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Rugby Union

Shane Williams: France are Six Nations favourites, but England and Ireland have a chance

Shane Williams: France are Six Nations favourites, but England and Ireland have a chanceGetty
The former Wales international thinks France have the edge.

Former Wales international winger Shane Williams believes that France are the current favourites for the Six Nations.

France are the only side who remain undefeated after the opening rounds of the European tournament, and the former Ospreys winger has enjoyed the competition so far.

Speaking to Betway, he said: “It’s been a typical Six Nations. It’s fast and furious, and is a tournament that in the blink of an eye is over.

“We’ve seen some great games already, I thoroughly enjoyed the Ireland v France game over the weekend, didn’t particularly enjoy the Ireland v Wales game, but that’s what the Six Nations is all about.

“Every game is different, individuals are stepping up and playing well and it's been fast and furious like it always is.

“All of a sudden, there's a number of teams that are in contention, and obviously France on top will be the favourites.”

Williams believes that while France are the favourites, England have shown enough to worry their opponents and Ireland have plenty to offer.

“Obviously, France have two wins from two – Ireland was always going to be a tasty, tasty test for them, but they came through that one in the end,” he began.

“So, certainly France would be the favourites, but I felt England were unlucky up at Murrayfield and they put Italy to the sword, but didn't really fire on all cylinders, so I think there's a lot more to come from England.

“I’ve been very impressed with Ireland, they [play] some lovely rugby, although not quite the same without Sexton against France. I think it's Ireland, England, and France that have the opportunity to go on now and win this.

“Wales travelling to Twickenham is going to be really tough, and that’s a game England will expect to win.

“It’s still up in the air and that's the beauty of the Six Nations - you can't write anyone off and you won’t put your money where your mouth is really at the moment, because there's a number of teams that could do it.”