The 2022 Six Nations kicks off this weekend, with the latest edition of the tournament set to be as absorbing as ever after a thrilling series of autumn internationals.
The action begins in Dublin, where Ireland face injury-stricken defending champions Wales at the Aviva Stadium before England seek revenge against Scotland in a Calcutta Cup showdown at Murrayfield.
Round one concludes in Paris on Sunday, with favourites France looking to make an early statement against Italy.
Here, Standard Sport columnist and former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio answers the big Six Nations questions...
Who will finish as champions?
I think France because they can’t ask for a better opportunity. They haven’t won the tournament for 12 years and they’re playing England and Ireland in Paris.
They won’t want to go into the final year before a home World Cup without having won the title. As much as my heart wants England to do well and win the tournament, the odds are with France.
What’s the most important game of the Six Nations?
For England, it’s the first game at Murrayfield tomorrow because it will define their campaign and we found out last year how it can unravel.
But, for the tournament, the second game in Paris between France and Ireland looks like a mouth-watering prospect between two sides who beat the All Blacks last year.
Who do you think will be Player of the Championship?
Let’s hope it’s Tom Curry or Marcus Smith! But the Player of the Championship usually comes from the team that wins the title, so you’d have to say that France hold all the aces.
If Antoine Dupont stays fit, he is going to have an influence, but Cameron Woki and Gregory Alldritt are also big players for France this year.
Which players will break through and make a name for themselves?
Woki really is one to watch for France. Cameron Redpath could well shine for Scotland, too. We saw him briefly and then he was injured.
Wales have got so many injuries, but Taine Basham is a player Sam Warburton raves about. From Ireland, you’ve got Hugo Keenan and then there is Rory Darge from Scotland.
No one is talking about Darge outside of Scotland, but he could surprise people this year.
Which team will be the surprise package?
Last year it was Wales, who shocked everyone to win it. Who knows? Maybe it is England’s time this year to do something pretty special.
I make England the third favourites behind France and Ireland for the championship.
Who will be the underachievers?
Well, Italy have gone 32 games without a Six Nations victory and I can only see it getting darker for them. Given all their injuries, I think that it is going to be difficult for Wales to recreate what they did last year, when they won it and were inches from claiming a Grand Slam.
I can’t see them finishing in the top three, but I did write them off last year!
