Expert View

RYLE NUGENT Broadcaster Who will win the Six Nations Championship and why? Wales. Warren Gatland will have an immediate impact as coach, bringing organisation and structure to complement Welsh flair.

His decision to persuade Martyn Williams to come out of retirement was a masterstroke, as was giving the captaincy to the excellent Ryan Jones. They have depth in key positions and, if they can get a result at Twickenham, they could carry the momentum through the tournament.

Player to watch? Welsh captain and number eight Ryan Jones (left).

He's had a horrendous run with injuries over the past two years since enjoying a brilliant Lions tour in New Zealand. Speaking with him in London I was struck by his enthusiasm; he's raring to go and almost seems as if he wants to prove himself all over again. He's an exceptional athlete.

How will Ireland fare? I don't think it's simply about results. Eddie O'Sullivan has spoken in the past about the importance of momentum and it's vital that Ireland not only beat Italy, but produce a good performance in the process. I wouldn't agree with his selection, but I know why he selected that team.

I'm convinced that the new-look France will play without inhibition and that's usually not a recipe that's palatable in an Irish context. A poor performance against Italy and the prospect of a trip to France would really crank up the pressure.

To what match are you most looking forward? It has to be the visit of Wales to Croke Park, with the sub-plot involving Ireland's current coach Eddie O'Sullivan and his predecessor Warren Gatland. There is so much history there and both men will be desperate to win that game. No matter who prevails, it will be fascinating.

CONOR O'SHEA

RFU National Academy Director

Who will win the Six Nations Championship and why? If I was a betting man I would plump for France, but only after they lose their opening game of the tournament against Scotland at Murrayfield. They suffered that fate two years ago in terms of losing in Edinburgh and then went on to triumph overall. The key for the French - assuming that their new-look squad gels reasonably well - is the fact they have Ireland and England at home.

Player to watch? When, rather than if, he comes on, it has to be Danny Cipriani (right). He possesses all the qualities required to play fullback or outhalf and, as he demonstrated behind a losing pack in the Heineken European Cup match against Munster at Thomond Park, the character and talent to make a positive impact. When he's called on he won't stand back; quite the reverse.

How will Ireland fare? Ireland should win their three home games on the proviso they produce top-quality performances against Scotland and Wales. There is more depth in terms of competitiveness to this season's tournament with the exception of Italy, who seem destined to be the whipping boys. I think the "big five" nations could beat each other, but Ireland may struggle on their travels to London and Paris.

To what match are you most looking forward? I'm one of those people who loves the Six Nations and would look forward to all the matches. Well, all of them except those involving Italy. They are strong and durable up front and can be difficult to break down, but without a set of halfbacks and initially missing their talismanic secondrow Marco Bortolami, they'll struggle to score. They'll try to stop other teams from playing, but may not bring too much going forward.

REGGIE CORRIGAN

Former Irish international

Who will win the Six Nations Championship and why? England. The French squad looks a little bit experimental with an eye to the next global tournament in four years' time. England will have taken a great deal of confidence from their performance at the World Cup in France.

Player to watch? I hope Jamie Heaslip (left) gets the opportunity. I will be keen to watch his progress as he's continued to develop every year since joining the Leinster set-up.

How will Ireland fare? Most likely mid-table, probably third in the tournament. The fact that the France and England games are away from home make it a tough season, but Ireland should be good enough to win all three at Croke Park.

To what match are you most looking forward? Ireland's visit to Twickenham. Given the heavy beating that England took at Croke Park last year, the fact that Ireland have won the last four meetings and the traditional history of the fixture I would anticipate an immense backlash from Brian Ashton's side.

ANDREW FARLEY

Connacht

Who will win the Six Nations Championship and why? Wales could be the dark horses. Given the fact Warren Gatland has selected 13 Ospreys, they'll certainly know their combinations and the unit skills should be pretty tidy. Gatland has an ability to get results even when his teams are not playing to the best of their ability.

Player to watch? Danny Cipriani. He's got that little bit of everything that you need at test level and the confidence not to be intimidated by his surroundings.

How will Ireland fare? I thought they would go much better at the World Cup and Eddie (O'Sullivan) has put his faith in largely the same players. I would expect them to finish in the top three, but given that both Scotland and Wales represent tougher opposition than last year, the pressure could come on very early.

To what match are you most looking forward? Ireland versus Wales at Croke Park. I fancy that Warren Gatland might identify this as the key match in the Welsh campaign and given the history between the coaches, it should spice up the pre-match hype.