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Last year, Eddie Jones’ men came within one game of recording back-to-back Grand Slams, heading to Dublin on the final weekend with the title already sealed.
But, inspired by man of the match Peter O’Mahony and the only try of the game scored by Iain Henderson, the Irish upset the apple cart with a gritty win over England, their first defeat under coach Jones.
The win also moved Ireland up to second in the table on points difference: they finished level with France and Scotland on 14 points despite the introduction of a bonus point system for the first time in 2017, which should have differentiated teams more clearly.
So can England secure a third title on the bounce and will they return to their Grand Slam-winning ways of 2016? Here’s how they will attempt to do it.
(all times UK; home team first)
Round one
Saturday February 3, Wales vs Scotland (2.15pm kick-off; live on BBC)
Saturday February 3, France vs Ireland (4.45pm; BBC)
Sunday February 4, England vs Italy (3pm; ITV)
Round two
Saturday February 10, Ireland vs Italy (2.15pm; ITV)
Saturday February 10, England vs Wales (4.45pm; ITV)
Sunday February 11, Scotland vs France (3pm; BBC)
Round three
Friday February 23, France vs Italy (8pm; BBC)
Saturday February 24, Ireland vs Wales (2.15pm; ITV)
Saturday February 24, Scotland vs England (4.45pm; BBC)
Round four
Saturday March 10, Ireland vs Scotland (2.15pm; ITV)
Saturday March 10, France vs England (4.45pm; BBC)
Sunday March 11, Wales vs Italy (3pm; BBC)
Round five (Super Saturday)
Saturday March 17, Italy vs Scotland (12.30pm; ITV)
Saturday March 17, England vs Ireland (2.45pm; ITV)
Saturday March 17, Wales vs France (5pm; BBC)
The Six Nations coverage for 2018 has been split between ITV and the BBC once again.
ITV will show all of England’s home games as well as four others (see above) while the BBC will retain all of the other eight matches including England’s trips to Edinburgh and Paris.
Since both channels are terrestrial and free-to-air, every game of the Six Nations will be shown live online for free. Viewers simply need to hold a valid TV licence and may be required to sign in.
