England Team Preview :

Six Nations Pedigree:

The reigning champions missed out on a Grand Slam last year when they were defeated by Ireland in Dublin. What followed was a disastrous Rugby World Cup campaign of which the pain is too much to revisit. Which brings us to the present, where with an inexperienced squad and new coaching staff England are looking to win their fifth Six Nations title, and their second Grand Slam.

Best Six Nations moment:

Dan Luger’s injury-time score in the 42-6 thrashing of Ireland at Lansdowne Road. England dominated from start to finish, and with this win captured the Grand Slam. The momentum from this and the summer test wins against New Zealand and Australia down under were all significant in England’s build-up to the successful 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Biggest Six Nations Win: 80 – 23 (v Italy 2001)

Biggest Six Nations Defeat: 13 – 43 (v Ireland 2007)

Current Form: W-W-W-W-W-L

Key player: Chris Robshaw

England’s new captain, at least for the first two matches against Scotland and Italy, comes into the side to win only his second cap and to lead a new team, of which just under half of the 22 did not travel to the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. His form for Harlequins both in terms of leadership and the way he has played has been exceptional. On top of being captain, he must dominate the breakdown in the number 7 shirt, even if he is not a natural fetcher.

One to watch: Owen Farrell

Lavished with praise over the last 12 months and rightly so, Farrell has made the breakthrough to the senior side at the age of 20, after Premiership success with Saracens last year. A long-term option either at 12 or 10, Farrell will most likely start at 13 against Scotland, and also be England’s chosen goalkicker. In possession of an excellent skill set along with maturity beyond his years, Farrell is a very exciting prospect.

RBS Six Nations Fixtures:

Saturday 4th February, Scotland v England, 17:00, Murrayfield
Saturday 11th February, Italy v England, 16:00, Stadio Olimpico
Saturday 25th February, England v Wales, 16:00, Twickenham
Sunday 11th March, France v England, 15:00, Stade de France
Saturday 17th March, England v Ireland, 17:00, Twickenham

Key Clash: Scotland v England

England’s campaign certainly won’t be over if they lose at Murrayfield, but given that it’s the first start for around eight new caps and a new coaching setup, a loss here leaves England with a tough run of fixtures. An upset losing away to Italy isn’t out of the question, whilst winning in Paris seems too difficult. That leaves the home matches against an Irish and Welsh side who could be eyeing up a Championship depending on the result of their first round clash. Therefore, England must win at Murrayfield, by whatever way possible, something they have not done since 2004.

Odds: 4/1 to win.

Argument that says they can win it:

The unknown. No one, including the opposition, knows how England’s new team will perform together at this level, not even their own coaches. This element of surprise, plus the integration of exciting talent including Farrell, Robshaw, Charlie Sharples and Ben Morgan, means that if they can gel quick enough England could become a threat. Combine that with a good run of results with victories over Scotland and Italy, and momentum could lead to a hard-fought win over Wales given their weakened tight five. From there, a miracle in Paris and a groundout victory over Ireland at Twickenham behind them could bring success.

Argument that says they can’t:

By far the more realistic argument. England are a team in transition; a squad and almost a whole organisation undergoing an extreme makeover following the scarring of a disastrous RWC campaign. The number of new players, plus injuries to key personnel in Toby Flood, Courtney Lawes, Manu Tuilagi and Tom Wood, mean that England’s selection is simply too inconsistent to be successful. History shows that the most successful teams are those with the most experience of both playing together, which England simply do not have.

Coach Stuart Lancaster says:

“We’ve talked about some of the lessons that we needed to learn collectively and I have made it clear what is expected from an England player. We’ve said this is the way it’s going to be. It’s about creating an environment that shapes behaviour and hopefully everyone will see a change. This is a new team and any side I have coached, I would be disappointed if people termed us as arrogant. We want to be known as a humble, hard-working, honest team who graft and get on with the job and represent England with pride.”

