Ireland and England are joint favourites but Wales are coming in with a full strength squad for the first time in a long time. Apparently the French squad are united like never before because of Jesuischarlie and Scotland are starting to look like a half decent team under Vern Cotter. The battle to be named as the greatest team in the whole of the northern hemisphere begins on Friday night with Wales v England which should be a humdinger followed by Ireland versus perennial tournament underdogs, Italy. My prediction is that no team will win the slam and Ireland will win the tournament on points difference winning 4 of their 5 games. Looking forward to this I must say.
Apologies, didn’t spot this thread was up and running. Moderators might pull down the other thread I’ve just started.
The reigning European champions Ireland get their campaign under way in Rome on Saturday. Team has just been selected:
15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Simon Zebo, 10 Ian Keatley, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jordi Murphy, 7 Sean O’Brien, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 Paul O’Connell (captain), 4 Devin Toner, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Jack McGrath.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 James Cronin, 18 Marty Moore, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Tommy O’Donnell, 21 Isaac Boss, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Felix Jones.