The Six Nations tournament has begun. France beat Ireland at the “Stade de France” » How the schedule looks and who are the favorites to win the trophy
Article by Sebastian Culea – Published Friday, 06 February 2026, 12:36 / Updated Friday, 06 February 2026 12:37
France, start with a bang in the Six Nations Tournament: the world vice-champion made an authoritative debut in the 2026 edition, 36-14 against Ireland, at the Stade de France, in a match almost entirely controlled by Fabien Galthie's students. The representative from Hexagon also took the offensive bonus, a sign that the message for rivals is clear: France is ready to attack the trophy.
The hosts put their foot on the accelerator right from the start and entered the booths with a 22-0 no appeal. Louis Bielle-Biarrey opened the way for the essays (12), Matthieu Jalibert continued the recital (21), and Charles Ollivon closed the table in the first half (33). Thomas Ramos was flawless in conversions and added another penalty kick (27). Ireland? Blocked, without solutions, suffocated by the French defense.
After the break, France struck again quickly: Bielle-Biarrey managed the double (46), after a phase started by Antoine Dupont, and secured the offensive bonus. The Irish had a jolt of pride with tries from Nick Timoney (58) and Michael Milne (61), both converted by Sam Prendergast. However, the French had the last word: Theo Attissogbe scored in the 80th minute, Ramos converted, and the final score became 36-14.
Returning to the XV after a break, Antoine Dupont directed the game with authority. France start the tournament in the lead position, while Ireland have to fine-tune their gears.
Six Nations 2026 schedule
February 7, 2026
Italy – Scotland, 15:10, Rome
England v Wales, 5.40pm, London
February 14, 2026
Ireland v Italy, 15:10, Dublin
Scotland v England, 5.40pm, Edinburgh
February 15, 2026
Wales v France, 4.10pm, Cardiff
February 21, 2026
England – Ireland, 15:10, London
Wales v Scotland, 5.40pm, Cardiff
February 22, 2026
France – Italy, 16:10, Lille
March 6, 2026
Ireland v Wales, 8.10pm, Dublin
March 7, 2026
Italy – England, 16:10, Rome
Scotland v France, 5.40pm, Edinburgh
March 14, 2026
Ireland v Scotland, 3.10pm, Dublin
Wales v Italy, 5.40pm, Cardiff
France – England, 21:10, Paris
According to the boommakers, France are favorites to win the tournament at 1.80, followed by England (3.50) and Ireland (7.00). Scotland has odds of 15.00, Wales ranges between 25.00 and 50.00, while Italy is a total outsider (126.00).
The tournament can be watched in Romania on DigiSport stations.
