DEBATE: England or Ireland for the Six Nations?

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James Piercy says YES

Eddie Jones’ side kick-off the defence of their Six Nations crown at Twickenham this Saturday against France; a team who haven’t won in west London since 2007.

Les Bleus, still developing under Guy Noves, face an England side under Jones who are bigger, faster, stronger, more disciplined while possessing greater tactical awareness and game management since the days of Clive Woodward, and it should result in a regulation home win.

It’s a trend that will likely continue in England’s three very managable home fixtures: Italy on February 26 and Scotland on March 11. This may reek of age-old English arrogance but even if you fielded a collective ‘best of’ XV, they would still likely lose at Twickenham.

That then leaves the games at the Principality Stadium and the championship-closer at the Aviva Stadium as the fixtures which will define the destiny of the title.

Wales in Cardiff is a considerable challenge for England who have lost five of their last seven visits to the Welsh capital, but under Jones this a different team with a different mindset.

In their unbeaten run with the Australian at the helm, they have conceded more than 25 points just once – against the Wallabies in Sydney – and it’s very hard to see teams outscoring them. Especially ones with interim coaches who don’t seem to know their best XV yet.

England have the deepest squad of any of the six teams – so the best bench – and scoring options all over the park.

It’s the Irish who are the potential spoilers in this equation. They have Scotland at Murrayfield in their opener and Wales away on March 10; two loseable games that puts the prospect of a title decider in Dublin at risk. But with bonus points on offer, they can probably afford to drop one of those and pile on the tries against Italy and/or Scotland.

That said, this is an Irish team full of confidence from their wins over the three southern hemisphere giants in 2016, a fine coach in Joe Schmidt and a settled team and style. Much more than can be said for their rivals… except England.

Alex Rea says NO

Ireland’s swagger after beating New Zealand and England’s dominance having won 14 straight has meant they are the talk of the town heading into the Six Nations.

And while their chances of triumph rightly command much of the pre-tournament chatter, ignoring the teams making all the right noises is hazardous. Wales, Scotland and France all deserve to be in the conversation of what could turn out to be one of the most competitive Six Nations in recent years.

There is a sleeping giant in the form of Wales, a France team on the rise while Scotland posses strength in depth. Indeed, dig deeper and the quality is clear.

While some will predictably use Warren Gatland’s absence for Wales as a stick to beat them with, it can actually be viewed as reason for optimism.

Under Rob Howley, the Dragons have the potential to step out of a tried and tested formula and the interim coach has named an attractive squad full of young players and men in form, combining an X-Factor feel with experienced internationals in their prime.

Wasps flanker Thomas Young has been superb for his club while Owen Williams has finally been called up at 10 following his exploits with Leicester. This exciting squad also boasts favourable fixtures with the Dragons facing England and Ireland at home while their travels will see them take in advantageous trips to Italy, Scotland and France.

Les Bleus, typically, are a lottery. But under Guy Noves are heading in the right direction, an assessment backed up by their narrow defeats to the All Blacks and Australia. There’s every chance they can give England a bloody nose.

This is without mentioning Scotland. Under Vern Cotter a talent-rich squad is coming together. Jonny and Richie Gray are immense and while in the past a strong pack has had to pick up the slack for an impotent back line, that hasn’t been the case of late.

The conversation may well be about England and Ireland, but their rivals have plenty about them to stun everyone into silence.

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