Jones - facing sleepless nights. (Allsport)

By Alex Lowe, PA International, Sydney

There will be sleepless nights through February and March for Australia coach Eddie Jones.

Given the time difference that may not be unusual in Six Nations season, but this year, with the World Cup on the horizon, Europe's rugby spectacle holds an even greater significance.

Jones is under pressure and faces an increasingly restless public, concerned that Australia's chief rivals have all stolen a march heading into a crucial year.

The former ACT Brumbies coach has been forced to withstand heated criticism following the Wallabies' second miserable European tour in succession.

Having lost their Tri-Nations crown to New Zealand in August 2002, Australia then suffered a third straight defeat to England, a woeful loss to Ireland in Dublin and turned in far from convincing performances against Argentina and Italy.

As a result, the Wallabies are no longer favourites to win the World Cup, a fact the ever-increasing rugby hordes in Australia have struggled to come to terms with - particularly following the unprecedented glories of the previous Rod MacQueen/John Eales era.

And if Australia are to become the first side to successfully defend the Webb Ellis Trophy, it is likely they will need to overcome at least two of England, Ireland and France.

All three have beaten Australia in the past 15 months, hindering Jones' plans to build a squad of players capable of retaining the World Cup at Stadium Australia on November 22.

So while the fans stream into Europe's six rugby capitals, Jones will be up late into the Australian night, feverishly studying the action, anxious to spot any slight changes in attitude, skill or style.

"Our analysis of what goes on in the Six Nations will be as detailed as we can make it," he told PA International.

"Every year you watch the Six Nations, look at the form of the teams and the rugby that's being played. Each of the sides in the Six Nations, as with all the top teams in the world, have their systems that people know. What they are looking to do over the course of the next 12 months is to improve on those systems.

"Everyone knows the attacking systems they have got, but really it's the skill you can put into that system. Our analysis is about seeing whether there are any minor changes but also looking at the skill the sides play with."

The Tri-Nations has long been considered the pre-eminent regional tournament, but the rise and rise of England and France over the last two years has shifted the axis of dominance in the rugby world. Suddenly the northern hemisphere countries boast a very real claim to landing the World Cup for a first time.

It's not simply the results either.

Jones recalled: "Unfortunately, as a coach you step out of the realms of being a fan, but some of the rugby in the Six Nations has been absolutely first class.

"You just have to think of the French playing against Ireland last year - that was one of the best 80 minutes of rugby you will see.

"It's a strong competition. England and France are at the top of their games at the moment. Ireland are obviously a side that is improving.

"If you look at the autumn games for both Wales and Scotland, I am sure they were happy, while Italy, under (former All Black) John Kirwan are also making good progress.

"The standard of football is very good - but as a coach you unfortunately don't get to enjoy it as much as you would!"

Particularly when preparing your own side to take on the might of the northern hemisphere.

Australia face Ireland on November 1 in Melbourne and form would suggest, if they can oust South Africa and New Zealand en route, the Wallabies could meet either France or England in the final.

But all that lies nearly 10 months away. First and foremost, there are Test matches to be played and Test matches to be won, starting with a bang on February 15 when England host France and Wales travel to Italy.

So, from 12,000 miles away, who does Jones fancy? Will France retain their crown? Can England finally complete that elusive Grand Slam?

France, having beaten Australia in Marseille in November 2001, lost twice to the Wallabies last June, but their Gallic adventure impressed Jones.

However, though Ireland also have strong Six Nations claims with match-winners in Brian O'Driscoll and Ronan O'Gara, he feels England's depth could prove crucial in a huge year.

Clive Woodward's side play a staggering 10 Tests between now and their World Cup opener in Perth against Georgia on October 12, including mouth-watering encounters with Australia and the All Blacks.

"One of things that has been evident over last 24-36 months is that England are developing great depth in their international players.

"They can bring young blokes in like the 20-year-old prop Robbie Morris from Northampton and the young winger from Gloucester, James Simpson-Daniel," he said.

"I think, ideally, a coach would like to have three international class players in each position and probably at this stage England are the most developed in that area."