Captain Chris Robshaw says:

“There’s lots of other leaders in the group and they have been great since we met up. It’s not about myself because there are six or seven guys around me who all have a massive role to play, whether that’s bossing scrums, line-outs, attack, defence…Stuart (Lancaster), Graham (Rowntree) and Andy (Farrell) have given us the game plan and it’s up to us to get it across to the other players to drive the standards and the squad forward in the right way.”

Prediction:

The Champions have undergone such a much-needed radical overhaul, that winning the Six Nations seems impossible. In fact, they have slipped behind France, Ireland and Wales in the pecking order, which would leave them finishing 4th, which is not even guaranteed given their record over the Scottish border. 4th.

Wales Team Preview :

Six Nations Pedigree:

After consigning years of frustration to the history books with a scintillating Grand Slam in 2005, Wales faltered before regaining their high standing with another Grand Slam in 2008 under the leadership of Warren Gatland. The New Zealander has remained but two disappointing 4th place finishes have followed their 2008 success, with Ireland and France proving particularly difficult to crack.

Best Six Nations Moment:

It is difficult to pinpoint a particular moment for the Welsh, and many will no doubt speak of crucial victories over England in the run-up to their Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008. But this Grand Slam-sealing victory over France was a simply superb performance, with a record-breaking try for wing Shane Williams and one for the returning Martyn Williams. Wales conceded the least tries and scored the most in the tournament – a thoroughly deserved Grand Slam.

Biggest Six Nations Win: Wales 47-8 Italy. Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. 25th February 2008.

Biggest Six Nations Defeat: Ireland 54-10 Wales. Lansdowne Road, Dublin. 21st February 2002.

Key Player: Sam Warburton

For most countries the loss of a flanker of Martyn Williams’ calibre would be a catastrophic blow, but for Wales you could barely tell. It’s a testimony to Warburton’s performances that Williams’ loss has almost gone unnoticed, with the 23-year-old thriving under the captaincy as well. At his best the Cardiff Blues flanker is at once a calming influence on his own side and a disruptive monster to the other. For Wales to win the tournament, Warburton must be on top of his game.

One to Watch: George North

The 6’4’’ wing became the youngest ever try scorer at a World Cup last year aged 19 years and 166 days when he grabbed a double against Namibia. At full flight he can rampage through defences and he possesses great acceleration for a man of his size.

RBS Six Nations Fixtures:

Sunday 5th February 15:00: v Ireland at Aviva Stadium
Sunday 12th February 15:00: v Scotland at the Millennium Stadium
Saturday 25th February 16:00: v England at Twickenham
Saturday 10th March 14:30: v Italy at the Millennium Stadium
Saturday 17th March 14:45: v France at the Millennium Stadium

Key Clash:

A loss against Ireland wouldn’t be disastrous for Wales, but the match at Croke Park is undoubtedly the tie of the first weekend and gives a chance for either side to strike a body blow. Should Wales win without many of their stars, it could give them the confidence to push on with three of their last four matches all at home.

Odds:

3/1 to win the tournament.
5/1 for the Triple Crown
8/1 for the Grand Slam

Wales coach Warren Gatland says:

“Anyone is capable of winning this tournament and beating each other on the day. But you have to have confidence in your own chances. What you learn about the Six Nations and what can’t be matched anywhere else is the history of the tournament. It is more than just a game.”

Wales captain Sam Warburton says:

“It’s my third campaign now and I haven’t had a Championship (title) win. I’ve spoken to senior players who have been involved in Grand Slams and Championships and they say it’s fantastic. I’d love to experience that. If I’d put money on who was going to win it as a neutral I think it would be quite difficult to say.”

Prediction:

After their World Cup heroics, Wales were on course to be clear favourites for the Six Nations title. But beset by injuries for their opening encounter, many wonder if they will be able to reach the heights they set on their way to the World Cup semi-final. Prop Gethin Jenkins and locks Alun Wyn Jones are definitely out of the opener against Ireland and flanker Dan Lydiate, fly-half Rhys Priestland and Jamie Roberts are all doubtful.

