Six Nations Surpasses Rugby Championship, Declares All Blacks Legend Justin Marshall

Following a thrilling 2026 edition, former All Blacks star Justin Marshall has stated that the Six Nations is now “arguably better” than the Rugby Championship. The assessment comes after France clinched the title in a dramatic fashion, defeating England 48-46 in a match widely considered one of the greatest in the competition’s history.

France’s Decisive Victory

France secured the Six Nations title on Saturday with a last-minute penalty kick from Thomas Ramos, narrowly edging out Ireland. The match against England was a spectacle of rugby, showcasing the high level of competition currently present in the Six Nations.

Shifting Landscape of Rugby Competitions

Historically, the Southern Hemisphere has dominated Rugby World Cups, winning nine of the ten tournaments held. The top two teams in the World Rugby rankings currently hail from the Southern Hemisphere. But, Marshall believes the Six Nations has elevated its standard of play, challenging the Rugby Championship’s traditional edge in overall quality.

Bledisloe Cup Concerns

Marshall pointed to the Bledisloe Cup as a potential detriment to the Rugby Championship, citing the consistent dominance of the All Blacks over Australia. He believes this lack of competitive balance weakens the tournament’s overall appeal. “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 them,” Marshall said.

Six Nations’ Enhanced Quality and History

Marshall emphasized the Six Nations’ rich history, tradition, and intense rivalries as key factors contributing to its appeal. He also noted the increased scoring and dynamic play seen throughout the 2026 tournament. “But that Six Nations tournament, because of its history, is arguably a better and more constructed tournament, and the teams are playing rugby now,” Marshall explained. “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.”

A Game for the Ages

Marshall drew parallels between the recent France-England clash and the iconic 2000 “Game of the Century” between Australia and New Zealand, highlighting the exciting and competitive nature of the current Six Nations. He praised the attacking prowess of both teams, specifically mentioning Louis Bielle-Biarrey of France and the playmaking ability of Antoine Dupont.

Overall Sensational Competition

“It was an outstanding game of rugby, it really was. The whole competition was sensational,” Marshall concluded, acknowledging the high quality of play across the entire Six Nations tournament.