With the new Six Nations campaign upon us we have the lowdown on each and every team aiming to compete for the title.
Who do you think will be lifting the trophy on March 16?
IRELAND
Coach: Joe Schmidt
Captain: Rory Best
Strengths: The Men in Green employ an efficient kicking game, rely heavily on their defence and have strong organisational skills. After a stellar 2018, their depth in each position should help them deliver back-to-back titles.
Weaknesses: Conor Murray and Sexton orchestrate proceedings for the Men in Green – and an injury to either player would be a blow to their championship prospects, especially at scrum-half where Luke McGrath and Kieran Marmion are currently injured.
2018 record: Won 11, Lost 1
What would success be for Ireland: Anything less than a fourth title in six years would be considered a disappointment for Schmidt’s men.
WALES
Coach: Warren Gatland
Captain: Alun Wyn Jones
Strengths: After a sterling 2018 campaign, Gatland has the chance to unlock his side’s pace out wide with his new-found expansive style. Coming into a World Cup year on the back of nine-successive wins means that confidence should remain high.
Weaknesses: The mental battle will be key, especially after being pushed around by Ireland in 2018 and losing to England in 2017 and 2018 when in firm control. The loss of Taulupe Faletau to a broken arm is a significant blow, but the Dragons look to be firing at the right time.
2018 record: Won 10, Lost 2
What would success be for Wales: Based on their sparkling form of late, a championship should be the target.
ENGLAND
Coach: Eddie Jones
Captain: Owen Farrell
Strengths: With all their front-liners back from injury, England will be targeting victory in their opener against Ireland. A strong performance could prove the springboard for a championship challenge.
Weaknesses: The back-row balance is always a key talking point, especially if Billy Vunipola is to sustain an injury. But another issue is Jones’ starting 15, which is still as much of a mystery as it was this time 12 months ago.
2018 record: Won 6, Lost 6
What would success be for England: After a disastrous 2018, the only way is up for the Red Rose. They will be doing everything in their power to wrestle back the Six Nations title.
SCOTLAND
Coach: Gregor Townsend
Captain: Greig Laidlaw
Strengths: With key men Finn Russell, Jonny Gray, Stuart Hogg and Laidlaw excelling for their respective clubs this season, the Scots should be at their strongest so far under Townsend’s tenure.
Weaknesses: Their attacking quality is superb but their ability to win the physical battle, particularly away from home, remains a work in progress. Away games against England and France will be the real litmus test for Townsend.
2018 record: Won 7, Lost 5
What would success be for Scotland: A solid game plan, tactical consistency and more discipline in defence should be the main targets for this campaign.
FRANCE
Coach: Jacques Brunel
Captain: Guilhem Guirado
Strengths: The kicking game could be France’s chance to show their mettle and 19-year-old Romain Ntamack has this in abundance. The elusive out-half has proved to be a match winner during recent Champions Cup wins for Toulouse.
Weaknesses: Defeats to Fiji and South Africa in November weaken their confidence going into a World Cup year. With French rugby’s unpredictable nature, don’t be surprised if Brunel gets the sack for another poor campaign.
2018 record: Won 3, Lost 8
What would success be for France: Les Bleus need to show hunger and passion over the next six weeks. Two wins and some general consistency in each round should be the minimum requirement.
ITALY
Coach: Conor O’Shea
Captain: Sergio Parisse
Strengths: Confidence seemed a lot higher in 2017, but with the improvements of Zebre and Benetton, could this be the year when the Azzurri spring a surprise?
Weaknesses: Although they boast some powerful forwards, they lack the class and pace out wide that could trouble teams. Too much reliance on Parisse – at 35 – will work against them.
2018 record: Won 2, Lost 8
What would success be for Italy: A first Six Nations win since 2015 and more discipline in defence will be a positive for O’Shea and Co.