A trip to Croke Park is difficult at the best of times, but faced with such injuries it represents a huge task. A tough journey to Twickenham follows not long after and Wales could even find themselves out of contention by game three. But with injury returnees complementing the world class talents of Warbuton, George North and Toby Faletau, a strong late surge could restore some pride. 3rd

Ireland Team Preview :

Six Nations Pedigree:

Ireland’s recent 6 Nations record stands up to close scrutiny. In fact, only France have a better record (44 wins vs Ireland’s 43) since the tournament was expanded to include Italy. That said, 2009’s Grand Slam remains their only Championship win since the heady days of the early 1980s when they picked up 3 titles in 4 years. It must be said they have struggled for consistency in the last couple of years, but showed signs of returning to their best in New Zealand, particularly against Australia and in the second half against Italy, before capitulating against Wales.

Best Six Nations Moment:

This must unquestionably be the defining moment of Irish rugby; the 2009 Grand Slam win and Ronan O’Gara’s drop goal. 2 minutes after it looked like Stephen Jones had stolen the Grand Slam from under Irish noses, O’Gara’s drop is as much engrained in Irish supporters’ memories as that of Jonny Wilkinson’s 2003 drop is in English minds.

Biggest Six Nations Win: 60-13 vs Italy – 5th March 2000. 6 tries and 30 points from the boot of Ronan O’Gara in Italy’s debut season

Biggest Six Nations Defeat: 6-46 vs England – 15th February 1997. 6 England tries at Lansdowne Road when it was still a 5 Nation tournament

Key Player: Sean O’Brien

Last year’s European player of the year had an up and down World Cup, standing out in the Pool matches but being “outfetched” by Sam Warburton in the Quarter Final defeat. Gradually coming back to his best this winter, he is the key man, in the absence of David Wallace, who will provide the much needed link between the grunt of the likes of O’Connell and Healy and the guile of the backs.

One to Watch: Cian Healy

Showed signs during the World Cup that he was finally taking provincial form onto the International stage. Ever more solid in the scrum, it is his hard yards in the loose which can cause untold damage to a creaking defence.

Six Nations Fixtures:

Sunday 5th February 15:00 v Wales, Aviva Stadium
Saturday 11th February 20:00 v France, Stade de France
Saturday 25th February 13:30 v Italy, Aviva Stadium
Saturday 10th March 17:00 v Scotland, Aviva Stadium
Saturday 17th March 17:00 v England, Twickenham Stadium

Key Clash:

After losing in Cardiff to the Welsh last season, and in the RWC Quarter Final in October, a good start at home to the Welsh is the key to a good Irish showing this time around and could well set the base for a Triple Crown or, say it quietly, a tournament win. Tough away trips to France and England make ‘even’ years harder than ‘odd’ years for Ireland.

Odds: 11/2 to win the tournament – a higher price due to being away in both Paris and London

Coach Declan Kidney says: “The World Cup is over. Wales beat us fair and square on the day. We are looking forward now to a fresh challenge and will try to play to the best of our ability.”

Captain Paul O’Connell says: “Winning is a habit. Whatever jersey you have on, it doesn’t make a difference. The Provinces are winning games at home and away and are winning pressure games. Hopefully we will bring that winning habit to the National side.”

Prediction:

Ireland will be looking to build on the success of their Provincial sides in the Heineken Cup. A solid pack will hope to set the base for a relatively young back line without their talismanic leader. Even without BOD I predict a Top 2 finish with 4 wins (defeat in Paris) and potentially the title if other results help. 2nd

France Team Preview :

Six Nations Pedigree:

The most successful Six Nations side in history, France have picked up 5 championship titles, including three Grand Slams in 2002, 2004 and 2010. After losing the Rugby World Cup final by just a point, an achievement that no one expected after losing to Tonga, the change at the top has been made with Phillippe Saint-André coming in to coach the national side.

Best Six Nations moment:

With both sides capable of winning the championship, France achieved their 2004 Grand Slam by winning 24-21 against England in the last game at the Stade de France, holding off an English fightback in the closing stages.

