas Ramos (39 caps). Galthié faces a tough decision, balancing performance and motivation across the trio.
Ntamack and Ramos debuted during the 2019 Six Nations, while Jalibert earned his first cap a year earlier. Jalibert has primarily played as a fly-half, while Ntamack (pictured below) has also appeared at centre (including in his debut against Wales). Ramos, traditionally a fullback (77% of his caps have been at 15), transitioned to fly-half during the final matches of the 2024 Championship due to injuries to the aforementioned pair.
Since his shift during France’s hugely successful Autumn Nations Series, Ramos - whom Dan Biggar has called "one of the best players in the world at the minute – be that at 10 or 15" - has emerged as a serious contender for the No. 10 jersey. However, with Ntamack returning after a long absence and Jalibert in strong form for Bordeaux-Begles, Galthié faces a critical decision. The withdrawal of fullback Romain Buros could further complicate matters, potentially pushing Ramos back to 15 and leaving Jalibert at fly-half.
Then there is the not inconsiderable presence of Antoine Dupont, also a potential option at fly-half (and anywhere else he fancies playing, such are his many talents).
Galthié must navigate a challenging selection process to find the right balance for a demanding tournament.
Wales’ perfect 10?
While France have three frontline candidates for the fly-half position, Warren Gatland appears to be betting the house on just one: uncapped 21-year-old Dan Edwards. In a nation traditionally obsessed with the number 10 jersey, it’s a choice that has raised eyebrows.
Edwards is seen as a player of immense potential – indeed, he scored all of Ospreys’ points in a recent draw with Cardiff – but this call represents a significant vote of confidence in his ability to handle the pressure of international rugby. With the Championship almost upon us, and Wales looking to emerge from the rut of 2024, Gatland’s approach signals a willingness to take calculated risks as he looks to build for the future.
While Cardiff’s Ben Thomas has also been named in the squad, he has primarily featured at inside centre despite having some experience at fly-half. This leaves Edwards as the only out-and-out number 10 in the group. Thomas’ versatility may provide cover, but relying on a single specialist fly-half is a bold move, especially given the physical demands of the Championship. It speaks volumes about the trust Gatland has in Edwards’ composure and playmaking ability, despite his limited experience at the senior level.
Wales’ production line of fly-halves has long been a point of national intrigue, with legends like Barry John, Phil Bennett, and Jonathan Davies setting the standard. More recently, the depth at the position has fluctuated, and Edwards’ selection offers a glimpse into the next generation. His inclusion also highlights Gatland’s intent to refresh the squad with young talent (as evidenced in his decision not to select the fit-again Gareth Anscombe of Gloucester, who is 33).
While the pressure on Edwards will be immense – remember that Wales open the campaign in Paris on Friday 31st January – Gatland has never shied away from giving young players opportunities, and Edwards could just emerge as one of the Championship’s breakout stars.
England’s win target
Steve Borthwick has been tasked with going one better than last year’s campaign, when England won three from five. That one of those wins was against Ireland on Super Saturday, the final day of the campaign, should give them hope – not least considering their first match of 2025 is in Dublin.
Since England’s last Championship title in 2020, an overall ranking of their final standings in the competition would put them in fourth position. That’s something Borthwick and his coaching team are desperate to improve on given the size of their player pool and the talent that lies within there.
A new year has brought a new captain, with Maro Itoje replacing clubmate Jamie George in the skipper role. A second row, as was Borthwick, Itoje’s promotion to captain has been a long time coming (on the table since he captained the U20s to the Junior World Championship title in 2014), so could the move figure in a renewed English tilt at the title?
Known for his commanding presence and relentless work ethic, Itoje’s leadership qualities could be exactly what England need to rediscover their edge. With 88 international caps and a key role in British and Irish Lions campaigns to his name, the 30-year-old offers invaluable gravitas and knowhow.
England’s struggles in past tournaments have often been rooted in discipline and inconsistency, areas where Itoje’s influence could prove transformative. As a vocal and proactive leader, he can guide focus under pressure while managing referee relationships diplomatically. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, he could be well-suited to unite the squad and set a decisive tone as England seek to claim those four victories.
'Kilted Kiwi' provides glimpse of Scotland’s future
Gregor Townsend’s decision to include Saracens’ Fergus Burke in Scotland’s squad is no doubt an exciting one. The New Zealand-born fly-half, who previously represented the Crusaders in Super Rugby and was eligible for England, has chosen to commit his international future to Scotland through his paternal heritage. At 24, Burke brings a skillset that Townsend hopes will add a new dimension to Scotland’s backline.
Burke’s selection not only bolsters Scotland’s fly-half depth – which already has the brilliant Finn Russell at its surface – but also represents a significant coup for Scottish rugby. Having been on the radar of both England and New Zealand, his decision to don the thistle underscores Townsend’s ability to attract top talent from abroad. With Burke’s accurate kicking game and sharp tactical nous, he offers an intriguing alternative to Russell, who remains Scotland’s talisman. Burke’s versatility also means he can slot into fullback if needed, giving Townsend valuable options in a demanding tournament.
So while Scotland’s fly-half position has often been defined by the mercurial brilliance of Russell, Burke’s arrival could signal the start of a long-term succession plan. It’s not a role in which he is unfamiliar, having already been tasked with stepping into the boots of another famed fly-half, Owen Farrell, at Saracens.
Who will take on Lynagh duties?
With Benetton’s Louis Lynagh sidelined due to a knee injury, Gonzalo Quesada must now decide on who replaces the man whose two tries helped Harlequins clinch the Premiership title in 2021. The competition to fill Lynagh's shoes is fierce, with three promising candidates vying for the position: Simone Gesi, Matt Gallagher, and Jacopo Trulla.
Gesi, who earned his first (and so far only) cap against Scotland in Edinburgh in 2023, is a strong contender. He has the potential to make a significant impact on the field, as his performances in the United Rugby Championship with Zebre have shown. Italy’s opening match on Saturday 1st February is a repeat of Gesi’s Test debut, which makes you wonder if his familiarity with the Scottish team and playing in front of a passionate Scottish crowd gives him an edge for this game.
Gallagher (above) with two caps to his name, also presents a compelling case. The son of former World Cup-winning All Black John Gallagher, he has rugby in his blood, much like Lynagh. The similarities don’t end there, though, since Gallagher also played in the Premiership (with Bath) before joining Benetton. Gallagher's solid defensive capabilities and ability to read the game make him a reliable option for Italy, who will do very well to improve on last year’s impressive campaign.
Trulla is the most experienced player of the trio with 12 caps. His versatility, having played both wing and fullback, adds an extra dimension to his game. As Italy prepare to face Scotland in their opening match, the decision on who will replace the lethal Lynagh could determine how effectively Quesada can unleash his backline.
The Guinness Men's Six Nations kicks off with France v Wales on Friday 31st January. See the full fixture list here.
