It's that time of year again. The most popular annual international event in world sport returns for six weeks of the best in Northern Hemisphere rugby. As the teams put the finishing touches to their preparations for the opening weekend, Sports Mole examines how this year's Six Nations tournament is shaping up.
England
With the misery of last year's Rugby World Cup put behind them, England have shown that they are ready to move on and move up. In Stuart Lancaster they have an interim coach who is not burdened by past glories or high expectations. Indeed, some would say that England can only improve after the events of last November. With fresh faces, young talent and a gutsy choice for new captain, England look confident and determined going into their opening match with Scotland at Murrayfield.
One to watch: New captain Chris Robshaw who, although only having one cap for England at the age of 25, has impressed as captain of Aviva Premiership leaders Harlequins.
France
Whatever went on behind the scenes in New Zealand, the fact that France were World Cup finalists can't be ignored. Les Bleus went through the tournament with an almost endearing unpredictability – losing to Tonga one week, and then demolishing England the next. Much of that was put down to the coaching of Marc Lievremont, who was alleged to have had a bad relationship with some of the senior members of the squad and whose media outburts became stuff of legend. Now under the command of Philippe Saint-Andre and his insistence of professionalism, France go into the tournament as favourites.
One to watch: Rookie Wesley Fofana. The centre is set to make his international debut against Italy after demonstrating phenomenal form for Clermont Auvergne.
Ireland
Still smarting at their World Cup quarter-final defeat to Wales, Ireland will be looking to exact revenge in the teams' opening match in Dublin on Saturday. Coach Declan Kidney has gone for a tried and tested approach when picking his squad, but Ireland will no doubt miss the presence of talisman Brian O'Driscoll, who is out of the entire tournament following shoulder surgery. After the Wales clash, Ireland face France in Paris. If those two results go the way of the men in green, then the momentum could be enough to carry them through to the championship.
One to watch: Ronan O'Gara. Jonathan Sexton has been nipping at O'Gara's heels for a few years now, but the veteran has shown with Munster this season that he's still got it.
Italy
New coach Jacques Brunel has a mighty task on his hands in transforming Italy from Wooden Spoon regulars to title contenders. Such feats cannot be achieved overnight, but the former Perpignan boss will have instilled a fresh sense of determination in the Azzurri. The draw hasn't favoured Italy this year – they are on the road at Paris, Dublin and Cardiff, and will host England and Scotland.
One to watch: Veteran number eight Sergio Parisse, consistently Italy's best player.
Scotland
Scotland had a pretty disappointing World Cup run. They couldn't seem to get a whiff of a try and became the first Scottish squad to fail to reach the quarter-finals since the tournament began. Going into the Six Nations, then, coach Andy Robinson will be desperate to avoid another tussle with Italy for the Wooden Spoon. They have a great opportunity to make a splash when they host England at Murrayfield on the opening day. If Scotland can put one over on the auld enemy as they came close to doing in the World Cup, it could spur them on to a healthy run.
One to watch: Lock Richie Gray is a powerhouse in the forwards. At only 22, Gray is already showing the makings of a world-class second row.
Wales
Hailed as one of the breakout teams of the World Cup, Wales go into the Six Nations as second favourites behind the French. Coach Warren Gatland is still displaying his faith in the youth of the nation, but his plans have been rocked by injuries to the likes of Dan Lydiate, Rhys Priestland, Matthew Rees, Luke Charteris and Alun Wyn Jones. Wales have a tough schedule this year, away as they are to England and Ireland. Their potentially Grand Slam/title-deciding clash with France in Cardiff on the final weekend, however, will be one to relish.
One to watch: Sam Warburton. The flanker was hailed as one of the best opensides in the World Cup, but his efforts were marred by his red card in the semi-finals. Warburton will be determined to make that up to Wales.
