France
, without Antoine Dupont preparing the Games, and
Ireland
, without the retired Jonathan Sexton, will try to forget the fiasco of the
Rugby World Cup
just over three months ago with the title of the
Six Nations
tournament , whose 2024 edition begins today.
The competition is presented as the beginning of
a new cycle
for the powers of the Northern Hemisphere, especially for the French and Irish, the two teams that dreamed of lifting their first World Cup last October at the Stadium de France and who left of the World Cup
without even playing the final
, in which South Africa defeated New Zealand (12-11).
Precisely, the new edition of the tournament will begin with the duel between
the two greats defeated in the World Cup
, although not on the stage where a little over three months ago they mourned their hasty departure from the planetary event, since the match will be played in
Marseille
as the Parisian temple is under construction in order to host the Games.
It is broadcast on Star+ from 5:00 p.m. (Argentine time).
After losing both in the quarterfinals of the World Cup, the 'Bleus' against South Africa (29-28) and the Greens against New Zealand (28-24),
the two teams arrive in reconstruction
and with many
absences
from the World Cup, since either due to withdrawals or injuries.
French coach
Gabien Galthié
will not have available his star
Antoine Dupont
, who is preparing for his Olympic participation with the VII rugby team, nor the injured Romain Ntamack, Thibaud Flament, Emmanuel Meafou or Anthony Jelonch.
Jordie Barrett consoles Bundee Aki after the All Blacks' victory over Ireland, in Saint-Denis.
Foot: JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP.
In the face of so many absences,
Grégory Alldritt
will be the captain of the French.
"The Six Nations is always like a return to school (...) There is the feeling of a new beginning, of novelty, but also the continuity of the four years that have passed," Galthié said this week.
Reigning champions of the tournament, the Irish defend their crown without their star Jonny Sexton, who retired after the World Cup, and without the injured Dave Kilcoyne, Mack Hansen and Jimmy O'Brien.
Antoine Dupont, in the center, will not play the Six Nations: he works with France VII thinking about Paris 2024. Photo: REUTERS / Gonzalo Fuentes.
Third row Peter O'Mahony is the new captain of the Shamrock XV.
"There is nothing more difficult than starting with a trip to France, but it is a challenge that we must take with a good state of mind," said coach Andy Farrell, who like his French counterpart continues in the position despite the World Cup disappointment.
England, from surprise to consolidation
Surprising third in the World Cup,
England
will seek to confirm their recovery with
Marcus Smith
released from Owen Farrell's competition.
The star flyhalf decided to take a break after receiving numerous insults from English fans.
Hooker Jamie George will take the captain's armband with the mission of uniting a group that has lost other important pieces in addition to Farrell, such as Courtney Lawes (retired), Henry Arundell, Jack Willis and Joe Marchant (not eligible when playing in the French championship).
Marcus Smith will no longer have competition from Owen Farrell in his position.
Photo: AP Photo / Daniel Cole.
Scotland
, for its part, was third in the last Six Nations, although it later did not confirm its positive dynamic and was eliminated in the group stage of the World Cup.
Gonzalo Quesada, the chosen one of Italy
The Cardo XV, led by
Finn Russell
, the self-proclaimed 'Messi of rugby', will try to spoil the party for some of the favorites and continue gaining consistency.
Finally,
Wales and Italy
are called to play for the Wooden Spoon, the symbolic prize for the team that loses all its games, which Argentine
Gonzalo Quesada
will want to avoid in his debut as coach of the Azzurri.
The Italian team will not be able to count on their fullback Ange Capuozzo
, who is ill,
in this Saturday's debut against England .
"Ange suffers from gastroenteritis and will be replaced in the starting XV by Lorenzo Pani," the Italian technical team explained in a video conference on the eve of the match.
Gonzalo Quesada took charge of Italy after the World Cup.
Photo: Tiziana FABI / AFP.
Capuozzo has been key in Italy's attack and his loss is a great loss for the XV coached by the Argentine.
Italy lost its five games in the 2023 edition of the Six Nations Tournament, winning its eighth consecutive wooden spoon.
Quesada came to the Nazionale bench to replace New Zealander Kieran Crowley after the 2023 World Cup, in which Italy finished 3rd in its group behind hosts France and New Zealand.
Six Nations: the matches of the first week
Friday 2/2 17.00 - France vs Ireland
Saturday 3/2 11.15 - Italy vs England
Saturday 3/2 1:45 p.m. - Wales vs Scotland