Fresh outlook will make it even harder to pick winner of the Six Nations

RUGBY’S greatest annual Championship is appearing on the horizon as Europe’s premier rugby nations prepare for the latest instalment of the Six Nations.

And it’s all shaping up to be one of the most fascinating tournaments in recent memory as the winds of change sweep through the various competing countries following the Rugby World Cup.

Four teams have new head coaches and, with that, will come a change in the way teams approach matches and team selection.

It makes the outcome of the tournament devilishly difficult to predict, but an utterly mouth-watering prospect.

So, what sort of state are all the nations in and how might things pan out? Here’s a closer look... ever seen, but it feels very much like he has one eye on the future.

They will always be a threat in this competition and despite the new faces grabbing all the headlines, Jones still has a strong core of players to choose from.

Losing Billy Vunipola is a genuine blow but England are always tough to beat at Twickenham and Wales and Ireland have to go there this year.

If they can navigate a tricky trip to Paris on the opening weekend, they should beat Scotland and then it’s really on for Jones’ side.

England’s chances:

19 uncapped players is a little misleading. They still boast stacks of talent.

Edwards’ arrival in the set-up is a significant coup for Les Bleus and he will make them tough to break down. The real question will be can France avoid beating themselves with momentary lapses in discipline or concentration?

It would be a shock if they topple England in Round One, but it would be a victory that will send their confidence soaring. They’ve got a dreadful record in the Welsh capital, though, having not beaten Wales in Cardiff for 10 years.