The Six Nations is upon us, and the battle for European rugby supremacy begins once again!
To mark the occasion, former England fly-half Andy Goode teamed up with us here at BoyleSports to preview England’s Six Nations opening clash with Ireland this Saturday.
In England v Ireland on Saturday, BoyleSports will Pay Out Early if either side goes 17 points ahead at any stage.
Goode gave us his verdict on the tournament, backing Ireland as the team to beat while being frank about how Steve Borthwick’s inexperience as a Head Coach has cost England. He also made a passionate case for how Marcus Smith’s full potential can be unleashed, stating that the mercurial playmaker could be England’s game-changer.
Check out the video below for a full Six Nations preview from Andy Goode, Simon Zebo , and Jim Hamilton and you can continue reading for Goode’s take on England heading into this Six Nations opener against the Irish.
2025 Six Nations Preview From Andy Goode
Why Ireland Are The Team To Beat In This Six Nations
“Ireland are favourites for me. They play England and France at home and historically they are perceived as their two biggest fixtures. England are only dark horses - we have three games at home, but who knows what England is going to come out with?
Ireland to win the Six Nations – 7/4
Borthwick’s Inexperience & English Errors
“Our errors have come from the substitutions and that’s the coach’s issue. You’re changing things fundamentally when they’re going well, for a preconceived idea of what you need to do, not having the feel of the game.
“That’s Steve Borthwick’s inexperience as a Head Coach, so you hope he’s learned from those errors and if we’re in the fight against Ireland or in the fight against France you don’t make changes for changes’ sake, because you think it’s the thing to do.”
England to win the Six Nations – 9/2
Take The Shackles Off Marcus Smith
“Marcus Smith was our best player in November, when he is given the backing of the coaches and the ability to run the show from the 10 jersey, we know he’s got a whole bag of tricks. His attacking game, his ability to pull defenders out of line and look to put other people through – when he’s allowed to meander across the field, it’s wonderful to watch.
“But I think he’s been restricted to how he can play for England and we’ve started to see over the November series, he was given that licence. But then it was taken back off him in the last 20 minutes. Back him, make the team all about him and how he plays and for me, he’s going to be our star man.”
Marcus Smith: Six Nations Top Points Scorer – 5/1
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