Biggest Six Nations Win: 56 – 13 (v Italy 2005)

Biggest Six Nations Defeat: 19 – 48 (v England 2001)

Current Form: W-L-L-W-W-L

Key Player: Thierry Dusautoir

The 2011 IRB Player of the Year is special on the basis that he has consistently been one of the best players in the world over the last five years. No one appears more hurt when talking about the 2011 Rugby World Cup final than the Toulouse captain, whose fine form for his club since returning has been superb. In New Zealand, Dusautoir was tasked with gelling together a fractious, warring group. Now, with the hatchet buried, all he must do is lead Les Bleus to glory.

One to Watch: Wesley Fofana

If you don’t know who he is now, you’ll soon find out. Fofana is the top try scorer and has beaten the most defenders in the Top 14 so far this season, and now his midfield combination with club captain Aurélien Rougerie is set to make the transfer to the international stage. Formerly on trial with football club Paris Saint-Germain, Fofana has excellent pace and how he develops on the biggest stage will be fascinating.

RBS Six Nations Fixtures:

Saturday 4th February, France v Italy, 14:30, Stade de France
Sunday 12th February, France v Ireland, 20:00, Aviva Stadium
Saturday 26th February, Scotland v France, 15:00, Murrayfield
Sunday 11th March, France v England, 15:00, Stade de France
Saturday 19th March, Wales v France, 14:45, Millennium Stadium

Key Clash: Wales v France

Already sold out, this final fixture on the final day of the Championship has Grand Slam decider written all over it. That is, if Wales win their first match away in Dublin, and France then do the same against the Irish in Round Four. In facing England at home, France get to tackle their weakened old enemy on their own soil. A fourth Grand Slam within a decade could be in sight when the French travel to Cardiff.

Odds: Favourites at 13/8

Argument that says they can win it:

Their squad. Going through the 22 for the first match against Italy, the strength in depth that France possess is unrivalled. The core of their World Cup side who came within a whisker of glory remains, plus some returning former stars in Lionel Beauxis and Yannick Nyanga. Whereas Ireland are weak in the centres and Wales crippled by injuries in the tight five, France have no weak areas. Their schedule could be easier against Wales at home, but overall it lies in their favour. Add to the mix the sanity of Philippe Saint-André, and France appear unstoppable.

Argument that says they can’t:

Hard to be convincing on this one. One could be that France have had minimal time together due to the schedule of the Top 14, halting their time with Saint-André, but then the level of understanding is still there from the RWC. An injury at fly-half might leave them a little short. Ireland will be their first real test, but they can settle the nerves against Italy.

Coach Philippe Saint-André says:

“At the moment we have a situation where my top players will have played Heineken Cup one week, T14 the next and then the first Six Nations game against Italy. This is not a good preparation. I would also like France to have four Test matches in November like other countries, unlike the three we have now. It is all very new and different but I am excited and a little nervous. It is a big challenge. When I was a club coach I had the players for 10 months, now I get them for 10 weeks. We must work quickly and well. I want to surround them with quality coaches, top players need quality coaches, and already it is a fantastic advantage for me, as a coach, to have a captain like Thierry [Dusautoir], his experience and charisma will help pull the team together quickly.”

Captain Thierry Dusautoir says:

“”We reached the World Cup final well aware that there were several areas needing improvement. With regard to Saint-Andre, it is too early to tell. The emphasis has been placed on communication, to get the players to express their views, to say what they think. There have been lots of meetings, collectively as well as individually, to sort out the in-house rules.”

Prediction:

With the strongest squad and one of the best coaches in the game, France are definite favourites. A Grand Slam though is at risk taking on Ireland at home and then Wales in Cardiff. 1st, but no Grand Slam.

Italy Team Preview :

Six Nations Pedigree:

Despite having never been a true contender for the title since their introduction into the tournament in 2000, the Italian national team continues to improve and are certainly not the push over they once were. Their fourth place finish at the 2007 Six Nations was their best ever showing in tournament, thanks largely to wins over both Scotland and Wales. Their improved showing in recent Six Nations has arguably lead to the inclusion of Italian club teams into the RaboDirect PRO12 which itself should help keep Italy competitive in the tournament.

