England
Overview
Predicting which England will turn up these days is like forecasting the weather. Their one November victory, over Argentina, was a dire contest with too much ‘kick-tennis’. Their paucity of tries-one in their last three Tests-is the prime problem. But the inclusion of try-poacher Chris Ashton could mark a change in their fortunes
Vital contest
The clash with Wales, which, in the words of Wales coach Warren Gatland, is ‘now huge for both sides’
Overall chances
Better than last year is the best that can be said
Players to watch
Riki Flutey and Jonny Wilkinson, whose kicking prowess is still second to none
Current odds 4/1
Ireland
Overview
The holders and Grand Slam champions are in fine fettle to defend their crown. IRB Coach of the Year Declan Kidney hasn’t put a foot wrong since his appointment in 2008, and, with the likes of centre Brian O’Driscoll pulling all the strings, who would bet against them?
Overall chances
They have so much self-belief that another Grand Slam shouldn’t be beyond them
Vital match
The face-off with France in Paris on February 13-it could decide the championship
Players to watch
World Player of the Decade O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell, successful captain of the Lions
Current odds 9/4
Italy
Overview
Will miss the services of their one truly world-class player, captain Sergio Parisse, following a serious knee injury. Lack of discipline has always been coach Nick Mallet’s main concern, and it’s doubtful if they will improve on last year’s dire campaign in which they lost all five contests
Overall chances
Probably zero, but, on their day, can ruffle a few feathers
Vital match
The game with England at the Stadio Flaminio on St Valentine’s Day, as England often struggle in Rome
Players to watch: Lock Marco Bortolami and experienced full-back Andrea Masi
Current odds 250/1
France
Overview Les Bleus stirred Gallic blood with a 20-13 success over South Africa in November, before being outplayed to the tune of 39-12 by New Zealand. Somewhat surprisingly, they’re the bookies’ favourites, despite lacking a host of frontline performers
Overall chances
Coach Marc Lievremont has said ‘the tournament will be tough’. But, if their natural flair comes to the fore, they should have enough in their armoury to run Ireland close
Vital match
The home game with England on March 20-always a great occasion
Players to watch
Fans’ favourite Sebastien Chabal and wing Vincent Clerc
Current odds 6/4
Wales
Overview
The 2008 champions will be without Mike Phillips and Dwayne Peel, which has created a scrum-half problem, but with 2008 World Player of The Year Shane Williams in their line-up, the Welsh will always be a threat
Overall chances
On paper, not as great as last year, when fourth spot was obtained, but no Wales XV is a poor one, so a good outside bet for the championship
Vital match
Their tussle at Twickenham with an England side that has still yet to convince
Players to watch
Record try-scorer Williams and full-back Lee Byrne
Current odds 7/2
Scotland
Overview
Former England coach Andy Robinson has instilled some real steel into the Scottish defence, which was best illustrated by the nail-biting 9-8 defeat of Australia last November
Overall chances
Scotland have shown enough improvement in recent times to suggest the side can better the fifth slot of last year’s tournament
Vital match
This Sunday’s meeting with France at their home stadium of Murrayfield will show by just how much the Scottish side has improved
Players to watch
Goal-kickers, Phil Godman and Chris Paterson, with the latter requiring just two caps to
register his century
Current odds 20/1
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