The Betfair Contrarian / 03 February 2010 Free Bet View Market

"With Martin Johnsons job at risk if England flop, he has named what the Daily Mail have labelled the boldest attacking team of his 18-month tenure for Saturdays opener at Wales."

There is no dominant force...

One positive about England's recent poor record is that no one nation has dominated in the meantime. A different country has won in each of the last three years, while England came second in both 2008 and 2009, showing that they havent been too far off the pace.

...and Ireland have no chance of retaining

It was touching to see Ireland [3.45] end the second longest wait for Six Nations glory in the competition's history last year but there is practically no chance of a repeat success. The last time they retained the crown outright was way back in 1949, while not since 1979 has any entrant other than England or France won twice in succession. An even more surprising trend is that France, in 1998, were the last nation to do the business a year after winning the Grand Slam, suggesting that a dominant tournament breeds complacency.

The fixtures have fallen kindly for England

England's hopes of winning last year were crushed by successive defeats away to Wales and Ireland but they face both at Twickenham this time, which is especially good news where the Wales match is concerned. Warren Gatland's team have been a constant thorn in England's side at the Millennium Stadium in recent years, whereas they have lost 10 of their last 11 trips to London. England's first two away games are against the bottom-two regulars, Italy and Scotland, meaning that they could plausibly go into the finale in France unbeaten.

They won't fear the favourites

The trip to Paris to face favourites France [2.6] in the final match on March 20 is undeniably Englands toughest task but, if theyre on top form, they could go into the game not even having to win, while if they do need the points, they stand every chance. England have a stunning recent record against France, having won their last three clashes, two of which took place at the Stade de France including the 2007 World Cup semi-final. That form is even more impressive considering Les Bleus have been the most successful Six Nations performer in recent years.

Injured players are back and Johnson is ready to attack

With Martin Johnsons job at risk if England flop, he has named what the Daily Mail have labelled the boldest attacking team of his 18-month tenure for Saturdays opener at Wales. The injuries that ruled out full-backs Delon Armitage and Riki Flutey, two of their most creative players, and in-form no 8 Nick Easter, were a major factor in their awful performances in last autumn's internationals. All three are now available, while Matthew Tait is back in the picture, meaning that England's options have been vastly improved.

It's a decade thing

Trend fans may be intrigued to know that England were victorious in the first tournament of both the 80s and 00s, both after having gone several years without lifting the trophy, and they were arguably the most dominant runners-up in Six Nations history (or Five as it was then) back in 1990, missing out despite thumping Ireland 23-0, France 26-7 (away) and Wales 34-6.