THE FULL RUNDOWN

ENGLAND

Coach: Steve Borthwick (below) Captain: Jamie George Star man: Ben Earl (flanker/no.8) Verdict: Third in the World Cup and a repeat of that in the Six Nations would probably buy Borthwick some time with his new-look squad. The fixtures fall nicely, with Italy first up, then Wales at home, followed by a key game in Scotland. A large Northampton contingent, spearheaded by Alex Mitchell, could point the way to a more expansive game plan. Prediction: 4th Odds: 11/2

FRANCE

Coach: Fabien Galthie Captain: Gregory Alldritt Star man: Damian Penaud (wing) Verdict: Still smarting from their quarter-final exit at their own World Cup and out to prove there is life after Antoine Dupont. French clubs have been lighting up the Champions Cup with Penaud (left) off the scale. Prediction: 1st Odds: 11/10

IRELAND

Coach: Andy Farrell (below) Captain: Peter O’mahony Star man: Tadhg Beirne (lock) Verdict: Leinster, who supply most of the squad, are purring in the URC and Europe. Without the retired Johnny Sexton, Jack Crowley is frontrunner for the 10 shirt behind a powerful pack. Prediction: 2nd Odds: 7/4

ITALY

Coach: Gonzalo Quesada Captain: Michele Lamaro Star man: Ange Capuozzo (full-back/wing, below) Verdict: New coach Quesada is up against it after hammerings by France and New Zealand at the World Cup. Capuozzo in the back three can provide some stardust. Prediction: 6th Odds: 500/1

SCOTLAND

Coach: Gregor Townsend Captain: TBC Star man: Finn Russell (fly-half) Verdict: Townsend’s men have a Calcutta Cup hex on England, but need to knock over the top two to land a Six Nations title. Finn Russell (right) has been on fire since his move to Bath. Prediction: 3rd Odds: 12/1

WALES

Coach: Warren Gatland Captain: Dafydd Jenkins Star man: Tommy Reffell (flanker) Verdict: Only a fool would write off a Gatland-coached team, but the Kiwi boss (below) does look to have a thin squad. However, the promotion of 21-year-old Jenkins to captain is typical of Gatland. Prediction: 5th Odds: 33/1