Six nations, one guide

TEAM TALKDefending Champions:France Grand Slam in 8217;04Favourites: This Six Nations is being touted as one of the closest ever. Could e...

TEAM TALK
Defending Champions:
France Grand Slam in 8217;04

Favourites: This Six Nations is being touted as one of the closest ever. Could end in a four-way tie at the top between Ireland, England France and Wales, the winner decided on points difference. Irish are eyeing their first Grand Slam since 1948

Why Ireland: Led by Brian O8217;Driscoll, country8217;s record try-scorer 25 in 55 Tests, the team is brimming with confidence. Against the raft of high-profile injuries for England and holders France, the Irish are injury-free at the moment. But will need to be mentally tough to stand up to the hype and pressure

Why not England?: Dogged by poor form since winning the World Cup 2003, and without star fly-half Jonny Wilkinson injured and World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward retired. Centre Mike Tindall looks out, flankers Lewis Moody and Andy Hazell are doubtful.

Positives: 18-year-old centre Matthew Tait, to partner Jamie Noon, and return of World Cup scrum-half Matt Dawson

The French Connection: Mercurial as ever, France8217;s Grand Slam defence will lack flankers Olivier Magne foot and Serge Betsen thigh. But classy fly-half Frederic Michalak is included. Coach Bernard Laporte is confident, but sees Ireland and Wales as threats

PLAYER WATCH

Matthew Tait England
No caps and only 11 Premiership appearances but coach Andy Robinson is willing to start with him

Story continues below this ad

Jason Robinson England
Wilko8217;s replacement, is attacking fullback with stunning acceleration

Imanol Harinordoquy, Frederic

Michalak France:
Dazzlers who need to deliver

Brian O8217;Driscoll Ireland:
Captain, outside centre, inspiration. Also finds time to be one of the most effective strike-runners in the world

TV GUIDE
The sad news is that telecast of the opening weekend8217;s matches is delayed by lesser sport so what8217;s new!. Here8217;s the schedule:
Wales v England
France vs Scotland

Both matches on Star Sports