Will England Bring the Six Nations Title Back to London?
England once again looks to be the team to beat as London’s Twickenham Stadium prepares to host three matches in the 2021 Six Nations Championship.
Head coach Eddie Jones and his players managed to edge out France to the title last year, and now all eyes are set on whether the Red Rose can retain their crown this season. With Scotland, Italy and France all making the trip to London, will any of them be able to cause an upset at Twickenham?
Another Calcutta Cup Thriller in Store
The last time the Scots made the trip to London, supporters at Twickenham got to witness one of the greatest international matches in living memory. At 31-7 down at half-time, Scotland looked down and out against a rampant England side, who were enjoying the day out.
An enthralling comeback from the Scots allowed them to take the lead in the latter stages. A last-ditch try from George Ford managed to help England salvage a draw in a game that will not be soon forgotten. It would take something really special to top that 38-38 draw in 2019, but the next instalment of the Calcutta Cup saga should be another exciting one in London this year.
Scotland will hope to have fly-half Finn Russell fit and ready for another crack at an England side who looked to be on their way to winning the Autumn Nations Cup in London back in November. England, who are 11/10 with bet365 in the betting to win the 2021 Six Nations, have not lost against the Scots at Twickenham since 1983 and will fancy their chances of retaining the Calcutta Cup this year.
A Tough Afternoon for the Azzurri on the Cards
Italy has not had the best of times on their visits to London to face the English, with the Red Rose winning all of the 27 previous encounters between the two nations. Italy was on the wrong end of a 57-14 defeat on their last trip to Twickenham, and it could be another big scoreline again this year.
The Azzurri did manage to make a contest of a match in London back in 2013, as they battled to an 18-11 defeat, having previously lost to England just 19-15 in Rome the previous year. However, it seems Italy has gone backward in its development in recent years and this should be another regulation win for Jones’ side on home soil.
Can France Land London Win?
The side that looks most likely to cause an upset at Twickenham this year is an ever-improving France outfit. It was 2007 the last time Les Bleus won a Six Nations game in London, but their last visit to rugby’s HQ showed they might be capable of a win this year.
France suffered an extra-time defeat to the Red Rose 22-19 in the Autumn Nations Cup, with a much-weakened side taking to the field for the visitors. If the French can welcome back all their star players from the likes of club sides Toulouse and Racing 92, it could be a real thriller when they meet on March 13 in London and it will not be one to miss.
Category: Student Sport
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