RBS 6 Nations: Expect the unexpected - Yahoo Sport's team-by-team preview
Emma Thurston runs the rule over the teams and predicts which players will shine - and which country will emerge as champions
So this is it, the RBS 6 Nations is upon us once again followers of International rugby have every reason to feel hugely excited about the six weeks of action ahead of us.
Usually, we have an inkling of how things are going to pan out but with so many permutations possible, I predict you should expect the unexpected n 2016 - and here's my team-by-team analysis.
IRELAND
Should enter with a level of confidence that comes from having two consecutive Championship titles under their belts and having one of the most astute coaches in the world in Joe Schdmit. However, domestically the provincial sides have been struggling and Internationally they’ve lost key leaders to retirement or injury and that means that we cannot guarantee that they’ll fire from the word go.
Player to Watch
Rory Best is the man hailed by his head coach as an ‘ultimate professional’ both on and off the field and with 89 caps he isn’t short of International experience. His leadership will be essential, especially in their opening match against Wales and his work at the scrummage will be equally vital to ensure Ireland put their ‘best’ foot forward!
Prediction
3rd - Ireland may have two titles under their belt but this RBS 6 Nations is presenting fresh challenges that are likely to be difficult to work through.
WALES
Are the most experienced and settled side in the tournament and will have taken a great amount of heart from their performances in the World Cup without so many key men. However, the question is can Warren Gatland’s men finally break free from their shackles and show enough ‘flair’ to outscore opponents week in, and week out?
Player to Watch
There are few that emerged from the World Cup with as much credit as Dan Biggar. His ‘unique’ kicking style has always turned heads however now it is his all around proficiency that is causing many to call him the ‘form fly-half in the world’.
Prediction
Winners - Wales’ experience is unrivalled, they have the most settled set of players and coaches of all and don’t carry any fear of performing on the road. Facing Ireland in Dublin is a huge opening test but if they get through that then their following two home matches will set up another almighty ding-dong with England at Twickenham which could prove to be decisive in the final standings.
SCOTLAND
They had an extremely productive Rugby World Cup, seemingly finding their feet and upping their performance levels tenfold. This now throws them well and truly into the mix - but will they be able hold their nerve and deliver performances against rivals that they haven’t beaten in years?
Player to Watch
Mark Bennett has faced a race for fitness ahead of the opening match against England but his inclusion is a huge boost for Vern Cotter. Bennett rose to prominence during the World Cup, was nominated for the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, and has already scored 6 tries in 13 tests.
Prediction
4th - If they play with confidence then Scotland have the ability to banish the memories of last year’s wooden spoon with ease. There isn’t any reason why Cotter’s side should slip back into old habits and instead we should expect a few positive surprises from the men in blue.
ITALY
In the middle of all of the permutations there is one safe bet and that is the Azzurri are set for a tough Championship. Jacques Brunel has a number of injury issues to deal with, he hasn’t found the wonder fly-half that he needs, and his old guard are starting to come to the end of their productive reigns.
Player to Watch
Sergio Parisse is one of the game’s all time greats. He made his tournament debut in 2004 and once again will carry the entire side on his shoulders.
Prediction
Wooden spoon - For all of Parisse’s greatness there simply isn’t the depth of talent within this Italian squad to compete with others in this competition. Of course they’ll target their two home matches but in reality you expect Brunel to finish his reign with another wooden spoon.
ENGLAND
Will England play the type of expansive rugby that they displayed during last year’s tournament? Or will they find that the demons of the World Cup are more difficult to eliminate than first thought?
Player to Watch
The appointment of the Northampton Saint Dylan Hartley as captain raised a fair few eyebrows but he is there to give England an 'edge'. He has to ‘stay at 99%’ as opposed to tipping over and seeing the ‘red mist’ if he does then he’ll give England’s set piece plenty of stability and drive a new forthright side forward.
Prediction
2nd - England will be given the license to thrill thanks to a head coach that is operating in a very different manner and style than before. England had the personnel during in the World Cup but crumbled under their own expectations, selection choices and the pressure of the nation. This tournament should be about proving themselves and it will be between them and Wales to take the Championship.
FRANCE
In their case the age old cliches ring true; will Les Bleus actually turn up and if so what type of France will we see? Guy Noves has rolled the dice a little with his squad selection and has included more uncapped players than we’ve seen previously. With the omission of Mathieu Bastareaud, in particular, Noves has signalled a move to gain back the ‘French joué joué’ and implored his players to ‘express all their personality’ on the field. Their opener against Italy shouldn’t be a problem however predicting beyond that point remains challenge for all of those outside of France’s camp!
Player to Watch
France also have a new man leading the side on the field, Guilhem Guirado. Guilhem has the challenge of filling the extremely large shoes of Thierry Dusautoir and has the task of doing so off the platform of France’s appalling final outing against New Zealand at the World Cup.
Prediction
5th - Noves, like Jones, will have faced a race against time to get his side ready. Although they start relatively easily against Italy I believe that they aren’t settled enough to truly contend with others in this year’s tournament.
