2010 Six Nations Rugby Preview

Ireland will start this season’s Six Nations Championship as warm favourites to retain the title that they won in Grand Slam style last year, but Declan Kidney’s men will face stern challenges from both unpredictable France and attack-minded Wales.

England will also pose a serious threat as they seek to take out what would be their first title in six years, resurgent Scotland promise to be far more competitive than they have been in recent times, while Italy’s formidable pack could provide the platform from which to spring a surprise victory or two, especially at home.

With both Leinster and Munster again reaching the latter stages of the Heineken Cup and inspirational skipper Brian O’Driscoll in good form and injury-free, Ireland will approach the tournament in confident mood and will enjoy the benefit of playing three of their five games at Croke Park. Trips to Paris and Twickenham, however, will be far from easy and the men in green traditionally perform better as underdogs than as favourites.

Last year’s victory over the All Blacks indicated in no uncertain terms that France can be world-beaters on their day, but they are notoriously unpredictable and will not relish a first-up trip to Murrayfield where they have often struggled in the past.

Wales, meanwhile, may have failed to impress in the autumn internationals, but their injury crisis has now eased, particularly amongst the forwards and if they can get their campaign off to a winning start at Twickenham, they should be able to build up enough momentum to mount a serious title challenge.

Martin Johnson may still not be entirely certain of his best starting fifteen, but England will nevertheless be a force to be reckoned with, while Scotland look far more solid defensively under Johnson’s old England team-mate Andy Robinson and having topped the Wallabies late last year, are set to be the major improvers.

Another learning curve year beckons for the Italians, meanwhile, especially with key forward Sergio Parisse ruled out by injury.