France the favourites for exciting Six Nations

France may be "red-hot favourites" to win the Six Nations according to England coach Eddie Jones, but several sides will fancy their title chances when spectators return for a 2022 edition that starts this weekend.

Several European teams enjoyed a successful November campaign, none more so than the French who thrashed New Zealand 40-25 to round off an unbeaten month.

Les Bleus have blended the traditional virtues of forward strength and inventive back play with a defence bolstered by the coaching of former Wales guru Shaun Edwards.

France last won the Six Nations in 2010 but next year's World Cup hosts have enjoyed two second-placed finishes in the Six Nations since former scrum-half Fabien Galthie took over as coach.

A first win over the All Blacks in 15 attempts in November was masterminded by the outstanding half-back duo of world player of the year Antoine Dupont, fit following knee and Covid-19 problems, and Romain Ntamack.

"Some people want to put that (favourites) label on us," France team manager Raphael Ibanez told AFP. "When I saw that, I thought, 'Another hit from the Brits!'

'Northern hemisphere in great shape'

But with England and Ireland also enjoying November wins over the All Blacks that owed much to quick-witted passing, Ibanez added: "The November internationals revealed that teams from the northern hemisphere are in great shape.

"Scotland put 30 points on Australia, England beat the world champions (South Africa), Ireland beat New Zealand a week before we did... All these teams are lined up and in a position to win."

England, having finished a lowly fifth in last season's Six Nations, are set to have their squad depth tested after suffering a series of injuries.

Captain Owen Farrell has been ruled out of the