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Six Nations Preview

By Joe Ridge

The Six Nations kicks off this Saturday with the Northern Hemisphere's top teams as evenly matched as they have ever been. The 15 clashes that will take place are full of mouth-watering propositions and any one of Ireland, England, France or Wales could win the coveted trophy.

England:

I doubt this is Martin Johnson's last chance, but he is certainly running out of lives. Whenever there have been signs of progress during his 18 months in charge, they have soon been followed by a poor performance. Though if he could deliver the Six Nations, which England have not won since 'Johnno' captained his nation to glory in 2003, all will be forgotten.

England's woes in the two sets of Autumn internationals that Johnson has handled can be blamed in part due to a lengthy injury list and experimentation, though with the World Cup a year away, the time for tinkering has to end. Johnson has admitted this is his strongest squad, and although first choice props Andrew Sheridan and Phil Vickery are missing injured, I would have to agree.

The problems England encountered at the breakdown against the Southern Hemisphere's best shouldn't resurface, as a Haskell-Easter-Moody back three is as good as any in the Six Nations, and Tom Croft and Joe Worsley are also set to return from injury midway through the tournament.

The performance of the front five is where England's fixtures will be won and lost, especially in their opening game against Wales. Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones are of the best props in World Rugby, and with Sheridan and Vickery missing, the likes of Tim Payne and David Wilson will have to have the games of their lives if England are to avenge the 2008 defeat.

I'm still not convinced by Steve Borthwick as an international second row or captain, though like Johnno, if he can lead us to glory then all will be forgotten. The back-line looks the best it has been for years. I can't wait to see the ex-Kiwi combination of Riki Flutey and Shontayne Hape in the centres, and Chris Ashton and Ben Foden can add pace and depth to an already strong back three unit.

The key for England will be consistency. It is unlikely we will blow away any sides, and on trips to Scotland and Italy England must show their patience and experience. A win against Wales is vital to get the ball rolling, and star duo Lewis Moody and Jonny Wilkinson must stay fit and on the pitch.

The Draw:

The asymmetrical nature of the Six Nations means that a favourable draw is vital if any of the northern hemisphere's top four sides harbours any chance of overall success. Six of the ten winners of the competition have had three games at home rather than two, and drawing two of the big four at home has helped nine out of the ten previous winners to lift the Six Nations Crown.

In that light, England's home fixtures against Wales and Ireland are crucial. Martin Johnson's men are faced with three away fixtures, though two of these are in Scotland and Italy before a tough trip to Paris. Last year's Grand Slam winners Ireland are faced with a tough draw as they have to travel to France and England, although they do have three home fixtures to play out.

Wales also have three home fixtures though like Ireland have two tough away trips to Twickenham and Croke Park. It is worth noting that with the same fixture list two years ago Wales were able to win the Grand Slam. It is France who have best draw out of the four title contenders, as they have three home fixtures, of which two are against Ireland and England.

The Contenders:

Though both capable of springing a surprise, Scotland and Italy have to be written off as serious title contenders. Both sides, particularly Scotland, are capable of beating anyone on their patch and throwing a spanner in the works of the title race, though neither are capable of playing the sort out of rugby to pick up points away at any of the 'big four' sides alluded to above.

Ireland under Declan Kidney have finally begun to fulfil their potential. Having won the Grand Slam last year, they were able to defeat World Champions South Africa at Croke Park back in November. They play a very physical and high intensity game, much like that of their two Heineken Cup winning sides Munster and Leinster. Every man from 1 to 15 can tackle, carry, and run all day long. Anyone who harbours and hope of winning the Six Nations will have to be at their absolute best to beat Ireland, particularly at Croke Park.

Wales are always worth a bet as dark horses. Their expansive style of rugby is such that they can compete with the Southern Hemisphere sides, though when it goes wrong they can lose to anyone. Their front five is probably the best in the competition, and if they can dominate the contact area, they have the talent out wide to win the tournament.

As before mentioned, France have the most favourable draw, though they have the most inconsistent side. Their inconsistent nature is not helped by the constant chopping and changing of selection by coach Mark Lievremont. Discipline is key for the French, as many of their pack can lose their heads at vital moments. They have one of the best half-back divisions in world rugby and if they can find a settled pair, they should be able to win all their home games which would probably see them win outright.

The Verdict:

I've contemplated sticking my neck on the line but I honestly can't pick a winner. My heart of course says England, my head says France, though my gut is telling me that Wales or Ireland will take home the crown. One thing I definitely cannot see is another Grand Slam with the sides all so evenly matched, though if England pull off a miracle I won't be complaining!