Previewing Ireland At 2025 Six Nations

Ireland is out to make history in this Six Nations tournament as they look to be the first three-peat winner. Ireland has been consistently one of the best if not the best in Europe for the last few years. Under head coach Andy Farrell, Ireland has proven to be a difficult squad to beat using tactics never seen before while also whipping out surprising play calls and playing solid defense. However, this version of the tournament, the Irish will not see Farrell run the team as it will be Simon Easterby as Farrell is preparing for the British & Irish Lions tour. There is some change, but roughly the same squad. However, Ireland, is still one of the favorites in this tournament.

Simon Easterby

With Farrell away on another obligation, Easterby is going to take charge. There probably won't be much of a difference defensively as Easterby was in charge of the forwards and defense, but in the attack? That's going to be a big question as attack coach Mike Catt will have to work with Easterby and see what play calls they make. Will the Irish play with the same intensity and sharpness like they do with Farrell? Does Easterby have a different approach to winning matches? There's a lot of questions, but it will be interesting to see.

Flyhalf Battle

Jack Crowley looked like the guy who was going to be the next guy donning the 10 jersey for the next decade taking over from the legend that is Jonathan Sexton. Then a player named Sam Prendergast rose up the ranks and is now challenging Crowley. Crowley was flawless in 2024, but seemingly has been struggling of late with Prendergast looking like he was taken the number one role. This is a good thing for Ireland as competition for such a premium position on the pitch helps a lot. The only question is how will they approach their game plans with both of them.

Set Pieces

The bread and butter of Ireland's attack is their set pieces. The Irish are so good at it that other teams have a hard time setting up game plans to counter their strength. However, that was all under Farrell, so it will be interesting what type of play calls in the set pieces Easterby will produce.

Will Ireland Change Their Ways?

A few years ago, it felt nearly impossible to prepare playing Ireland. Now, it's starting to seem predictable. That being said, there is some fresh blood on the squad like Prendergast, Gus McCarthy, Jack Boyle, and Cormac Izuchukwu, and that might be what Ireland needs to get back to their unpredictable ways. That being said, while there might be a lot world class talent, it feels like there isn't change in the old guard.

Fixtures

Match One: vs England

Match Two: at Scotland

Match Three: at Wales

Match Four: vs France

Match Five: at Italy

There might be three matches away, however, the two most important matches in the tournament for Ireland are against the two best threats to winning the tournament over them: England and France. Those two matches will be played favorably for Ireland as it is home with the crowd behind them.

England

England is an intriguing team this year, but there is plenty of talent for Steve Borthwick. Marcus Smith is a really unique and dynamic player and Alex Mitchell is one of the best scrumhalves in the world, but the backs in general have some intrigue with others such as Cadan Murley, Ollie Lawrence, and Freddie Steward. But they also have a very solid scrum with players such as Ellis Genge, Maro Itoje, Tom and Ben Curry, and George Martin. They should give Ireland fits.

Scotland

Scotland might not quite have the same talent level as the top three contenders do, but they will definitely compete for it. They boast arguably the best fly half in the world in Finn Russell, but other players such as Blair Kinghorn, Duhan van der Merwe, Darcy Graham, Johnny Gray, Matt Fagerson, and Jack Dempsey also pack a punch. They don't have Sione Tuipulotu for this tournament as that's a huge blow, but there is a lot of talent here. Gregor Townsend is changing some tactics up that might actually might help them be a dark horse contender to win the tournament.

Wales

Wales has been struggling the last few years as they went winless in 2024, but the only way they can go now is up. While the wooden spoon is realistic for them in this tournament, there is some talent here for Warren Gatland's squad. Some of the players to be on the watch out for are Liam Williams, Nick Tompkins, Tomos Williams, Dafydd Jenkins, Jac Morgan, and Aaron Wainwright.

France

France might be the team that is better than Ireland as it's masterful to watch them play. So talented and play rugby very sound, this is going to be the Irish's biggest test. They boast the best scrumhalf in the world and arguably best player in the world in Antoine Dupont and one of the top flyhaves in Romain Ntamack, but there is other great talent in Thomas Ramos, Gregory Alldritt, Uini Atonio, Cyril Baille, and Julien Marchand. Fabien Galthie is one of the best coaches in the world, so he's got a lot of tricks up his sleeve.

Italy

It's taken them a long time, but there are signs that Italy is improving. While still a contender for the wooden spoon, there is a lot of talent to like here. Gonzalo Quesada might bring a bit of an Argentinian style of play to Italy, but the improvements seem to make it look like the Italians are embracing it. Some of the top talent on this side are Tommaso Allan, Ange Capuozzo, Monty Ioane, Paolo Garbisi, Michele Lamaro, Sebastian Negri, Dino Lamb, and Danilo Fischetti.

Prediction

Champion. Yes, it's going to be a close one, but Ireland always seems to find a way to win matches. France might have a great chance of winning this tournament, but the Irish just know how to win.