Editor / 05 February 2010 Free Bet View Market

"Excuses, cliches, curtains - they all cover something up. That 'something' is that Martin Johnson is not an international coach. "

Ireland (3.5 to win outright)
A full calendar year without defeat, actual competition at 10, the strongest attacking and defensively organised backline in the northern hemisphere. It can only get better, right? Grand Slam wins don't come in two's (just ask Wales) and with tough away games, five wins is out of the question. The front row is an issue as Hayes is not the saviour he once was, while Healy lacks international experience after bursting onto the scene. Candidates for hooker haven't got six games between them this season. However, in last year's tournament they had only seven out of 400 rucks turned over on them and retained possession more than any other side. Tight, efficient, brilliant defensively, they can handle the kicking game but must attack more away from home. Will that be enough for a win in Paris?

France (2.66 to win outright)
Do you trust them? I trust the players more than the coach. However, the French game has been sucked of some of its flair this year. Apparently, the Top14 has the lowest try rate of any league in Europe, however just look at how many teams they have in the Heineken Cup quarter finals. Paris will be a fortress but a tricky trip to Murrayfield on Sunday will tell us whether they have jelled. It's a cliche to say it but if they want to they could destroy most teams. But they probably won't.

Wales (6.5 to win outright)
Can Gatty get them back on track? The Ospreys have looked a much better team since Christmas and players are starting to come back from injury. Stephen Jones is a quality club player, he can run a show, but he is slightly one dimensional and predictable at international level. Perhaps Biggar might get some time to shine but with trips to Twickenham and Dublin, they're unlikely to suddenly click after last year's poor performance. Cooper, their new scrum half, is in for a shock.

England (the odds.... it doesn't matter they can't win)
Excuses, cliches, curtains - they all cover something up. That 'something' is that Martin Johnson is not an international coach. They have poor direction both on and off the pitch and some of his selections and statements about what he wants his team to do are embarrassing. According to Johnson England are now going to play an expansive game - sure Martin, just flick the switch there and off you go. Picking Tait and Flutey doesn't mean you have an expansive game when Wilko is going to stand so far back that when they get the ball they'll be smashed. There has to be improvement on their November performances; they'll produce one big performance but be unspectacular for the rest.

Scotland
With Euan at mass on Sunday against France and issues at 10, the Scots maintain their optimism. Glasgow have been performing very well all season and Scotland will have a competitive pack but will Evans and Lamont provide the platform for try-scoring. Patterson will always keep them close but when push comes to shove they won't be able to get the tries they need. They could take England at home but only if they are able to open up and have a free flowing game.

Italy
Please return to this section after first game. I hope they won't be like last year, more of the 2008 vintage please Mr. Mallet.