Best Six Nations Moment:

Italy’s greatest moment in the Six Nations came in the 2011 Championship, when they defeated local rivals France 22-21 in Rome, their first victory over France in Six Nations history. This momentous result combined with narrow losses to both Ireland and Wales served to highlight just how far Italy have come since their inclusion in the tournament and bodes well for their chances in the upcoming tournament.

Biggest Six Nations Win: Scotland 17 – 37 Italy. Murrayfield, Scotland. 24th February 2007.

Biggest Six Nations Defeat: England 80 – 23 Italy. Twickenham, England. 17th February 2001.

Key Player: Sergio Parisse

Without doubt the standout player for Italy over the last five years, Parisse is a captain who leads by example and consistently puts in man of the match performances even in losing Italian sides. The number eight is a fearsome in the loose with ball in hand, but also a dominant force in the breakdown. His work at the breakdown will be vital to securing quick ball for the Italian scrum half as they look to unleash their young and exciting backline.

One to Watch: Giovanbattista Venditti

The Aironi wing/centre could surprise some defences with his pace and skill with ball in hand this Six Nations, as he looks to make his debut for the Azzurri following his call up from new head coach Jacques Brunel. The 21-year old will hope that the likely presence of club teammates Andrea Masi and Luciano Orquera in the starting line-up will encourage Brunel to select Venditti for the sake of improved cohesion in a highly revitalised Italian backline.

Six Nations Fixtures:

4th Feb 14:30 v France, Stade de France
11th Feb 16:00 v England, Stadio Olimpico
25th Feb 13:30 v Ireland, Aviva Stadium
10th Mar 14:30 v Wales, Millenium Stadium
17th Mar 12:30 v Scotland, Stadio Olimpico

Key Clash: Italy v Scotland

Despite their hugely impressive victory over the French in last season’s tournament, Italy will still be targeting their match against Scotland as a must win game. With the wooden spoon invariably being awarded to either Scotland or Italy, the Azzurri must target consistent wins over the Scots if they are to continue their development and begin to regularly challenge the likes of France and England at the top of the Championship.

Odds: 200/1 to win Six Nations

Italy Coach Jacques Brunel says:

“It is not a new thought but at Italy we have to change the balance a little. Of course we have a pack that can match any in Europe but we must not rely on them only, we have to develop a more fluid style, a sense of spirit, to create freedom, to give a free hand to the three-quarters so that they develop self-confidence.”

Italy Captain Sergio Parisse says:

“I think we will have progressed when we have a chance to win every game. If we compete in every match of the Six Nations and we have a chance to win every match then that will be very good progress. If we have a good victory but then lose by 30 or 40 points in the other games then it will be the same as ever.”

Prediction:

Italy will not have an easy start in the tournament, travelling to Paris to play a Les Bleus side eager to regain pride after their defeat last year. Whilst most Italian fans would be thrilled with another victory like their defeat of France last year, the Azzurri are desperately in need of consistency to aid their development, and if they can earn a victory over Scotland whilst remaining competitive in their games against France, England, Ireland and Wales, then this will be another step in the right direction for Italy.

In addition to this, if Brunel can give some valuable experience to likes of Luca Morisi, Angelo Esposito and Venditti, and in the process unearth a star in the making, then this will invigorate the Italian national team who have long relied on their dominant forwards to win them matches. 5th

Scotland Team Preview :

Six Nations Pedigree:

Many people thought that the 2011 Six Nations would be the one where Scotland stepped up their game, especially given the fact that the World Cup was no longer a distant prospect, it was imminent. But as with many years previously Scotland were found to be languishing at the bottom of the table with Italy. They have not won the competition since it became the 6 Nations, however they have proved tough competitors over the years, scoring some surprise victories against bigger opposition.

