Ireland

With France and England opting for fresh blood, Ireland retain a lot of experience in their Six Nations squad. Tony Buckley, Jamie Heaslip, Bernard Jackman, Mick O'Driscoll and Robert Kearney are the new faces in a squad which includes 15 of the squad that faced Argentina in Ireland’s final World Cup match. With coach Eddie O’Sullivan under enormous pressure to get the side to perform, expect the side to come under increased media scrutiny.

With Ireland’s “Golden Generation” slowly passing its peak after a disappointing World Cup and their failure to win the Six Nations Championship despite three Triple Crowns in the past 4 years, Eddie O’Sullivan’s job is on the line and a disappointing tournament this time around will almost certainly spell the end of his tenure as coach. Starting out at home to Italy should be an opportunity to get a win on the board, followed by a tough trip to Paris. Scotland come to Croke Park next and may spring an upset after a close contest at Murrayfield last year. Wales at home will give an indication of the hunger of the side, before a trip to Twickenham might be a match too far. With only two wins, it looks like another unsuccessful tournament for the Irish.
Predicted finish – 4th