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

WHAT WILL 2016 BRING?

Hopefully, the game will kick on following a great RWC 2015 and expand its appeal and reach across more countries - here is my wishlist for the next 12 months:

1. Less rolling mauls and re-set scrums and more 15 man rugby at pace.

2. GB Sevens and Wales/England fielding strong, refreshed teams in Rio 2016 and NZ/Australia respectively, although looking at player commitments and politics involved, success in either is unlikely.

3. Top Tier nations to play Tier 2 nations more often in their back yards, so focussing on making less money for their own Unions and helping grow player and spectator numbers in these countries. The "shameless, money grabbing" England v Wales contest at the end of May 2016 should be the last of its kind.

Remember, Samoa does have a rugby team...

4. A big "salary cap breaching" club to struggle in Premiership this season, and fail to qualify for European competition next year. If the Villa and Newcastle can get relegated, it will happen in rugby. Long live real clubs like Worcester, Sale and Exeter.

5. Support the referees with providing video analysis in major games when they need it, not just for certain actions or events. What happened at end of Scotland v Australia QF in RWC 2015 should never be allowed to happen again. Increase resource available to review video footage to speed up decision making.

Under starter's orders and they are off...

6. Consider 6 points for a try and 1 additional point for a drop goal conversion, but keep 3 points for a penalty to prevent further cheating, but increase yellow cards handed out (no second chances).

Six Nations is only four weeks away, so here we go!