Three rounds into the 2026 Six Nations and the numbers are already shaping the storylines: France look the most clinical, Scotland the most efficient, England are living off territory, Ireland are still chasing precision, while Wales and Italy have quietly put up some fascinating underlying metrics.

50 Stats That Explain the First Three Rounds of the 2026 Six Nations

Below are 50 stats from the opening three rounds that show what’s working, what’s wobbling, and what might decide the championship run-in.

France: the benchmark (and the risk)

1. Total metres gained: France lead the tournament with 1,972m.
2. First-phase tries: France have scored 9, the most in the championship.
3. 22m efficiency: France convert 40.9% of 22m entries into tries.
4. Chip kicks: France lead with 11.
5. Box kicks: France have used 40, second only to Wales.
6. 50/22 success: France are one of only two teams with a successful 50/22.
7. Lineout errors: France have a perfect record with 0.
8. Maul-to-try: France are one of only two teams to convert a maul into a try.
9. Early momentum: France have scored 3 tries inside the opening 10 minutes.
10. Turnovers conceded: France have conceded a tournament-high 59.

France look the most dangerous side in the competition — but that turnover count is the one number that can keep others in touching distance.

Ireland: pressure without polish

11. Scrum offences: Ireland have conceded the most with 12.
12. Lineout errors: Ireland lead the tournament with 3.
13. Tackle success: Ireland sit at 75.00%.
14. Turnovers conceded: Ireland have conceded 43.
15. Rucks won in opposition 22: Ireland have recorded 30.
16. 50/22 success: Ireland are one of the two teams to execute one successfully.
17. Restart retention: Ireland have retained 1 restart kick.
18. Early momentum: Ireland have scored 2 tries inside the opening 10 minutes.

The underlying pressure is there for Ireland, but set-piece errors and scrum discipline are leaving points on the pitch.

Scotland: efficiency, accuracy, composure

19. Tackle success: Scotland lead the tournament at 85.22%.
20. Turnovers conceded: Scotland have conceded 32.
21. Maul-to-try: Scotland are one of only two teams to convert a maul into a try.
22. Restart retention: Scotland lead with 2 retained restart kicks.
23. Chip kicks: Scotland have attempted 5.
24. Rucks won in opposition 22: Scotland have recorded 12.
25. Early momentum: Scotland have scored 2 tries inside the opening 10 minutes.

Scotland aren’t topping every “power” category, but their efficiency stats are screaming “hard to beat”.

England: territory kings, ball security worries

26. Territorial kicking metres: England lead with 2,893m kicked.
27. Box kicks: England have used 26.
28. Tackle success: England sit at 79.06%.
29. Turnovers conceded: England have conceded 56.
30. Chip kicks: England have attempted 6.
31. Rucks won in opposition 22: England have recorded 14.
32. Early momentum: England have scored 2 tries inside the opening 10 minutes.

England are controlling where games are played — but that turnover figure is the red flag.

Wales: high work-rate, strong retention, blunt edge

33. Box kicks: Wales lead the tournament with 43.
34. Turnovers conceded: Wales are the best in the championship with just 26.
35. Rucks won in opposition 22: Wales lead with 33.
36. Tackle success: Wales sit at 76.37%.
37. Turnover profile: Wales have conceded 33 fewer turnovers than France (26 vs 59).
38. Territory approach: Wales are the most committed to contestable-kick pressure (box-kick volume No.1).
39. Red-zone presence: Wales have spent plenty of time in the 22 (rucks won No.1) but haven’t matched France’s conversion rate.
40. Ball security: Wales’ retention is better than every other nation after three rounds.

Wales’ numbers suggest a side that can build pressure and keep the ball — the missing piece is turning that work into tries.

Italy: competitive in spells, still chasing cutting edge

41. 22m efficiency: Italy convert just 16.7% of 22m entries into tries.
42. Tackle success: Italy sit at 78.86%.
43. Turnovers conceded: Italy have conceded 52.
44. Chip kicks: Italy have attempted 3 (lowest in the tournament table shown).
45. Rucks won in opposition 22: Italy have recorded 13.
46. Early momentum: Italy have scored 1 try inside the opening 10 minutes.

Italy’s defence is not miles off, but their 22m conversion number explains why strong periods aren’t becoming scoreboard pressure.

Set-piece & discipline: the hidden swing factors

47. Scrum discipline: Ireland have conceded the most scrum offences (12), while England and Wales are the most disciplined (5 each).
48. Maul strategy: England have attempted the most mauls (24), but only France and Scotland have converted a maul into a try.
49. Lineout accuracy: Ireland lead lineout offences (3), while France have made 0 lineout errors.
50. Defensive danger-zone penalties: Wales have conceded the most in defence (23), closely followed by England (22).

What the numbers really mean after three rounds

France have the most clinical attack, Scotland have the cleanest efficiency profile, England are living off territory, and Ireland’s underlying pressure is being undermined by set-piece and discipline issues.

But don’t ignore Wales and Italy. Wales are leading the tournament for red-zone rucks and ball retention — those are foundations you can build on quickly if the attack clicks. Italy’s conversion rate tells you exactly why they’re not turning competitiveness into wins.

Two rounds remain. If one side improves a single lever — France reducing turnovers, Ireland cleaning up scrum/lineout, or Wales sharpening 22m conversion — the table can still shift fast.

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Rugby World Cup 2027 Betting: France Now a Smart Bet After Statement Win Over Ireland

With just over two years to go until the Rugby World Cup kicks off in Australia, the odds are starting to shift – and not without reason. Following a massive Six Nations 2025 statement from France, including a dominant victory over Ireland, Les Bleus may now be the value pick in the outright market.

