AS we approach the tournament that takes us from winter to spring, we’re still not quite sure which way the wind will blow. Recent history says that the Championship following a World Cup is a Welsh Grand Slam; the last two titles, won by Ireland, have been decided on the last day on points difference and many bookmakers predict a similar outcome. England, who have won 4 out 5 games in every Championship since 2011, come into the tournament as something of an unknown quantity, unlike the Scots with their new found confidence and slight edge about their play after coming within a whisker of a World Cup semi-final.
We will assess the prospects of the 6 nations ahead of what is set to be the most widely contested and open Championship.
England
Following Eddie Jones’ squad announcement, he has thrown yet more caution to the wind by disregarding Elliot Daly and Maro Itoje for his match day 23. Daly, many pundits’ favourite to play in the centres (or at least have a place amongst the replacements), has been overlooked in favour of Bath’s Ollie Devoto perhaps because of his versatility in the midfield. The centre partnership proved to be a long-term headache for Stuart Lancaster and Eddie Jones is expected to name Owen Farrell alongside Jonathan Joseph with an out of form George Ford pulling the strings at fly-half. Former captain Chris Robshaw keeps his place in the squad, however many predict he will switch to the blind side under Jones.
England travel to Murrayfield in their first game of a new era, a fixture they have not lost since 2008. Scotland will be a different prospect this year and we are yet to learn the real identity of this new look England team.
Scotland
The Scots, still smarting after their controversial World Cup exit, are to bear the weight of the greatest expectation pre- Championship in over a decade. They have been boosted by the return of centre Mark Bennett who has managed to shake off a shoulder injury to be in contention for England’s visit to Murrayfield. Head Coach Vern Cotter, nicknamed “Stern Vern” by his captain Greig Laidlaw, will be more concerned by the dip in form of two of his influential backs. Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell, both of whom ply their trade at the Glasgow Warriors, have lacked the sharpness and star quality that brought Scotland such success in the World Cup. The Gray brothers (Richie and Jonny) will offer ballast in the pack that has been lacking in recent years and they’ll be putting maximum pressure on Hartley’s line out come kick-off.
A tough schedule means that, following the Calcutta Cup, Scotland face away trips to Cardiff and Rome before welcoming the consistently inconsistent French to Edinburgh, by that stage they could be in the mix for the Championship or needing a win to avoid the Wooden Spoon.
Wales
Warren Gatland has the luxury of the most settled squad in the Championship and losing narrowly to the Sprongboks in the World Cup should be added motivation for landing their third title in five attempts. As opening matches go, a visit to reigning champions Ireland will prove a test for Gatland’s men still hampered by injuries to Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb. Timely recoveries from Jonathan Davies and Dan Lydiate will boost their chances and as long as the mesmeric Dan Biggar is on the pitch, Wales can strike from anywhere inside fifty metres. Most of his opponents could name Gatland’s starting XV and unpack their style of play, yet teams still struggle to overcome their power when they are on song, the Irish must be wary.
Ireland
Never has a nation been more reliant on the outcome of a head scan than Ireland, and that of Jonny Sexton. The British and Irish Lions fly-half, who sustained a head injury in the Champions Cup last month, is expected to passed fit for the visit of Wales on Sunday. Ireland simply do not tick without him. His game management and ability to get his team out of a hole is invaluable, as well as a reliable boot. Rory Best’s appointment as captaincy has gone under the radar given the furore over Dylan Hartley’s appointment and I think Joe Schmidt wanted it so. Many believe Jamie Heaslip, the younger, louder, more obvious leader would be given the task of filling retired Paul O’Connell’s boots but it instead falls to the veteran hooker. A fool would bet against the Irish but after their shambolic performance against the Pumas, a void has been left in the place of a clear front runner.
France
Former head coach of the all-conquering Toulouse Guy Novès takes over the French side and has made over a dozen changes to the squad that performed so miserably at the World Cup. Gloriously unpredictable France are being tipped to struggle, as they always do, on the road and the neutrals are crying out for an Italian victory in Paris on the first Saturday of the championship.
Italy
Once again being carried by man mountain Sergio Parisse, the Azzuri will do well do gain one victory. This year will be as good a chance as ever to spring a few surprises with many of the home nations still licking their wounds after a northern hemisphere domination on the world stage. After stellar performances from the second tier nations at last year’s tournament, Italy must prove their worth and refuse to lie down – else Romania will come calling for their place.
Sam Hawthorn
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