Six Nations Predictions

This year's tournament promises to be one of the most open for many years.
(Pic : The Telegraph)

Final Table

1. France
2. England
3. WALES
4. Ireland
5. Scotland
6. Italy

Wales

There've been too many injuries to key players in the build up to the tournament and I think that's going to play a big part in how Wales fare. It'll also be interesting to see how Wales cope with the loss of a "game changer" like Shane Williams. However, if the whole "brutalising treatment in Poland" thing unites the team and they take a more disciplined approach, then maybe they can get some due revenge.

With injuries this might be a chance some of the younger players like Ryan Bevington, Scott Williams and Rhys Webb to make an impression while the likes of Toby Faletau, George North and Dan Lydiate (when they're fit) firmly establish themselves after the World Cup (if they haven't already done so). Getting Jamie Roberts and Rhys Priestland back is a big boost but there'll be match fitness concerns no doubt.

Worth a punt but I don't think any of us should expect miracles.

France

I'm going to be boring and predict a French grand slam. Change seems to be a theme in all of the national sides involved but a new coach should bring some stability to France compared to the "eccentric" Marc Lievremont. They play home games against both England and Ireland and that should see them take the title in my opinion.

England

Despite the goings on at the World Cup, England have the makings of a young, very effective team. The antics overshadowed the fact that they only lost one game. I suspect France v England will be the tournament decider with the French coming out just on top once again. It remains a question whether there'll be any instability following coaching and squad changes. They'll probably wobble every now and again but this could be the beginnings of another wave of English dominance in the run to hosting the World Cup in 2015.

Ireland

I can see this being something of a "transition period" for the Irish having lost Brian O'Driscoll. Their squad has a mix of very experienced players and relatively inexperienced players - similar to Wales. I think that the game against Wales on the weekend will decide how this tournament pans out for them (I'll predict a narrow Welsh win). If Ireland can start well and maintain consistancy then a push for second isn't out of the question but I think it'll be between Wales & Ireland for third and fourth.

Scotland

The Scottish club sides have had a good season so far, especially in Europe. If they can maintain the kind of form Edinburgh and Glasgow have shown through into the national team, Scotland can cause an upset or two. Unfortunately I think it's a year or two too early for them to resurrect a reputation in the Six Nations. They are due a break at some point, could it come against England or France?

Italy

They're improving year on year but they are still some way away from being properly competitive and losing Nick Mallet will be something of a blow. It'll be interesting to see how the Pro12 has impacted on the development of Italian players. I'll suspect it'll be positive and they'll probably push one or two of the other nations in the odd game. Wooden spoon - but the days of Italy being the whipping boy in it's truest sense are coming to an end.