Our writers answer six key questions as the tournament looms into view
Captains Dewi Lake (Wales), Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland), Jamie George (England), Antoine Dupont (France), Caelan Doris (Ireland) and Michele Lamaro (Italy) at the Six Nations launch Edinburgh. Photo: Steve Welsh/PA Wire
Rúaidhrí O’Connor: On the back of their win over New Zealand, English rugby is salivating at the prospect of this Six Nations and they’ll fancy having a Triple Crown by week three. Everyone else has a degree of trepidation, but there’s no enthusiasm in Wales, judging by their poor ticket sales.
Cian Tracey: France will fancy their chances of defending their title, given that they play their main challengers, Ireland and England, at home. However, England have serious momentum behind them thanks to 11 straight wins. We’ll find out where they really stand come the final night in Paris. Meanwhile, the Welsh misery looks set to continue