Jonny Wilkinson in disagreement with 5 ITV colleagues on eve of Six Nations

Jonny Wilkinson has made a left-field choice for his Six Nations winners, predicting Italy to win their first ever title since their introduction to the tournament in 2000. The Six Nations begins at the start of next month, with France hosting Ireland in the opening match.

Italy will face Scotland first on Saturday and England will conclude the first weekend of matches with a clash against Wales at Twickenham Stadium. Most pundits have opted for favourites France or England to win the whole tournament, but Wilkinson has been firm in his selection. He said: "I think it could be Italy. They can be a dangerous outfit if you don’t give them the respect they rightly deserve and they have shown that they can hang in there with the best of them."

Italy have never won the Six Nations, being handed the famous wooden spoon for finishing last on 18 occasions. In 2024, they avoided this fate by beating Scotland and Wales, as well as getting a famous draw against France.

Former England international Topsy Ojo has refused to back his country, instead believing France will go back-to-back in the tournament. He said: "France - the defending champions have 3 home games in Paris, with 2 of those in the opening three rounds.

"A good start sets them up perfectly to not only go back to back, but chase down a grand slam clash with England on the final weekend."

France or England have become the popular choice among pundits, as former England star Maggie Alphonsi selecting the Red Roses based purely on recent form. She said: "It will be between France or England. Ireland have shown during the autumn that they are susceptible to dips in their performance. I think it will come down to the final game, England v France in France.

"France have a good run of games and England have a couple of tough ones away, including against Scotland and France. I am leaning towards England doing it and that’s purely based on their winning run/form."

Alphonsi added: "England are on an 11 match winning run including beating New Zealand. England has gone up in the world rankings from 7th to 3rd and they are a team with plenty of depth.

"England now finish games strong, which was a big issue for them last season. England also have an experienced and settled coaching team with the likes of Lee Blackett and Phil Morrow, along with a perfect balance of experience and youth in the squad." 

Welshman Dan Biggar and former Scotland international Greg Laidlaw are in agreement that France will win another title in 2026. Biggar said: "France, very closely followed by England.

"We have seen the impact from benches recently in the game and these two teams have the ability to change the game with their respective benches the most. But just with DuPont being back available, I fancy France."

Laidlaw added: "My front runner to win the competition is France, with three home games and a blockbuster match against Ireland to start, I think France will get it done."

Finally, ex-Ireland star Brian O'Driscoll has backed England to claim their first Six Nations title since 2020. He said: "I think England probably go in as favourites. They really seem to be building something special - on the back of a number of good performances."