Former Ireland star Rob Kearney believes the perception that England being not as strong as the other Six Nations sides is a misconception.
England secured a total of five wins from 12 games in 2024, with three victories in the Six Nations, one in the Summer Internationals, and one in the Autumn Internationals.
The November series often provides insights into a team’s chances in the upcoming Six Nations. Many feel that England's poor showing in November suggests they won’t be able to displace Ireland and France in 2025.
However, Kearney believes that Steve Borthwick's side is more competitive than it appears. He acknowledges, though, that a poor result on the opening day in Dublin could shift the narrative dramatically.
"England is bubbling away nicely. There is this misconception that they are not performing and are just scraping through teams, but they had a good November," Kearney said on Virgin Media this week, as reported by the Mirror.
"But coming to Dublin on the first weekend, that first weekend can throw everything open. It just takes one upset, and it changes the whole complexion of the competition."
Last year, France was without Antoine Dupont as he chose to play Sevens for France at the Paris Olympics. The star scrum-half is now back, and Kearney, like many, is excited to see what Les Bleus can achieve with him in the squad.
"France is the team we are all excited to see, especially as they have Antoine Dupont back again."
Ronan Kelleher of Ireland (obscured) scores his team's fifth try during the Guinness Six Nations 2024 match between France and Ireland at Orange Velodrome on February 02, 2024, in Marseille, France. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)Scotland has been improving in the Six Nations for several years, and many feel they could be on the verge of something special. However, Kearney does not believe they will win the 2025 edition.
"I've heard it argued that Scotland is the form team—they are playing well—but do I think they will win the Championship? No!"
The former Leinster great believes that Scotland's Murrayfield will pose the biggest challenge for Ireland.
"At the same time, I think Scotland away will be Ireland's toughest game. Their side of the coin is that they will be eyeing that as one they can really go after."
The 2025 Six Nations also represents an opportunity for Ireland to win a third successive Six Nations crown. Expectations for Ireland have evolved dramatically compared to a decade ago.
No matter what happens, Kearney believes the winner of the spring tournament will come down to France or Ireland, despite the narratives surrounding other sides.
"The fact is that we are talking about winning Grand Slams and Championships again—for the third championship in a row—and that is still pretty impressive."
"But overall, I think Ireland or France as Six Nations champions is a fair assessment."
Ireland's 2025 Six Nations Fixtures:
- Ireland v England
- Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Date: Saturday, February 1st
- Kick-off: 4:45 pm
- Scotland v Ireland
- Venue: Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
- Date: Sunday, February 9th
- Kick-off: 3:00 pm
- Wales v Ireland
- Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- Date: Saturday, February 22nd
- Kick-off: 2:15 pm
- Ireland v France
- Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Date: Saturday, March 8th
- Kick-off: 2:15 pm
- Italy v Ireland
- Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Date: Saturday, March 15th
- Kick-off: 2:15 pm
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