Six Nations 2022 - a preview of sorts

So, the 2022 Six Nations is very nearly upon us and, whisper it quietly, it just might avoid the sterility of 2021 and take place in packed stadia.

Received wisdom – given the performance of the northern hemisphere teams in November – is that this year’s Six Nations is too close to call, but let’s have a go anyway.

In order of how I think the teams will finish:

France probably start as favourites given the progress they have made under Fabian Galthié since 2019 and on the evidence of their victory over the All Blacks in November. It may, however, take a Grand Slam to win the Championship this year.

England, to be fair, could finish fourth and it would still be an improvement on last year’s debacle. I feel, however, that they are in a much better place than this time last year and, if they can survive a tough opener at Murrayfield, home fixtures against Ireland and Wales should see them going into the final week with a chance.

Ireland, on the evidence of their performances in November and the ruthlessness of Leinster in the Champions Cup, look very, very strong this year. The Irish are certainly more than capable of winning the Championship, but fixtures away in London and Paris may be the deciding factor.

Scotland, on their day, can beat any team in the Six Nations and, no doubt, they will have their moments in this year’s Championship. Whether they have the strength in depth to be able to achieve consistency over the next couple of months, however, remains to be seen. I doubt they will win the Championship but they could determine who does.

Wales – I nearly always write off the chances of the Welsh winning the Six Nations and they more often than not prove me wrong. Looking at their squad I really can’t see anything other than a battle with Italy to avoid the wooden spoon on the final weekend, but no doubt I’ll be served a sizeable slice of humble pie.

Italy, meanwhile, can only have one ambition. To win one game. Home fixtures against England and Scotland are their best bets, but I wouldn’t hold your breath.

Total Flanker – the older I get, the better I was