Ahead of the Six Nations which gets underway on Friday, Sport360 journalists and local rugby gurus share their predictions.
Who do you think will be lifting the trophy on March 16?
DAN OWEN
Champions – Ireland
Wooden Spoon – Italy
Sadly there has been no progression from the Azzurri in recent years and that looks like continuing.
Player to watch – Liam Williams
Showing great form with Saracens, a real danger in attack either on the wing or at full-back.
Top Try scorer – Jonny May
Likely to getting plenty of opportunities in a dominant side, will finish ahead of Jacob Stockdale.
What to watch out for – An open championship
Ireland, Wales and England can all beat each other, and there’ll be the odd shock on the way.
MATTHEW JONES
Champions – Ireland
Most open tournament in recent years, but the Men in Green are the form team.
Wooden spoon – Italy
Same old story, although as we never know what French team will turn up, the Azzurri can at least aspire for fifth.
Player to watch – Tomos Williams
The sevens specialist gets his opportunity to shine in the opening match against France on Friday.
Top try scorer – Jacob Stockdale
Won this accolade a year ago. He is the man everyone else must beat.
What to watch out for – First match
Ireland v England. What a way to open the tournament. Win and the words Grand Slam will be whispered. Lose and you’re already on the back foot.
NIALL McCAGUE
Champions – Ireland
Wales and England look in strong form, but Schmidt’s men should shade it.
Wooden Spoon – Italy
Without a Six Nations win in nearly four years, the Azzurri will be the whipping boys again.
Player to watch – Billy Vunipola
The Saracens No8 is one of the best players in the world on his day and remains key to England’s prospects.
Top Try scorer – Jacob Stockdale
The 22-year-old has established himself as one of the stars of world rugby. If Ireland can spread the ball wide, he will be difficult to stop.
What to watch out for – England revival
The Red Rose showed signs of improvement in the autumn and should be a force this campaign.
CHRIS BAILEY
Champions – Ireland
The Six Nations has been retained three times in a row and Joe Schmidt’s team are just hitting their peak.
Wooden spoon – Italy
They’ve made fine strides in the age groups, but Conor O’Shea can realistically hope for one victory.
Player to watch – Demba Bamba
The tight-head will be a joy to watch from France’s bench. A more more agile Kyle Sinckler – frightening.
Top try scorer – Jonny May
With back-to-back home games against Scotland and Italy at the end, May will surely be in the mix.
What to watch for – Position battles
Who ends the tournament in the respective starting XVs may well be indicative when it comes to World Cup selection.