Latest Odds Overview

According to Paddy Power, the early favourites remain the usual suspects. New Zealand lead the way at 5/2, closely followed by South Africa at 3/1. The Springboks will look to defend their title and become the first nation to win five World Cups.

Ireland and France are next in line at 5/1 – but after France’s crushing of Ireland in this year’s Six Nations, those odds might not last long.

Why France Could Be the Smart Backing

France’s win over Ireland wasn’t just impressive – it was a warning shot to the rest of the world. With a squad boasting depth, youth, and flair, and the hurt of their home quarter-final exit in 2023 still lingering, Fabien Galthié’s side appear to be peaking at exactly the right time.

With talismanic figures like Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack, and Gregory Alldritt in their prime, the French blend physical dominance with attacking precision. Their performance in 2025 suggests they’ve put past heartbreak behind them – and 5/1 could look generous in hindsight.

Hosts and Long Shots

Australia, the 2027 hosts, sit at 7/1 – a reflection of their rebuilding status after a disastrous 2023 campaign. England follow at 10/1, but inconsistency continues to dog them.

At 33/1, both Argentina and Fiji look tempting each-way options, especially given their strong World Cup pedigree and explosive backlines.

Wales (40/1) and Scotland (50/1) are drifting, while Italy (425/1) and the rest (500/1) remain unlikely champions.

Verdict: Back Les Bleus

If you’re looking for timing and value, this could be the moment to back France at 5/1. Their form in the 2025 Six Nations, particularly the demolition of Ireland, shows a side with serious intent. Add to that a settled coaching ticket and a generational squad, and it’s hard to ignore the writing on the wall: France are coming.

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As the 2025 Six Nations reaches its defining moment, the Player of the Championship race is intensifying ahead of this Saturday’s Ireland vs France showdown in Dublin. With Ireland potentially one win away from a Grand Slam, an Irish player could emerge as the frontrunner for individual honours, while France’s key stars will be determined to spoil the party.

Dupont Still Leads the Betting, But Irish Stars Are Closing In

Despite missing the opening rounds due to his Sevens commitments, Antoine Dupont (4/9) remains the bookmakers’ favourite. The France scrum-half is a generational talent, and his return has given Les Bleus a major boost. If France win in Dublin, he will likely cement his claim to the award.

However, should Ireland claim the Grand Slam, it will be hard to overlook one of their key players for the honour.

Sam Prendergast’s Rise to Contention

Here's a video showcasing why Sam Prendergast is such an exciting Rugby Prospect!

FULL VIDEO –> https://t.co/pyu0BOrYsQ pic.twitter.com/I0UinPnrrY

— Andrew Forde (@andrewfrugby) January 22, 2025

Sam Prendergast (6/1) has quickly established himself as Ireland’s first-choice fly-half, overtaking Jack Crowley in the pecking order. The young Leinster playmaker has shown impressive game management and attacking creativity, though his tackling remains a slight weakness.

If he delivers a commanding performance against France and Ireland go on to win the Grand Slam, Prendergast could be the natural choice for Player of the Championship. The award has traditionally favoured players from the title-winning team, making his final two performances crucial.

Gibson-Park and Conan Also in the Running

Jamison Gibson-Park (7/2) has been instrumental in Ireland’s attacking tempo, his quick decision-making and sharp passing proving vital. A strong performance against Antoine Dupont could see him emerge as a major contender.

Meanwhile, Jack Conan (12/1) has been a rock in the Ireland pack. If he dominates the breakdown and carries strongly against France, his odds could shorten rapidly.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey: France’s Best Bet?

Outside of Dupont, Louis Bielle-Biarrey (7/2) has been one of France’s standout players. His pace and finishing ability have been crucial in keeping France’s title hopes alive. If he plays a starring role in Dublin, he could emerge as a dark horse for the award.

Grand Slam Could Decide It All

History suggests that if Ireland complete the Grand Slam, the Player of the Championship is likely to come from their squad. In 2018, Jacob Stockdale won the award after scoring a record-breaking seven tries in Ireland’s unbeaten campaign.

If Prendergast guides Ireland past France and then seals the Grand Slam against Italy, he could be impossible to ignore. But if France win on Saturday, Dupont’s grip on the award will only strengthen.

This weekend’s Ireland vs France clash isn’t just a title decider—it could determine the Six Nations Player of the Championship too.

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The U18 international has signed a three-year contract with the Challenge Cup winners, joining the side from Leinster.

According to the42, Leinster were keen to retain the Drogheda centre but they did not have a full academy place available for him.

Martin opted to move to mainland Europe to join Montpellier as a result of this.

The Louth native made his debut for the Leinster U18s at the age of 15 and joins Phillipe Saint-André’s side with international experience at youth level under his belt.

Martin, who was the 2018 Young Sports Star of the Year at the Drogheda Independent Coca-Cola Sports Star awards was also involved in the Leinster ‘A’ setup in the past season.

His former club Boyne RFC wished him well on their social media account after the deal was announced.

@MHR_officiel have officially confirmed the signing of Ex Boyne centre Karl Martin on a 3-year Academy deal. Well done Karl from all at Boyne RFC.. https://t.co/eJi2vtugEL pic.twitter.com/Cg9RSlDjgI

— Boyne RFC (@BoyneRFC) July 5, 2021

The 18-year-old becomes the latest player to leave Ireland’s most high profile province and go abroad.

Hugh O’Sullivan recently moved across the pond to join Declan Kidney at London Irish.

23-year-old Luke Carty was part of the Connacht setupb ut recently moved across the Atlantic Ocean to join the LA Giltinis.

The younger brother to Ireland international Jack Carty qualified for United States and made his debut for the side against England on Sunday.

Martin will now pursue a professional career in French rugby.

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