It was in 2021 that Wales last clinched the Six Nations Championship, marking their 28th title in the competition’s storied history. Under the guidance of then coach Wayne Pivac, who had replaced Warren Gatland in 2019, Wales displayed resilience throughout the tournament to come out victorious.
Tournament Overview
Wales entered the 2021 Six Nations tournament with the determination to do better than they had the year before when they finished fifth. Their campaign was built on efficient team performances, attacking output, and tactical discipline.
Match-By-Match Performance
Wales vs Ireland (21-16)
Wales kicked off their victorious campaign against Ireland at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Despite coming up against a resilient Irish side, Wales won 21-16. Ireland saw Peter O’Mahony receive a red card.
Scotland vs Wales (24-25)
Travelling to Murrayfield, Wales faced Scotland in a thrilling encounter. There were momentum shifts throughout, but Wales edged it 25-24. Young winger Louis Rees-Zammit scored two tries, one being the decisive one.
Wales vs England (40-24)
The game between Wales and England at the Millennium Stadium was pivotal. England were the reigning champions, but it was Wales who clinched a 40-24 victory and the Triple Crown. Josh Adams, Liam Williams, Kieran Hardy, and Cory Hill were all on hand with tries.
Italy vs Wales (7-48)
Wales’ impressive form continued against Italy in Rome, where they ran out comfortable 48-7 winners. Everything Wales set out to do went to plan, and they underlined their quality in this one.
France vs Wales (32-30)
Wales’ final match was against France at the Stade de France, and it was a dramatic affair. Wales led for most of the game, but a last-minute try from France’s Brice Dulin saw them lose 32-30, and they were denied a Grand Slam.
Championship Decider
Despite their narrow defeat to France, Wales’ championship hopes relied on what happened between France and Scotland in their rescheduled game. France needed a bonus-point win with a large margin to overtake Wales in the standings. However, it was Scotland who won 27-23, and this saw Wales remain in first place and they rightfully became the 2021 Six Nations Champions.
Legacy of 2021
Wales’ 2021 Six Nations triumph reaffirmed that they were deserving of their place among rugby’s elite at that time. Throughout the championship, they displayed all the attributes a top team needs to win at the highest level.
Unfortunately for Wales, years later, they are currently on a dismal 16-match losing streak. They next face England the 2025 Six Nations and are huge outsiders, according to the Six Nations rugby betting.
Wales, four years after their last success, are not even in the Six Nations 2025 outright betting, which is a sign of the times. Their bad run of form saw them fire Warren Gatland during the tournament in a last-ditch effort to turn the tide.
