Ireland v England - Player Ratings
OVERVIEW
Currently basking in the glow of impressive victories over Australia and South Africa, England enter the tournament as clear favourites to retain their title.
While their rating as the team to beat is fully justified, both in terms of recent form and winning record in the annual Northern Hemisphere jamboree, coach Clive Woodward will no-doubt approach the tournament with understandable caution.
England’s astute coach knows anything less than the championship will be viewed as complete failure by the Twickenham faithful, and even that may not be enough to satisfy those who expect the three lions to cruise to a grand-slam triumph.
While another slam is not out of the question, England will have to produce their very best form to overcome the challenge offered by the ever-dangerous French as well as the small matter of away games against Wales and Ireland.
The clash in Cardiff on the opening weekend of the tournament will be of particular significance – win and the English momentum towards another triumphant season may be unstoppable. But lose and the old doubts may resurface about England’s ability to win as consistently at Test level as the likes of Australia and New Zealand.
Whatever destiny awaits England, there is no doubt they possess enough talent to make their odds of 4-6 seem very generous indeed.
A world-class pack that can mix it with the very best leads the way for a back division gradually shaking off it’s reputation as slow in thought and action.
The likes of Martin Johnson and Neil Back still provide the platform necessary for England to win – but with Jonny Wilkinson acting as an increasingly assured link man, classy backs like Dan Luger and Will Greenwood are beginning to blossom.
Love them or loathe, no-one can deny England are a team going places, and it will take a monumental effort to stop them winning their second title on the bounce.