WHO WILL WIN THE SIX NATIONS?

Before the squads are announced, so large pinch of salt required, but here is my view on who will succeed in this year's Six Nations:

France: new coach, has to be better than PSA, and great pack, but still short on quality, and they have to beat Wales and Scotland away, which will not be easy. Prediction: 5th

Italy: after a poor RWC 2015, they will be vulnerable and have an aging side, short of a decent front five and pace out wide. They also have to visit Stade France, Aviva and Millennium (or whatever it is called now). Prediction: 6th

Wales: have some of their injured returning post RWC 2015, and key players hitting form, but their club-country dual contract row still rumbles on and they do lack strength in depth in key positions. However, they have Scotland, France and Italy at home, all games they should win, and Ireland and England victories away are possible. Prediction: 1st

Scotland: if they can maintain the form and momentum from RWC 2015, and beat England at Murrayfield, followed by France at home and Italy away, then the Ireland fixture on the final weekend will not look so daunting. Prediction: 3rd

Ireland: although have one of the best coaches in the world, they do not have strength in depth to cover key positions, and with Munster and Leinster re-building, will not pose the same threat as in recent years. Cannot see them beating England or Wales, and may lose one other. Prediction: 4th

England: new coach, new hope, although Jones will have minimum time to influence anything, and Scotland away as first game is a tough test. If they win up north, the fixture schedule is kind to them, with only Wales at home posing a threat, although France away on final weekend could throw up a shock (as only Les Bleus can). Prediction: 2nd