With the new Six Nations campaign upon us we have the lowdown on each and every team aiming to compete for the title.
From the strengths and weaknesses to our predictions for this year’s competition, we have you covered.
Who do you think will be lifting the trophy on March 17?
ENGLAND
Coach: Eddie Jones
Captain: Dylan Hartley
Key man: England need Owen Farrell’s calmness on the ball and his ability to bring players into the game from any attack is vital. The Saracens man is outstanding at kicking from tee and hand – and will be a important cog this campaign.
Strengths: With strength in depth in all departments, their dominance in the set piece should see them seal a third consecutive title.
Weaknesses: Injuries to key men Billy Vunipola, Elliot Daly and Nathan Hughes rob Jones’ side of power and leadership.
2017 record: Won 10, Lost 1
Verdict: Winners
IRELAND
Coach: Joe Schmidt
Captain: Rory Best
Key man: Talismanic play-maker Jonny Sexton is a proven match winner. The Leinster man attacks from deep at every chance and is the tipping point between Ireland winning and losing.
Strengths: Joe Schmidt’s side employ an efficient kicking game, rely heavily on their defence and have strong organisational skills – a lot of which can beat most teams on the day.
Weaknesses: Conor Murray and Sexton orchestrate proceedings for the Men in Green – and an injury to either player would be a huge blow to their title prospects.
2017 record: Won 9, Lost 2
Verdict: 2nd
SCOTLAND
Coach: Gregor Townsend
Captain: John Barclay
Key man: One of the game’s most influential figures, full-back Stuart Hogg has an ability to eye gaps and produce magic with every touch.
Strengths: Former head coach Vern Cotter may have laid the foundations to this burgeoning side, but the Scots could well contend for the title this year. Since Gregor Laidlaw’s arrival in May, they continue to show sharpness in their skillset, vision and creativity.
Weaknesses: Expectations remain high for this team – but could the pressure prove too much against the likes of England and Ireland?
2017 record: Won 7, Lost 3
Verdict: 3rd
WALES
Coach: Warren Gatland
Captain: Alun Wyn Jones
Key man: The uncapped winger Josh Adams looks the real deal – and coupled with his penchant for scoring tries – he could be the jewel in the Dragons crown.
Strengths: An underdogs tag may hang over this Wales side, and Gatland has the chance to unlock his side’s pace out wide with his new-found expansive style.
Weaknesses: Wales’ bench is likely to be light on experience meaning a shrewd change when things aren’t going their way will be tricky. The losses of Rhys Webb and Taulupe Faletau weaken what would normally be a title challenging team.
2017 record: Won 7, Lost 4
Verdict: 4th
FRANCE
Coach: Jacques Brunel
Captain: Guilhem Guirado
Key man: The kicking game could be France’s chance to show their mettle and Maxime Machenaud has this in abundance. The elusive out-half has proved to be a match winner during recent Champions Cup wins for Racing 92.
Strengths: Brunel can draw confidence from the introduction of Matthieu Jalibert and Geoffrey Palis – exciting players who have the chance to showcase their class and flair on the big stage.
Weaknesses: Injuries could rob Les Bleus from finishing above fifth in the table, especially due to the loss of Wesley Fofana and Morgan Parra.
2017 record: Won 3, Draw 1, Lost 8
Verdict: 5th
ITALY
Coach: Conor O’Shea
Captain: Sergio Parisse
Key man: The totemic Alessandro Zanni is back after a two year absence from the international game as he bids to win his 100th cap. The Treviso man provides the power and pace to take the reliance off Parisse.
Strengths: Confidence seemed a lot higher at this point last year, but with the improvements of Zebre and Treviso, could this be the season the Azzurri spring a surprise?
Weaknesses: Although they boast some powerful forwards, they lack the class and pace out wide that could trouble teams.
2017 record: Won 1, Lost 9
Verdict: 6th
