This year's RBS 6 Nations Championship is set for another nail-biting fight to the finish. That's the verdict from our panel of rugby greats, who're predicting a battle between England and France for the title – and a few shocks along the way.
RBS ambassadors Keith Wood, David Sole, Jason Leonard, Ieuan Evans, Philippe St André and Alessandro Moscardi put their bodies on the line during distinguished 6 Nations careers. Now we've asked them to put their reputations on the line - and predict where they think this year's Championship will be won and lost.
Jason, Ieuan and Keith are tipping France, while Alessandro and Philippe are backing England - as is David, who led Scotland to the title in 1990 and is refusing to rule out a repeat.
"It is an enormously difficult tournament to predict," said David, "especially when you see the amount of change that has gone on since last year's tournament, and even since the World Cup.
"You have a new coaching team in Wales, a lot of change in England with the old guard retiring after the World Cup, and a complete revamp in France.
"Ireland are looking to come back after a very disappointing World Cup, while Italy have a new coach. Scotland, really, are the only ones with any continuity."
France won the title on the last day in 2007 but had a disappointing World Cup. New coach Marc Lievremont has promised more expansive tactics, with the players encouraged to take risks and play a more aggressive game.
"There are a lot of new young talents in the French squad and they will be eager to show their potential," said Philippe. Nevertheless, he believes it will be one of the Championship's most experienced players, Jonny Wilkinson, who can lead England to glory.
England's most capped player, Jason Leonard, disagrees. He claims the World Cup finalists face a tough test following the retirement of Lawrence Dallaglio, Jason Robinson, Mike Catt and Martin Corry, and has instead pinned his hopes on RBS Young Gun David Strettle. "He can create a Jason Robinson-like buzz."
Wales and Ireland had disappointing World Cup campaigns, leading to a change of one coach, and calls for the resignation of another.
"A lot of people called for (Ireland coach) Eddie O'Sullivan to be sacked after the World Cup but I feel he is the right man for the job," said Keith, the ex-Ireland skipper. "They key thing for Ireland is to remember that they're still a very good team."
Meanwhile, Ieuan has given the new Welsh coaching team of Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards and Rob Howley a vote of confidence, claiming they can lift Welsh pride. "It's been a disappointing couple of years for Wales but what you want as a sportsman is a shot at redemption," he added.
One player who can lift Wales is James Hook - another of the RBS Young Guns, and named by Alessandro as a young player to look out for.
The format Italy captain also believes his countrymen will be worth watching, under new coach Nick Mallett. "I think Italy can upset one of the big countries this year," he said.
