The RBS 6 Nations 2009

ENGLAND

From the sublime to the ridiculous in last year’s competition, new manager Martin Johnson will be looking for consistency first and foremost from his new charges in 2009, but – as always – anything less than a Championship victory will be viewed as a failure by the Twickenham faithful. With a number of spots up for grabs, Mathew Tait will be looking to cement his place in the backline, whilst in the forwards it’s time for Nick Easter to become a real leader on the field.

WALES

It’s a case of chasing the Dragons for everyone this year. Wales were brilliant last time out and Warren Gatland will be looking for more of the same from his charges in 2009. Not that the New Zealander will be expecting an easy ride. Shane Williams was last year’s player of the tournament, but the little wizard is not getting any younger and it’s time for his team-mates to start grabbing the headlines. James Hook versus England’s Danny Cipriani could be a mouth-watering match-up.

SCOTLAND

A superb victory over the Auld Enemy apart, last year’s competition was a disappointment for a side that, on its day, has the strength in its pack and enough penetrative runners to give the very best a run for their money. Fiercely competitive and always a tough prospect at Murrayfield, Scotland will have to utilise the power and pace of the dangerous Sean Lamont and work out where best to field the ever-impressive Chris Paterson. If these two fire, then a Triple Crown is not out of the question.

IRELAND

Massively disappointing in last year’s tournament, following a poor showing in the 2007 World Cup, new coach Declan Kidney has got his work cut out to re-style his Ireland side into a team capable of claiming the title for the first time in 24 years. Two years ago, with the likes of Gordon D’Arcy and dynamic captain Brian O’Driscoll breaking the gain line for fun, Ireland looked one of the most complete sides and they must find this spark in the backs again if they are to compete in 2009.

FRANCE

Mercurial even by their own standards in 2008, France followed impressive wins against Scotland and Ireland with a lacklustre display against an indifferent England. Their performance was not helped by a selection policy that, at times, beggared belief and how the side will line up for this season’s tournament is anyone’s guess. Brought back down to earth after back-to-back victories in 2006 and 2007, Marc Lievremont’s side are still to make the Stade de France a fortress on a par with the Parc de Princes and solid home wins, rather than free-flowing rugby, will be the priority this year.

ITALY

Following victory over Scotland in last year’s Championship and with a number of the other teams in a phase of transition, Nick Mallett will be telling his Italian team that this could be the best chance the Azzurri have ever had to really make a mark on the 6 Nations. Never shy in the forwards, discipline is the watchword for the Italians in 2009, with the effervescent Bergamasco brothers looking to use their power, pace and ball-handling skills to give flair to Italy’s attacking play. The 6 Nations needs Italy firing on all cylinders.