Who will win?
Robert Kitson France. They have the best scrum-half and, potentially, the strongest set piece in Europe. Stay Covid-free, disciplined and focused away from home and a first Six Nations title in 11 years is a real possibility.
Paul Rees The absence of spectators will dilute home advantage and make it open. No hostile receptions for England in Cardiff and Dublin, nor for Scotland, the wild card, and France at Twickenham.
Andy Bull France. They have made giant strides since Fabien Galthié took charge, and the lack of fans should help blunt home teams’ advantage on their trips to London and Dublin.
Gerard Meagher Ireland. Unfancied but have both England and France at home, which is significant, even in empty stadiums. Beating Wales away on Sunday would set them up nicely and they would relish a decider against England on the final weekend.
Michael Aylwin England. Boring. And I don’t mean England – Japan wasn’t so long ago, after all. France brilliant, but they don’t like being rated. Scotland brilliant. And experienced in all the right places (except hooker).
Predicted order
RK France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy.
PR Italy to finish sixth, Wales and Ireland in the bottom half, England, France and Scotland in the top three.
AB France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy.
GM Ireland, England, France, Scotland, Wales, Italy.
MA England, Scotland, France, Ireland, Wales, Italy.
Key match
RK England v France. Neither of England’s two games against Les Bleus in 2020 were remotely comfortable affairs. Their next rendezvous at Twickenham on 13 March will define both teams’ seasons.
PR There will be at least one every round and there is the potential for another 2015 with three live games on the final day.
AB Hard to look past England v France, but I wonder if the title might just come down to whether England can win in Dublin on the last weekend.
GM Ireland v France. The last seven championship matches between these sides have been decided by a score or less and expect this year to be no different. Hard to see a way back into the running for the loser. The winner will take some stopping, however.
MA England v Scotland. This is where it all began 150 years ago. This is where it all seemed to end in a wild, surreal orgy two years ago. The modern game dull? I’ll warrant Calcutta Cup 2019 was rather more entertaining than 1871. Here’s to 2021.
Most important player
RK Owen Farrell. If England’s captain instantly flicks the switch after two months without competitive rugby, his side will prosper. If he is rusty and flustered, maybe not.
PR Each sports psychologist or mental skills coach with players confined to barracks for weeks on end. A physical game will come down to the mental side.
AB Antoine Dupont. Player of the tournament last year, France are lucky they have a fine back-up scrum-half in Baptiste Serin, but Dupont gives them a real attacking edge.
GM Finn Russell. He may not have a say in who is crowned champions but in the absence of crowds, players of Russell’s ilk are required more than ever to illuminate this year’s competition.
MA Not sure what this even means. Best player? One that seals the title with a try? Or a tackle? Or a mot juste? Hamish Watson. Because I like him and he’ll be good.
Breakthrough star
RK Ben Earl (England). Sam Underhill’s injury should allow the fast-improving flanker more game time. Quick, strong and busy, he offers a triple threat.
PR Scotland’s Cameron Redpath may prove the ideal foil for Finn Russell.
AB Quite like the look of this whippersnapper flanker Wales have called up, Dan Lydiate. The 33-year-old hasn’t played a Test for them in three years.
GM Ellis Genge. Only eight starts from his 23 caps but the path now seems clear to advance his claims as a starting international prop. His progress will be watched closely by Warren Gatland.
MA Duhan van der Merwe. One of the last through the three-year residency door. May not know the way to Greyfriars Bobby, but does to the try-line.
Can’t wait for …
RK Finn Russell to start whirling his baton and breathing attacking life into the tournament. If the 2021 Six Nations fails to charm its captive lockdown audience it will be a huge missed opportunity.
PR Italy to win a game after 27 successive defeats. No more Five-and-a-half Nations.
AB The 2022 Six Nations? Sorry to say it, but without the crowds and the weekends away, this tournament won’t be half as much fun as it ought to be. I just hope that by next year it will all be back to normal.
GM France to prove a visual treat if they continue their upward trajectory. A thrilling Super Saturday climax with some fans in attendance? Maybe just getting the championship to that point is a more realistic hope.
MA The Lions to get called off, so we can put an end to the interminable dream teams and bickering between fans. Social media and the Lions don’t go. Even less than Covid and the Lions. Even less than professionalism …
