FRANCE: Grand Slam champions but a team in disarray after back-to-back defeats by Argentina and New Zealand. Need major improvement to win in England or Ireland.
IRELAND: Runners-up last year and on crest of wave after beating South Africa and Argentina. Probably title favourites as England and France must come to Dublin.
ENGLAND: Plenty of hope after autumn that, despite Saturday's defeat, went better than any fair-minded person expected.
WALES: Another team on the up after giving Springboks and All Blacks a real fright. Opener at home to England not for faint hearted.
ITALY: Walloped Canada by 45 points and beat the USA 43-25, but are again likely to contest Wooden Spoon with Scotland.
SCOTLAND: Confidence is shot, as Saturday's home trouncing by South Africa clearly proved. More dark days ahead.
