Wales is anticipated to finish at the bottom of the Six Nations table for the second year in a row, according to bookmakers. Warren Gatland’s team faced their first whitewash in 21 years in the previous tournament, failing to secure a single win. The winless streak extended throughout 2024, marking a record 12 matches without a victory at the Test level as they head into the new Six Nations season. These poor results have led to Wales being designated as the favourites to claim the wooden spoon once more, with odds compiled by experts and shared by Oddschecker. This prediction aligns with Gatland’s preference, as he thrives on underestimation to motivate his players. Gatland expressed this sentiment at the Six Nations launch in Rome by stating, “There is no expectation on us. People are writing us off, but I have said this before, you write us off at your peril.”
Despite being outsiders at 25/1 for last year’s championship, Gatland’s team now face significant odds of 80/1 to emerge victorious this year. They are instead favoured to finish last with 10/11 odds. On the other hand, Ireland is expected to secure another championship title, pursuing a third consecutive triumph, with France closely following in second place. England is positioned third, and Scotland fourth in the list of favourites. Wales faces 5/4 odds of a winless campaign, while the probability of them achieving a Grand Slam victory by clinching all five games is set at a notable 500/1. Furthermore, their chances of winning a Triple Crown are slim, with Ireland being the top choice at 8/5 and Gatland’s squad positioned at 66/1. The odds of Wales scoring the most tries or points throughout the tournament are placed at 50/1, ranking them fifth among the teams. The opening match against France appears challenging, as Les Bleus are heavily favoured to secure victory with odds set at 1/33. In contrast, Wales faces 25/1 odds for a surprise win, with a draw being pegged at 70/1.
The predicted final Six Nations table for 2025 is as follows: 1. Ireland, 2. France, 3. England, 4. Scotland, 5. Italy, 6. Wales. These projections hint towards a tough season for Wales, but Gatland remains resilient and believes in instilling confidence and self-belief in his team. His comments at the Six Nations launch underscore the team’s underdog mentality and their determination to defy expectations. Despite the challenging road ahead, Gatland remains adamant that his side should not be counted out. The forthcoming tournament is shaping up to be an intense and competitive battle, with teams vying for dominance and supremacy in the Six Nations arena.
In other rugby news, teams are gearing up for the upcoming matches, with Wales making preparations for a warm-up clash ahead of their fixture against France. The rugby community is abuzz with anticipation and excitement as the competition approaches, promising thrilling encounters and fierce competition on the field. As the countdown to the Six Nations kickoff continues, fans and supporters are eagerly awaiting the action-packed games set to unfold in this prestigious tournament. Stay tuned for more updates and coverage as the Six Nations drama unfolds, with teams vying for glory and national pride on the rugby pitch.