Six Nations Rugby breakdown

Following their trials in domestic competitions, this will be the first year that the Experimental Rules Variations (ELVs) are used, and with the jury still out on them, their performance in this year's tournament could be a key factor.

There is also the factor of the Lion's tour later this year. Which will, without a doubt, be in the back of the players' minds. Good performances in the 6 nations will prove to be a key factor in the final selection especially when there are few stand out players or dead certs for certain positions.

Ireland

Perennial underachievers, Ireland have never lived well with the tag of favourites. Thankfully this year, they are considered strong contenders, but not as strong as Wales. They have a new coach in Declan Kidney, who led Munster to two Heineken Cups. He has brought belief to the squad, but a series of stuttering performances in the autumn shows that he still has a lot of work to do. Ireland has the players to compete with anyone, but there is a problem of depth. For too long, Ireland relied too much on the same players, failing to rotate or blood new players, meaning that they suffer more from injuries than anyone else. This is especially true of Ronan O'Gara, a world class out-half, but if he in injured or has an off-day Ireland are in trouble. With the curtain falling on the so called golden generation, if they live up to their potential they could mount a strong challenge.

France

The most successful country in recent years, France is going through another transitional phase. Their coach Marc Liévremont is still a rookie in many peoples' eyes, and he can be a bit of a mad genius. His strong rotational policy often means it seems like he fields a different team each week, and he has failed to settle on any key combinations. Most notably at half back, where he has failed to decide on a scrum half, and he has named only one out-half in this year’s squad, Lionel Beauxis of Stade Francias, who despite his quality is both inexperienced, and suffered from injury this season. That said, the French pack is looking formidable and returning to the form of old, and they have the backs to score against anyone. If the team can click after so much chopping and changing they will pose a strong chance.

Italy

In their ninth year in the competition Italy look set to continue to grow, and to those nay-sayers who say they should not be there, remember that it took France 45 years to win their first tournament, and look where they went from there. Italy have in Nick Mallet one of the best coaches in world rugby, and although he has a limited pool of players they still field a strong squad. Sergio Parisse the captain, is the best number 8 in the world, and an inspired leader for an outstanding pack who ply their trade across some of the biggest clubs in Europe. It is the continued quest to find a quality half back pairing that lets Italy down. A series of injuries has left them with a scrum-half crisis, and the position of out-half is being filled by the inexperienced Andrea Marcato. The success of the half backs will define Italy's ability to contest a match. They might have a pack that can stand toe to toe with anyone, but without half backs to capitalise on the forwards hard work Italy will continue to struggle.

England

After a dreadful autumn series Martin Johnson's time in charge has not had an optimal start. That combined with injuries or suspensions to key in form players has almost written them off before the tournament starts. With a lot of the traditionally successful clubs, such as Wasps, misfiring in Europe this season and the majority of the English squad drawn from these clubs, if this year's campaign doesn't go well questions will have to be asked. That said, England have bloodied several exciting new players this year, such as Danny Care, Ben Foden, Ugo Monye and Delon Armitage who are all quality prospects, and if Martin Johnson can successful blend experience with youth then England could mount as serious a challenge as they have since they last won in 2003.

Wales

Considered by many to be favourites, following a strong performance in the Autumn Internationals and the Grand Slam of last year, they feature the World player of the year in Shane Williams. The Welsh team is full of quality players and a fine blend of experience and youth. The Ospreys and Cardiff who provide the bulk of the squad have both been doing well in their various competitions this year, especially Cardiff who achieved top seeds in the Heineken cup. Wales also benefits from a relatively injury free squad, and plenty of strength in depth in many positions. That said, the last time Wales won a Grand Slam in 2005 they flopped badly the following year with the burden of being favourites, though they are more experienced now and have a one of the best coaching set-ups in the northern hemisphere. Wales are a confidence team, and as such, their toughest test could prove to be their opener against Scotland in Murrayfield. A competent win away could well lead to another Grand Slam, whilst a defeat or narrow victory would usher in doubt and leave the door open for the other contenders.

Recent improved performances by Glasgow and Edinburgh combined with a fine showing by key Scottish players based abroad, has hinted that the Scottish team has continued to grow. They were perhaps the team happiest with the autumn series, nothing was expected of them, yet they gave the southern powers a good go and should have beaten the world champions. With, as ever, an abrasive pack, and a world class scrum-half, all Scotland has missed in recent years has been a penetrating back line. With the emergence of the Evans brothers (Thom and Max) and the return from injury of Simon Danielli, Scotland could be onto a winner. Aided by the kicking of Chris Patterson a few upsets may be on the cards, especially the opening match at home to Wales which could make or break both teams' campaigns.

Predictions

It is hard to see a Grand Slam being achieved this year, all 6 teams are capable of winning against each other. Yes, you could even see Italy beating England at Twickenham in the first game. Many fixtures are very hard to call, and there are no safe bets, even the bookies odds are pretty slim pickings this year. But Wales do deserve the favourites tag, going on recent form, given the fact that they have a settled squad with plenty of experience and retain all their attacking threat and pace. If any team is to achieve a Grand Slam it will be Wales, but France, England and Ireland all have a strong chance at winning the championship. The schedule this year is exciting too, for without a runaway favourite, it could all come down to the last weekend, be it for a Grand Slam or the championship.