Ladbrokes are tipping France to beat Ireland in the opening Six Nations 2026 game
Scotland are tipped for victory over Italy with England racking up a big score vs Wales
Top tryscorer tips for all three games will also be available when teams are announced
The Six Nations 2026 kicks off on Thursday evening with a clash between two of world rugby's heavyweights as France take on Ireland in Paris.
An exciting first weekend of action continues on Saturday as England go head-to-head with Wales after Scotland kick off their campaign against Italy.
Check out Ladbrokes' expert tips and predictions for all three Six Nations Round 1 games. You can also check out our in-depth Six Nations preview so you are fully clued up ahead of all the action.
Both France and Ireland have found themselves around the top-three places in the world rugby rankings in recent years but the pair come into this game in fifth and fourth respectively.
Those rankings are perhaps misleading, with France heavy favourites to get the better of Andy Farrell's side and we are tipping the hosts to begin with a win on their way to a potential Grand Slam triumph. If Ireland do emerge victorious, however, then we will have a wide-open Six Nations on our hands.
Scotland to beat Italy with winning margin of 1-12 points
Scotland are the side with the best chance of causing a stir amongst the three favourites France, England and Ireland and begin with a more favourable game against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico.
It was a strong Autumn Series for Italy having beaten Australia in a famous victory, but Scotland remain a level above and should get the victory. Backing a relatively narrow Scottish win of between 1-12 points allows you to enhance your odds while still covering your bases if a tight game is on the cards.
England to beat Wales with -28.5 handicap
Second-favourites for the Six Nations England are clear favourites to beat a Wales side which continues to be a shadow of its former self.
Having been the world's No1-ranked team as recently as 2019, Wales will go into their second successive Six Nations outside the top 10 teams in the world and avoiding another Wooden Spoon would probably be considered a success this time around.
With the odds stacked in England's favour at Twickenham as they continue to show promising signs, this match feels like the best one to make the most of the handicap market. Backing England to win with a -28.5 handicap feels like a more than reasonable option.
The Six Nations 2026 starts on Thursday, February 5, 2026 with France vs Ireland and concludes on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Who are the favourites for the Six Nations?
France are favourites to defend their title after winning it in 2025.
Can you bet on the Six Nations?
Ladbrokes are offering customers the chance to bet on the outright winner of the Six Nations as well as on each individual match throughout the tournament.
Which teams compete in the Six Nations?
The Six Nations is a tournament competed by the best teams from the northern hemisphere: France, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and Italy.
