Ireland
Last year saw Joe Schmidt's debut in managing Ireland in the
Six Nations, as well as being Brian O'Driscol's swansong tournament. It was a
wonderful year, which saw them crowned Champions of Europe for the first time
since 2009. This must surely bode well for Ireland's hopes in 2015. In Rome on
the 7th, they certainly have a great first fixture to get their
campaign up and running. In addition, they will welcome both England and France
to Dublin, only a tricky trip to Cardiff, however, on the 14th of March would
seem to pose a cause for concern. Other worries for Schmidt might involve the
loss of British and Irish lion, Johnny Sexton, at least until potentially round
3 of the championship, plus Paddy Jackson remaining on the treatment table also
and Ian Madigan's form dipping at just the wrong time. Add that to a few more
1st team casualties and Ireland's favourites tag looks vulnerable, even if
their armour is only a few chain links short at most. That said expect golden
boy Joe's Midas touch to carry them somewhere near the top, come the final
whistle on Saturday the 21st of March.
England
Oh, what could have been, but for a cruel last minute try by
the French in round one. England have a lot on their shoulder, due to what
looms 8 months down the road and would perhaps benefit more than the other five
nations, in terms of confidence, if able to secure the Champions of Europe
title in just under two months time. One major problem however perhaps also
proving the value of a free health care system in the UK is the extent of the
men in white's list of players crippled by injury. Just naming each player
missing would no doubt double the length of this article and it means Stuart
Lancaster has had to delve deep into England's supposedly rich squad depth.
Combine that with arguably the harshest of starts in Cardiff and you have one
hell of an uphill battle for Chris Robshaw and co to contend with. Bridesmaid's
in the last 3 tournaments since Lancaster took over the reins of the national
side. Can they finally break their duck and graduate to top dogs in 2015? Only
time will tell.
Wales
Perhaps the only ones who can boast a full 1st XV come the
start of the championship, Wales are poised to make a return to winning ways
this year welcoming both, their Anglo enemies across the Severn Bridge in round
one and their Celtic rivals, on the other side of the St George's channel, in
round four to Cardiff. The former in particular is of huge importance given the
ramifications of who they share a World cup pool with making it a must win for
Gatland's troops. Expect a big performance from the men in red this year.
France
It feels like France, have been perennial under achievers in
Europe at international level for quite some time now. Dominant at club level
but never capable of translating it to the world stage (bar perhaps 2011 when
they somehow managed to haphazardly grind their way into the World Cup final). That
being said they have a squad that would make any international coach's mouth
water and if Les Blues do find their mojo again, it will be an almighty tough
task for any team to oppose them. Prediction? Pick a number between 1 and
6.....
Scotland
Whenever this time of
year rolls around I find myself saying "Scotland look good this year"
and every single time they prove me wrong. That being said, Scotland, do look
good this year! With a new man at the helm in Vern Cotter and, if taking the
autumn series as an indication, apparently finding a sudden verve for playing
running rugby, Scotland look invigorated. Finally, they seem to have fixed a
long ponderous backline and could well upset the apple cart if given a chance. Stuart
Hogg's rush of blood to the head cost his side dearly as they were ruthlessly
drubbed by Wales in last year's closing fixture. Expect a strong fight back
this year by the Scots to rectify it.
Italy
Finally, the Italians! The Azzuri as yet have failed to
climb higher than 5th since their introduction into the championship and will
once again try to challenge in what is the most important year of the rugby
calendar. Always competitive in the scrum, if often lacklustre behind, it could
be one of the last chances for some of their stalwarts, who are starting to
look rather long in the tooth to achieve something great. Talismanic leaders
Sergio Parisse, Andre Massi and Martin Castrogiovanni are all world class
players in their own right, but, odds are Italy as a XV will fail to reach the
same heights in 2015 yet again.
By Alex Dodd
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