Six Nations Now “Better” Than Rugby Championship? – Justin Marshall Claims

The 2026 Six Nations Championship has prompted a significant re-evaluation of the international rugby landscape, with former All Blacks star Justin Marshall suggesting the tournament is now “arguably better” than the Rugby Championship. The compelling conclusion to this year’s Six Nations, culminating in France’s dramatic 48-46 victory over England, has sparked debate about the relative quality and appeal of the two major Southern and Northern Hemisphere competitions.

A Thrilling Finish in Paris

France secured the title on Saturday with a last-gasp penalty from Thomas Ramos, edging out Ireland in a contest widely hailed as a classic. The match against England, a back-and-forth affair filled with intensity and skill, has been lauded as one of the greatest in Six Nations history. This captivating finale, coupled with a consistently high standard of play throughout the tournament, has led Marshall to question the traditional hierarchy of international rugby.

Historically, the Southern Hemisphere has enjoyed dominance on the global stage, winning nine of the ten Rugby World Cups. Currently, South Africa and New Zealand hold the top two positions in the World Rugby rankings. However, the Six Nations, with its rich history, passionate rivalries and unique atmosphere, has always been a compelling spectacle. Marshall believes this year’s edition has elevated the tournament to a new level, potentially surpassing the Rugby Championship in overall quality.

The Bledisloe Cup’s Impact

While acknowledging the intensity of matches within the Rugby Championship, such as those between the All Blacks and South Africa, Marshall pinpointed the Bledisloe Cup as a potential detriment to the tournament’s competitive balance. The consistent dominance of New Zealand over Australia in the Bledisloe Cup has created a perceived imbalance, diminishing the overall appeal of the competition. “Probably the Bledisloe’s a bit damaging for the tournament at the moment because Australia haven’t been able to win that Bledisloe and the All Blacks have dominated,” Marshall stated on The Breakdown.

This lack of consistent competition in the Bledisloe Cup contrasts sharply with the closely contested matches that characterized the 2026 Six Nations. Marshall emphasized the tournament’s ability to deliver consistently exciting and high-scoring games, a departure from the often more tactical and defensively focused contests seen in the Rugby Championship. “You’re not seeing 9-6 or 9-3 or 12-9, whatever it might be. They are playing, we saw a lot of points in all those games,” he observed.

A Game of the Century Revisited

Marshall drew parallels between the France-England thriller and the iconic 2000 match between Australia and New Zealand, often referred to as “The Game of the Century.” Both contests were characterized by a relentless back-and-forth flow, numerous tries, and a dramatic finish. However, Marshall highlighted the “non-constructed” nature of the France-England match, praising both teams for their willingness to attack and contribute to an open, expansive game.

He specifically lauded the attacking prowess of French players like Louis Bielle-Biarrey, describing him as a player with exceptional talent. While acknowledging that Antoine Dupont, the French captain, didn’t have his most dominant performance, Marshall pointed out his ability to create opportunities and influence the game. He also commended England for their resilience and competitive spirit, noting their improved attacking shape and strategic kicking game.

Sensational Competition Throughout

Beyond the captivating final match, Marshall emphasized the overall quality of the entire Six Nations competition. “The whole competition was sensational,” he declared. He praised the willingness of teams to engage in attacking rugby, resulting in a tournament filled with high-scoring games and memorable moments. This shift towards a more expansive and entertaining style of play has contributed to the growing perception that the Six Nations is now a more compelling spectacle than the Rugby Championship.

The implications of this shift are significant. The Six Nations’ growing appeal could attract more investment, sponsorship, and media attention, further solidifying its position as a premier international rugby competition. It also raises questions about the future direction of the Rugby Championship and the need to address the competitive imbalance created by the Bledisloe Cup. As the international rugby landscape continues to evolve, the 2026 Six Nations has undoubtedly served as a watershed moment, prompting a reassessment of the traditional power dynamics and highlighting the growing strength of Northern Hemisphere rugby.