Best Six Nations moment:

When I consulted Scotland fans on this, all of them immediately go for the 1990 Grand Slam, or beating England and France in 2005, or the more recent 2010 victory over Ireland in their last game at Croke Park.

Biggest Six Nations Win: 32-10 (versus Ireland, 2001)
Biggest Six Nations Defeat: 3-43 (versus England, 2001)
Current Form: W-W-W-W-L-L

Key player: Chris Cusiter

His experience in the international arena will prove crucial for Scotland if Andy Robinson takes the chance on the younger elements of the squad. He has formed an excellent working partnership with young fly half Duncan Weir, and exerts the control over the game that Weir has yet to learn. This year it will be about balance for Scotland; the older elements such as Cusiter will be balancing the vim and vigour of the newer players. If it can be achieved properly then we will begin to see the full realization of Scotland’s potential

One to Watch: Stuart Hogg

The surprise rise of the season to everyone who follows Scottish Rugby. Joining Glasgow Warriors this season as an elite development player, he was rewarded for his hard work and excellent play at full back in the Rabo Direct Pro 12 with a professional contract with the club. With Chris Paterson retired from international rugby, and Rory Lamont a doubt thanks to injury, Stuart Hogg may find himself thrust into the limelight of the international arena. He reads the game well for one so young, and when combined with his pace and excellent play with the ball in hand he will be a big feature in the future of Scottish Rugby, and definitely one to watch this Six Nations.

RBS Six Nations Fixtures:

4th Feb: v England, Murrayfield, 17:00
12th Feb: v Wales, Millennium stadium, 15:00
26th Feb: v France, Murrayfield, 15:00
10th Mar: v Ireland, Aviva Stadium, 17:00
17th Mar: v Italy, Stadio Olimpico, 12:30

Key Clash: Scotland v England

This match against the Auld Enemy kicks off Scotland’s Six Nations campaign. The fact that the last time these two teams played each other ended Scotland’s World Cup progression means that there will be no love lost in this match. Scotland will be looking to redress the balance, and given that this match will be played at Murrayfield, the new look England side will face a tough crowd in Edinburgh. With their opposition in very public disarray over the previous months, Scotland has been quietly debriefing, analyzing, and rebuilding their squad, with no public fall out. This match will be when we see what has been going on behind the scenes. As with any team, Scotland will be looking to get their 6Nations off to the best possible start and a win at Murrayfield over the team that put them out of the world cup, would provide that.

Odds: 25/1 outright winners. From William Hill

Argument that says they can win it: Whilst other squads have been hit hard with injuries to key players, the Scottish side, although not without their fair share of injuries have got the new young talent to come in and shine. The recent good form of both Edinburgh and Glasgow speaks volumes for the talent coming through the Scottish ranks, and with the bigger names out, this would be the time for the younger players to stand up and be counted. Other managers may be agonizing over who could provide the relevant level of cover where injury is forcing players out, but not Andy Robinson, and it is this wealth of new talent that will win the competition for them.

Argument that says they can’t: Good form of the two professional clubs aside, Scotland seem to go to pieces whenever it comes around to these international competitions. It is in tactics that Scotland lack that killer edge: the backs too often find themselves isolated because they do not pass the ball, the pressure gets to them leading to mistakes being made at the breakdown, and the defence can be incredibly scrappy. Regardless of whether or not other teams are in disarray, Scotland does not have that additional ruthlessness that will exploit this to full effect.

Coach says: “You face that every Six Nations, where teams will bring something new. We’ve just got to focus on ourselves and what we’re going to do. We’ve got to control what we can control. We don’t want to get into a situation that we’ve been in in the last two Six Nations with me in charge with us coming to the last game not having won. We understand the pressure that’s there. I’m building the pressure on that because we can’t hide from it.”

Captain says: “For me, the big thing is leading from the front and actually showing a good example to the boys as well as backing it up with words. First and foremost is ‘do it’. Do it for everyone to see, and that’s the way I’ll be looking to lead the team.”

Prediction: 5th