Sir Clive Woodward believes Warren Gatland's Wales will provide an early upset by beating Ireland in their Six Nations opener this coming weekend.
The Irish head to the Principality Stadium as the number one ranked team in the world, with major scalps to their name and hoping to win the tournament in World Cup year.
However, Woodward reckons Wales will put an immediate dent in those hopes with victory thanks to the Gatland factor, the Cardiff crowd and the stellar form of Ospreys stars like Justin Tipuric who have shone in Europe.
England's World Cup winning coach reckons the result will 'put the cat among the pigeons' and lead to France eventually winning the title. Despite backing Wales to get off to a flier, he only tips them for fourth place in the tournament.
"Wales in Cardiff are going to be some team. I can see them causing an upset on the first Saturday by beating Ireland - and that would put the cat among the pigeons," Woodward told the Mail. "The Ospreys have done really well in the Champions Cup, led by Justin Tipuric. They have got a good team and Wales at their best have a good team. I really think they can shock Ireland.
"I think Wales will win at home. You have to play really well to beat them in Cardiff. Ireland will not have played together for a while and it will be Gatland’s first game back.
"If you look at Wales’ likely starting team, it is very strong - and with that crowd behind them they have got a good chance."
Of the final tournament running order, Woodward said: "No Grand Slam. Ireland will get beaten on the first weekend, so I’m going to say France, Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland, Italy."
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