THE SIX NATIONS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP IS ONLY DAYS AWAY

This saturday sees the start of the only Rugby competition in the world to get close to the World Cup in terms of skill, commitment, competition and rivalry. The World Cup showed that the southern hemisphere's "basketball" version of the competition has reduced their international competitiveness rather than enhance it, with the emphasis on a free-flowing game and endless tries at the expense of the rules meaning that the basics have been forgotten.

The favourites this year for the Six Nations are England and France, who meet in the last round at the end of March in a shamelessly rigged fixture list, but Ireland and Wales showed in the World Cup they are more than capable of playing the game superbly, but struggle to maintain it for 80 minutes. If either side click then there could be some surprise results. Expect Scotland and Italy to be competing for last place - and please, Oh Lord, let Scotland come last. Only an England Grand Slam would give me more satisfaction.

And now to this weekends games.

England have wielded the axe to a World Cup winning side, and are fielding what could be the most attacking team they have ever named. If it comes off expect Italy to be staring at at least a 50 point beating. Robinson at centre, Balshaw at full-back, Gomarsall at scrum-half. I can hardly wait....

Scotland should be stuffed by the Welsh. On recent form they are nowhere near to being competitive.

The pick of the weekend's games though is France v Ireland in Paris. Ireland are missing some big names, especially the now-retired Keith Wood, but hopefully should still give France one hell of a game.

This is just about the only time when I actually miss Mud Island. This, and when the England cricket team walk out at Lords full of hope on day 1 of the Test Match before being absolutely thrashed by whoever happens to be coming through that year, are the only things I miss. There is nothing like a trip to Dublin or Paris or Twickenham to watch a Six Nations game followed by a frenzy of celebration / commiseration with the opposing fans.... On the other hand we do have the Seven's which fills a similar role in the calendar more than adequately.

Let the games begin....