Ahead of today's Six Nations opener, we look at the chances of each side gunning for glory this year and the key men that may well provide that extra sparkle along the way.
England
Head coach: Stuart Lancaster
Captain: Chris Robshaw
The Gloucester wing enjoyed a productive autumn and provides the Red Rose with match-winning ability on the left.
Verdict: A long list of absentees has nothelped Lancaster’s preparations, especially with trips to both Cardiff and Dublin on the horizon. Will still be confident of winning their three home games though, and if they can nick one on their travels will be in the hunt for silverware.
France
Head coach: Philippe Saint-Andre
Captain: Thierry Dusautoir
Last season: Fourth
Key man: Camille Lopez – France’s hopes could hinge on how their fly-half performs. Scored 16 points as Australia were beaten in November.
One to watch: Romain Taofifenua
Has rediscovered some of his best form following his summer move from Perpignan to Toulon, and has earned a recall after nearly two years to provide Pascal Pape and Yoann Maestri with competition in the second row.
Verdict: It should not be forgotten that France went into the final round of last year’s championship with a chance to win it, and Les Bleus still possess a squad full of quality. That said, trips to Ireland and England this time around make a title challenge difficult.
Ireland
Head coach: Joe Schmidt
Captain: Paul O’Connell
Last season: Champions
Key man: Jamie Heaslip – Has been back to his best this season with outstanding performances for both Ireland and Leinster. Heaslip’s ball-carrying abilities could prove vital.
One to watch: Robbie Henshaw
Has taken the chance presented to him by Brian O’Driscoll’s retirement with aplomb, starting in the wins over South Africa and Australia and playing with an assuredness beyond his years.
Verdict: Defending champions, ranked third in the world, and entering the tournament on the back of an unbeaten autumn, it is hard to look past Ireland this time around too. With England and France visiting Dublin, they start the tournament as deserved favourites.
Italy
Head coach: Jacques Brunel
Captain: Sergio Parisse
Last season: Sixth
Key man: Sergio Parisse – Despite his advancing years Parisse remains both the captain and inspiration for Italy, forming a formidable back-row alongside Alessandro Zanni and Simone Favaro.
One to watch: Simone Ragusi
Able to play across the back-line, Ragusi, who began his career at fly-half but has switched to full-back since moving to Treviso last summer, will give Italy great versatility.
Verdict: Scotland’s resurgence under Vern Cotter has come at the wrong time for Italy, who will do well to avoid another wooden spoon this year. Their pack remains imposing and a match for anyone but they simply do not possess enough quality behind it and look set to lose all five matches.
Scotland
Head coach: Vern Cotter
Captain: Greig Laidlaw
Last season: Fifth
Key man: Finn Russell – Epitomises the excitement that has engulfed the squad since Cotter’s appointment. Has lost just one of his five Test appearances – against the All Blacks – and gives the side a bit of spark in midfield.
One to watch: Alex Dunbar
Not much good came out of Scotland’s campaign last year, but Dunbar offered a glimmer of hope. His centre partnership with Mark Bennett continues to impress for club and country.
Verdict: What difference a year can make. Just 12 months after coming within a drop goal of the wooden spoon, Scotland head into this year’s championship full of optimism. Cotter’s young side are exciting and their performances in the autumn suggest a shock or two could be in the offing.
Wales
Head coach: Warren Gatland
Captain: Sam Warburton
Last season: Third
Key man: Jamie Roberts – Alongside George North, he is the main beneficiary of Wales’ direct game plan, and when he is on form often seems unstoppable. Arrives in poor form but also fresh thanks to club side Racing Metro’s riches in midfield.
One to watch: Samson Lee
When Adam Jones describes someone as a “once-in-a-generation tight-head” you know they have to be special.
Verdict: Will want to put a marker down against England in Cardiff with the pair’s World Cup battle just seven months away. If they can recreate the kind of performance that saw them win 30-3 two years ago, then the momentum might just be behind them for another tilt at the title.
