Six Nations 2018

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Well, here we go again. This year's 6N promises more blood and thunder, big hits, thunderous physicality and, hopefully, magnificent tries.

Two BIG changes this year; alterations to the tackle laws will have an impact on this year's competition. Players will have to tackle lower, and won't be able to choke off the offload as effectively. Hopefully this won't enfeeble the game or result in too many ridiculous sending offs, but will lead to more attacking rugby and tries being scored.

Secondly, the introduction of bonus points is also intended to encourage teams to attack and take risks. I am presuming that this makes it possible for a team to lose more games than someone else, but to win the tournament on the basis of bonus points? I'm not sure about that being a good thing.

England: are rightly tournament favourites since Eddie Jones has given them some belief in themselves. They are reigning Grand Slam champions and are on a record unbeaten run. A huge player pool, competitive national leagues and the Jones factor make them a tough proposition against anyone. Rediscovering their traditional forward strength, a back line with a few flyers and a metronomic goal kicker in Farrell. If they don't self destruct (because I still think they may be mentally fragile under real pressure) and if they don't believe their own media hype I think they will win the tournament .... but not with a Grand Slam.

France: the great unknowables. Their history is full of massive thuggish forwards and small speedy geniuses in the backs. Their national league is the richest in the world and this has led to so many world superstars playing there that French players aren't getting gametime and experience. They have been utterly miserable in recent years, but have a new coach and hopefully some renewed joie de vivre. On current form they would likely be fourth or fifth .... but I am backing them to up their game. They are at home to Wales, and I suspect that may well be a third place play off.

Ireland: the form team in the Northern Hemisphere. An experienced core of veterans with some talented youngsters coming through to fill the gaps left by recently departed legends. Amazing autumn, beating South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. World class back row. I think they will be in the mix right at the end and their home match against England right at the end will be the key confrontation of this year's tourney. I fancy them to win that encounter, but lose out on points difference or bonus points as England seem capable of posting big points against inferior teams.

Italy: have never managed to up their quality since their inclusion in this tournament, unlike Argentina in the Championship. They have the great Sergio Parisse, who would have walked into any team in the world, but even he can't carry an entire international team on their own. Poor club sides get regularly walloped and I think the players are now just used to losing most games. Every once in a while, they produce a good performance and are usually competitive for 50 minutes. That's not enough, and they are my pick for last place and the Wooden Spoon.

Scotland: their inspirational coach leaves after the 6N and the players will be really fired up for him. They are definitely on the up after a barren few years. Agonising defeat against Australia at the World Cup showed how good they can be on their day, but their talent pool is shallow - only two professional teams in the whole country - and injuries or suspensions would really weaken them. I see tham having fire in their bellies, getting a couple of good results and performances ... but not being able to keep,this up over the incredibly gruelling competition. 5th place.

Wales: my team The best team in the Northern hemisphere over the last decade, 3 Grand Slams, 4 6N titles, most of the victorious Lions in Australia and a World Cup semi final. Packed with experience and proven big game players ... but some of those guys are getting on and I wonder whether many team picks are done on reputation nowadays rather than current form. Desperately trying to change their game style away from huge powerful ball carriers and an iron defence towards a more expansive 'Welsh way', but not doing so convincingly. The suspicion remains that the current crop of players has had the creativity coached out of them. Still, a tough team to beat, who are skilled at closing out a tight match. Again, susceptible to injuries. Probably too much firepower for Italy, tricky games away against a resurgent Scotland and France and two massive home matches against both tournament favourites. Cardiff isn't the fortress it was few years ago, but I take them to eke out a win in one of those games. Third or fourth in the tournament this year, which will be seen as a failure by their fans.

LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE ......