Ahead of the Six Nations which gets underway on Saturday, Sport360 journalists and local rugby gurus share their predictions.
Who do you think will be lifting the trophy on March 18?
JAMES PIERCY (Deputy Editor)
WINNERS: England – If this was a matter of best XVs against each other, this would be very tough to call but England’s strength in depth, reliability, tactical nous and an ability to run the ball or keep it tight and play the percentages – depending on the scenario – means they just have too many attributes to ignore.
That being said, defeat against Wales in Cardiff in their second match would blow the whole tournament wide open.
WOODEN SPOON: France – Whereas once they were gloriously unpredictable, lurching from inspirational to insipid, now you know what you’re getting with them: Les Bleus are unfortunately just an average side lacking in identity.
They certainly won’t beat England or Ireland away and look ripe for Italy to pick off in Rome as well. That leaves home matches against Scotland and Wales to claim anything from the tournament.
But whereas once the Stade de France was a mighty fortress for them, and Paris a trip to be feared, visiting sides have had it all too easy in recent years.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Garry Ringrose (Ireland) – The 22-year-old should replace Jared Payne in the centres and alongside Robbie Henshaw makes for an exciting midfield combination.
Ireland, under Schmidt, can appear robust and reliable to truly get the juices flowing, but Ringrose has the knack of doing the unpredictable, whether it be via a line break, a smart off-load or just a straight up crash ball to create space for others.
ALEX REA (Reporter)
WINNERS: Wales – They have the pedigree and if interim coach Rob Howley can implement a more expansive style of rugby then they will have the prowess to challenge as well.
A world-class back row and favourable fixtures will put them in contention, but much depends on results in Cardiff against England and Ireland.
WOODEN SPOON: Italy – It’s a tough one given Italy are better placed to avoid a 12th wooden spoon in 17 editions. They have three home matches but this could turn out to be the most competitive Six Nations in recent memory and unfortunately they will find it difficult to bridge the gap.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Thomas Young (Wales) – A machine at the breakdown, the flanker has been in fine form for Wasps. The captaincy switch to Alun Wyn Jones could see him occupy the No7 shirt and his high-tempo style would inject much-needed urgency. He’s already proven he has the physicality to shine at Test level.
Thomas Young.
NIALL MCCAGUE (www.sport360.com)
WINNERS: Ireland – Confidence is high at Carlton House after a successful 2016 season. In this edition of the competition, a favourable fixture-list hands Joe Schmidt’s men with a real chance to gather momentum ahead of their crucial games against Wales and England next month.
If Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray stay fit, they will be crowned champions on March 18.
WOODEN SPOON: Italy – In Conor O’Shea, the Azzurri possess an exciting new manager, but apart from that, they are rudderless and lacking in quality. On the domestic front they are suffering due to the constant poor form of Zebre and Treviso, and this is a worrying factor for the development of the national team.
PLAYER TO WATCH: CJ Stander (Ireland) – The Munster star carries the ball with ferocity and will be one of Ireland’s key figures over the next six weeks. He plays his heart out at all times and is a menacing threat for the opposition. Expect the 26-year-old to be selected for the Lions Tour in June.
MATT JONES (Reporter)
WINNERS: Ireland – It’s between Ireland and England. Both teams have injuries and it will be tight between them but with it all on the line in a mouthwatering decider at a raucous Aviva Stadium in Dublin on the final day, I’ll back the hosts to earn a thrilling triumph that hands them the title.
WOODEN SPOON: Italy – Will get better under Connor O’Shea and Mike Catt but while they are improving, so are the other teams, and likely other contenders Scotland and France have too much quality and depth.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Rhys Webb (Wales) – Wales are an unknown quantity under Rob Howley and new skipper Alun-Wyn Jones, but with a fit again Webb spearheading their attacks, the Dragons could fire. Webb will be keen to get back to form and put his hand up as the Lions’ starting scrum-half.
APOLLO PERELINI (UAE rugby performance manager)
WINNERS: England – It will be close between them and Ireland but I will just go with England. The Red Rose have a lot of firepower and even with all their injuries it’s a good chance to bring in some young players. It’s a chance to find another Farrell, Itoje or Vunipola. Sometimes injuries work for you.
WOODEN SPOON: Italy – They don’t quite have it. Towards back end of autum they obviously beat South Africa but I think they were at their worst. I don’t think they have it in them to beat Scotland, who are playing some really good rugby.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Maro Itoje (England) – He’s a complete player and will be looking to impress ahead of the Lions tour. With Billy Vunipola out, England will be really relying on him and he’s the sort of player who will really step up. He’s a top player but works so hard, never looks for rewards. He’s a player every team wants.
ALI THOMPSON (Former Abu Dhabi Saracens head coach, now on Harlequins staff)
WINNERS: England – My heart always says Scotland and as ever, they go in with high hopes. The Six Nations is intense and injuries will occur. England have too much depth and another record to think about.
WOODEN SPOON: Italy – They have been better under Conor O Shea, but are far too inconsistent and lack squad depth.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Johnny Gray (Scotland) – He brings in outstanding form in a Glasgow Warriors shirt and has the extra incentive of a Lions test place to play for too.
MATT HUTCHINGS (Abu Dhabi Saracens and UAE back)
WINNERS: England – As much as I hate to say it, I don’t think you can look past England. They’re on a great run and playing some good rugby under Eddie Jones, so they’d be my bet to win it. It could all come down to the final game with Ireland.
WOODEN SPOON: Italy – I think Italy will struggle to win a game even though they had a great result against South Africa in the autumn. They don’t have the squad depth to compete every week.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Finn Russell (Scotland) – From a Welsh point I’m hoping Rhys Webb can have a good run after returning from injury as he adds so much to the Welsh attack. I think Finn Russell will be the one to watch though as he’s playing well at the moment and will look to put himself in the Lions mix.
