Some people seem to think this is a foregone conclusion.
The Six Nations is just over three weeks away and already people are looking to cash in on the potential Grand Slam winners.
England are the tournament favourites, which is to be expected considering they went all of 2016 unbeaten.
This run included a Grand Slam Six Nations triumph, not to mention a summer series whitewash of Australia and ruthless performances during the November internationals.
England 37-21 Australia@EnglandRugby finish 2016 unbeaten. Amazing turnaround since their RWC flop
Who can stop them in 2017? pic.twitter.com/fNOhgUN3VJ
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) December 3, 2016
However, England are in the midst of an injury crisis at the moment, not to mention the controversy surrounding Dylan Hartley.
So it remains to be seen if their impressive displays throughout last year will transfer to this year’s Six Nations.
Eddie Jones has also stated that Ireland and France will be the biggest threats to England for the upcoming tournament in an interview he gave to Sky Sports.
“I think most definitely France and Ireland, Ireland been impressive, they’ve obviously had their world breaking breaking win against the All Blacks, they’re very well coached by Joe Schmidt and they have produced some young players.”
In addition to this, Ireland are showing some incredible form along with a resurgent France, an ever-improving Scotland side and a consistently solid Welsh team.
Even Italy beat the Springboks this year.
Nevertheless, it seems like some people think England are nailed on to secure another Grand Slam.
The Telegraph are reporting that American website Groupon are selling a ‘Men’s England Slam Champions 2017 Rugby T-Shirt’.
The white t-shirt contains the title of the English rugby anthem, ‘swing low sweet chariot’, emblazoned over a red English rose.
This isn’t the first time England have been embroiled in this type of controversy.
Remember back in 2011, when England jumped the gun with their Nike video, ‘Grand Slam Champions’? Well, Ireland ended that dream with a 24-8 victory at Lansdowne Road.
The video below contains some added footage which we very much think you will approve of.
