O'Driscoll: Wales are favourites for 6 Nations
Ahead of the Six Nations live on ITV we caught up with our pundit Brian O'Driscoll who is backing Wales as the team to beat at this year's championship.
Who do you think will win the 6 Nations and why? Do you think any have the potential to win the Grand Slam?
“I think Wales are probably favourites. With many of their injured players returning having missed the RWC they have the most settled and experienced squad. I don't think the Grand Slam will be won this year though but if it is it'll be them!”
Who do you think the key players will be this time?
“I think Jonathan Davies will be important to Wales as his form since returning from a serious knee injury has been good. He's key to them performing well and was badly missed during the RWC. Sean O'Brien will be vital for Ireland and a possible return for Manu Tuilagi to international rugby in the later rounds would be a huge boost to England.”
Which teams or players will spring real surprises?
“I don't think there will be any huge surprises. I expect Scotland to build on their RWC performances and be the most improved side from last year’s competition.”
What impact do you think the changes made by some of the teams since the Rugby World Cup (for example, new coaches for England and France) will have on the Six Nations?
“New coaching set-ups in England and France will have a huge bearing on both teams' performance. Usually there is a bedding down period in any new regime but I expect England to be the stronger of the two. The introduction of new younger in-form players should create good excitement in those respective countries.”
Are there any tactical advances or nuances within the game which will be key to doing well this time?
“The weather conditions for the 6 Nations always require a tactically astute fly-half. Game management during poor conditions is always pivotal in the the success of the overall winner.”
Do you have a favourite moment or memory from past Six Nations tournaments, either from taking part or watching?
“Watching the moment Huget tapped and went from his own line in the last minute of the final game was heart-in-the-mouth stuff from an Irish perspective. I don't know if it was my favourite moment but I certainly knew I was alive when it happened! Heart attack territory…”