The competition could be on the cusp of a gripping new era but England will have their work cut out if they are to repeat the glory of last yearEven before a ball is passed or punted, the 2017 Six Nations Championship feels different. There is more potential intrigue than at any time since Italy’s entry made it a hexagonal ball game at the turn of the century and a fresh sense of purpose in almost every dressing room. Just as Europe is ripping itself asunder politically, the Six Nations could be on the cusp of a gripping new era.It may not feel that way to everyone on Monday morning but currently only the weather forecast is putting a dampener...
Absences will test Eddie Jones’ champions while Ireland need Jonathan Sexton fighting fit and Wales look to Dan Biggar to be more adventurous2016 record: P13 W13 L0 Related: Six Nations predictions: back Scotland if you’re brave but Ireland are in box seat Related: Johnny Sexton ruled out of Ireland’s Six Nations opener against Scotland Related: Ben Youngs: When I met Eddie Jones I just thought ‘I want to play for this guy’ Continue reading...
Ireland are the favourites to win the 2017 tournament but face competition from England, with Scotland an outside betRobert Kitson Ireland. Hard to see them folding at home to England on the final weekend with a potential title and Lions tour berths up for grabs. Related: Eddie Jones has match fitness problems in England pack for France opener Related: Wales ask to play all Six Nations home games under closed Cardiff roof Continue reading...
England and Ireland dominate and there is room for plenty of All Blacks while Stuart Hogg and Justin Tipuric fly the flag for Scotland and WalesFull-back Stuart Hogg (Scotland)The lovely individual try Hogg scored against Georgia in Kilmarnock earns him this award, a 70-metre solo effort which required a neat chip and regather in addition to pace and vision. Rob Kearney and Mike Brown both have their warrior qualities and Ben Smith enjoyed a great Rugby Championship but Hogg is in pole position to be the Lions Test full-back in New Zealand. Related: Autumn internationals 2016 verdict: Guardian writers' highs and lows Related: Magic moment from Mako Vunipola set England’s unstoppable train in motion | Andy Bull Continue reading...
Famous victories combined with the improvement of England and Scotland will have Warren Gatland believing a historic series win is not impossibleEngland still have one game to go but for the rest of the home nations the autumn internationals are done. Regardless of Saturday’s Twickenham outcome it will be remembered as one of the more intriguing periods of recent times, particularly in relation to the British and Irish Lions tour next year. Suddenly there are glimmers of realistic hope where once there was only dense black nothingness.For this Ireland, above all, deserve immense credit. As well as defeating New Zealand for the first time in 111 years they saw off Australia and South Africa as well, breathing encouraging fresh Gaelic...