As the excitement builds for the upcoming Six Nations tournament, Betway rugby ambassador Peter Stringer, accompanied by former England international Austin Healey, delve into key talking points.
The duo covered various aspects, including England's prospects post-Owen Farrell, the unexpected decision of Antonie Dupont to move to the 7s circuit, France's Grand Slam potential, and the surprising move of Louis Rees-Zammit towards an NFL career.
Healey expressed the concern among English fans and ex-players about the lack of stability in the 10-12-13 positions. He emphasized the importance of consistent selection, highlighting that a stable lineup throughout the tournament would result in strong performances on the field for England. Despite acknowledging England's potential improvement in playing style, Healey remains skeptical about their chances, citing the formidable talent of Ireland and the size advantage of France in the pack.
Discussing Dupont's decision to skip the tournament and focus on Sevens ahead of the Olympics, Healey found it a peculiar move. While understanding the desire to change training regimes, he questioned the overall timing of the move on the international stage. The decision was labeled a "big call" and left many wondering about its impact on France's performance at this year's tournament.
Both Stringer and Healey were in agreement that France, with two crucial home games against Ireland and England, could be the frontrunners for the championship and potentially a Grand Slam. Stringer acknowledged the potential for upsets, particularly from Scotland, but the consensus favored a smooth progression for France despite loosing their talesman to the 7s scene.
Stringer expressed uncertainty about the Welsh team's transition from the club game to international rugby, making their match against Scotland particularly intriguing. Healey placed his bet on Scotland, emphasizing their experience compared to the relatively young and inexperienced Welsh squad. Both agreed that Wales might face challenges and even a potential struggle to avoid finishing at the bottom, particularly in their final game against Italy in Cardiff.
The debate also touched upon Louis Rees-Zammit's decision to pursue an NFL career. Healey commended the young player for thinking about his future, despite the skepticism surrounding success in the transition. Stringer echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Rees-Zammit's youth allowing him to explore different opportunities, highlighting other rugby players who took similar paths with a change in sports, midway through their career.
