Wales’ Six Nations Pedigree 

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The turn of the year means one thing to Welsh sports fans. The Six Nations is right around the corner. Ahead of the tournament, oddschecker, which compares Rugby odds and free offers, has made France the favourites for the tournament, and that’s not surprising. In last year’s championship, Les Bleus romped to the Grand Slam, and they will take some stopping once again this year. 

 

While the French were busy topping the table, the Red Dragons finished way down in fifth place in the standings, only finishing above Italy thanks to a handful of bonus points they picked up. The Welsh inexplicably lost at home to the Italians, giving the Azzurri their first win in the competition for SEVEN years.

 

This year however, Warren Gatland – arguably the greatest head coach in the history of Welsh rugby – is back at the helm, and he will be hoping that his side stamps their authority on the tournament ahead of this autumn’s Rugby World Cup. 

 

But as we all know, the Welsh have plenty of Six Nations pedigree. Wales won the Six Nations twice, with back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013. They also won the title in 2021.

 

2021 Six Nations Glory 

Heading into their 2021 championship fixtures, Wales were the predicted underdogs. Many believed that traditional favourites England, Ireland, and France—all of whom had come away with at least one tournament win in the eight years since the 2012 and 2013 glory days—were set to reassert their authority.

 

Yet, all that was quickly forgotten in the wake of a series of highly memorable performances from the Welshmen. Gareth Anscombe proved to be the tournament’s star performer, earning victories over England, Ireland, and France. 

 

Anscombe’s efficient kicking and pinpoint offense saw him take the tournament’s honors with a total of 49 points in five matches, an impressive feat considering the tight defensive play of all other teams in the tournament. This points tally was only part of the success story for Wales in the 2021 championship. Their defensive prowess was just as impressive. 

 

Wales showing no signs of fatigue as they repelled their opponents’ attacks game after game. They conceded an average total of just six points per match during the tournament, the lowest in the competition. As a team, Wales showed continuity and cohesiveness. They also seemed to relish the intensity of the environment and, as a result, they were able to effectively counter the threat posed by each of their opponents. 

 

What can we expect from Wales this year?

Wales’ improved performance in the 2021 Six Nations has certainly earned them the respect of their opposition. The Welshmen set a new standard for the tournament and showed what can be achieved when strength, desire, and determination come together. They undoubtedly secured their reputation as a major force in world rugby.

 

Last year’s performances do still linger, and Gatland will be hoping that he can iron out any mental frailties before 2023’s tournament gets underway. But there is hope.

 

In the summer, Wales were narrowly pipped in a three-game series against reigning world champions South Africa. The Welsh lost 32-29 in the opening game, conceding a last-minute try and, in turn, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Wales levelled the series up in the second game with a magnificent 13-12 victory, before eventually succumbing to the Springboks in the series decider. 

 

The only problem for Wales is that their competitors also enjoyed success in the summer. England managed to defeat Australia twice away from home to win their tour down under. Ireland stunned the All Blacks on enemy territory as well, defeating New Zealand away from home to secure the

greatest result in the history of Irish rugby. 

 

But Wales’ winning mentality is on its way back and, should they be able to achieve success this winter, a new winning legacy could be brewing.