The 2022 Six Nations is nearly upon us.
Just over a week from the tournament, the questions are piling up.
Can Wales defend their title? Can France finally win a championship? Will there be a Grand Slam? Can Italy actually win a game?
With all that in mind, here's how things could well turn out in the coming weeks...
Round 1
Ireland v Wales, Scotland v England, France v Italy
Starting on the opening weekend, Wales head to Dublin with a spate of injuries and a real lack of domestic form. We've often seen them defy logic on that front, but in the cold light of day, Ireland should have too much up front to stop Wales springing a surprise.
At Murrayfield, Scotland will be quietly confident of backing up last year's win at Twickenham. But Eddie Jones' current England side is very different to the class of 2021 with the rebuild now on. Calcutta Cup clashes can always throw up a surprise, but Jones' crop are rightly favourites for this one.
The final match of the weekend might be the easiest to call. Italy have lost 32 Six Nations matches in a row. The chances of them stopping that run in Paris against France are almost non-existent.
Winners: Ireland, England and France
Round 2
Wales v Scotland, France v Ireland, Italy v England
Scotland won't fear Wales, having built slowly in recent years with plenty of promising victories. A first win in Wales for some time, albeit at an empty Parc y Scarlets, will boost their confidence - but that's not a packed-out Principality Stadium. With their injuries, it won't be easy, but the national team have a knack of being more than the sum of the WRU's disparate parts.
Scotland, on the other hand, have endured more than a few false dawns. That's why Wales are favourites in what could well be the clash to determine who finishes closer to Italy.
France's hosting of Ireland is a huge clash in terms of the title. Both sides defeated the All Blacks and are contenders for the title. Andy Farrell's impressive team will have to overcome difficult away fixtures to do so. Paris might just be a little too tricky at this stage.
England's visit to Rome should hold few problems for Jones and co.
Winners: Wales, France and England
Round 3
Scotland v France, England v Wales, Ireland v Italy
Scotland aren't quite the travel averse side they once were, but there's no doubting that scalps are more likely to come in Edinburgh. France could be one such opportunity, especially after last year's dramatic victory in Paris. However, given that France threw that match away in trying to chase an unlikely Six Nations title, the smart money is still on an away victory here.
Then it's the turn of Wales to travel to Twickenham. Again, it's hard to see Wales' pack - light on caps - getting the upper hand at HQ.
Finally, in Dublin, an Ireland victory over Italy looks a sure bet.
Winners: France, England and Ireland
Round 4
Wales v France, Italy v Scotland, England v ireland
Friday night games are back and, naturally, Wales are involved. The stand against not hosting them, implemented by former WRU chairman Gareth Davies, ultimately didn't last beyond his time at the union.
If you're looking at where Wales' best bet of victory comes against one of the three tournament favourites, this is probably it. A home crowd and a playing style that, if it clicks, can match this French side. However, you'd still back France to keep their title charge on track. Their last visit to Cardiff in 2020 was one of the best performances of Fabien Galthié's reign.
Scotland should have few problems in Rome.
But England v Ireland could be a fascinating one. It all, ultimately depends, on where England are in their rebuild. There's perhaps more growth in their side than Ireland, but Farrell's men are a tough proposition. The home advantage, as it so often does in the Six Nations, could be the deciding factor.
Winners: France, Scotland and England
Round 5
Wales v Italy, Ireland v Scotland, France v England
In an ideal world, Wales would be playing Italy on the final weekend with a title on the line. According to the bookies, that's not likely - but a Welsh win is something they'd all back heavily.
Scotland travelling to Ireland, particularly if there's no championship on the line, could be one of those Six Nations fixtures that that throws up a minor surprise. Farrell's Ireland are likely too well-drilled to take their eye off the ball though.
Then, onto the probably title decider - and even a possible Grand Slam game - in Paris. In truth, there's more chance of it not being a Grand Slam decider, as the Six Nations always tends to throw up at least one result that upsets the apple cart.
But looking at the fixture list, it's very easy to predict France and England - particularly the former - reaching this match without a loss under their belts.
From there, it's about whether France can capitalise on their vast potential and put behind multiple second place finishes to finally get over the line.
Winners: Wales, Ireland and France
Final table predicted:
1st: France
2nd: England
3rd: Ireland
4th: Wales
5th: Scotland
6th: Italy
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