
Six Nations predictions: Winner, top try-scorer, breakthrough star and more
The Six Nations returns with rugby’s annual spring spectacular set to provide the usual thrills and spills.
Scotland also have a squad capable of challenging as they bid to bounce back from a disappointing autumn; Italy will hope to overcome injuries to maintain their upward curve; and Wales will look to banish off-field noise and take steps forward in their first Six Nations under Steve Tandy.
It is a slightly condensed campaign this year, with the removal of a rest weekend likely to put increased pressure on each squad. Could that have a bearing on the outcome of the competition?
Find out who The Independent’s writers are tipping for success in our annual predictions:
Harry Latham-Coyle7 February 2026 11:40
The minor Six Nations change that could have a major impact on this year’s champions
Squad depth is going to become even more important in this Six Nations, you’d say, with the removal of the first rest week making it even faster and more furious than before.
Harry Latham-Coyle7 February 2026 11:30
Scotland spring selection surprise with Blair Kinghorn out of Six Nations opener
Jordan has earned a starting berth at full-back, with Kinghorn dropped from the matchday squad by head coach Gregor Townsend.
Jamie Dobie has been handed a first Six Nations start and will line up on the wing opposite Kyle Steyn, with the Glasgow pair preferred to Edinburgh’s Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe who have both been struggling for form recently.
Graham has been named on bench but there is no place in the 23 for Scotland’s leading try-scorer Van der Merwe, who was dropped in the autumn following a dip in form since his involvement with the Lions last summer.
Harry Latham-Coyle7 February 2026 11:20
Italy vs Scotland live
Round one of the 2026 Six Nations rolls on with an intriguing meeting between Italy and Scotland. The ever-improving Azzurri have been hit by injuries ahead of this campaign but may fancy their chances against a Scottish side under pressure after a disappointing 2025.
Kick off in Rome is at 2.10pm GMT.
Harry Latham-Coyle6 February 2026 09:29

