With the start of the 6 Nations just two weeks away the competitors have begun naming their squads for the tournament as the spotlight shifts onto the annual international competition. While every nation seems to be facing some kind of dilemma or crisis last year’s winners France are smugly preparing with no real worries. After dominating the tournament last year we ask whether anyone can stop Marc Lièvremont’s team retaining the 6 Nations?

England (2/1)

We’ll start with the 2/1 outright favourites for the 6 Nations and ask whether Martin Johnson’s side can recreate the performance they put on against Australia last year. England were magnificent against the Wallabies in their autumn international clash at Twickenham and gave their supporters hope they can challenge for the 6 Nations and the World Cup.

There were plenty of positives to take from England’s displays during autumn, in particular the emergence of Leicester pair Toby Flood and Ben Youngs as two stand out centres. Chris Ashton was another big plus, his try against the Wallabies the highlight of the four games.

However, as is always the way with rugby injuries can take their toll and already Johnson is having to fit square pegs into rounds holes. He is already without his skipper Lewis Moody for at least six weeks and the likes of Ashton, Dan Cole, Ben Foden and Courtney Lawes will also be missing for at least a few games.

While England’s starting XV is as good as anyone in the 6 Nations the injuries they have picked up are in key positions and will put a lot of responsibility onto the shoulders of Youngs and Flood. England’s front row is also in transition and they could find it tough against the French and Welsh packs when they are matched up.

Wales (4/1)

Warren Gatland’s side have been the enigma of international rugby for the past year. Possibly some of the best backs in the world, coupled with a world class pack, and yet no success against the southern hemisphere side’s last year. Not even Fiji!

Wales’ inconsistency certainly doesn’t help their hopes of success in the 6 Nations and you’d think many of those in the valleys will have already kissed goodbye to a successful tournaments once the injury bug struck.

Wales are the epitome of what is fast becoming the Sick Nations given their injury concerns. Ritchie Rees, Tom Shanklin and Gethin Jenkins have been ruled out of the entire tournament, while Gavin Henson, Andrew Bishop, George North and Adam Jones will miss most of the games.

Much like England, Wales’ starting XV are potentially as good as France. However, those asked to fill in for their injured colleagues probably won’t be able to match the likes of France and Ireland. Gatland’s biggest loss is at prop where without Jones and Jenkins they have lost two of their most pivotal players.

Italy (200/1)

Italy’s price of 200/1 to win the tournament should tell you all you need to know. No chance.

Scotland (12/1)

With Wales in disarray Scotland have to be the dark horse to cause a few upsets in this year’s 6 Nations. You’d usually find the Scots scrapping to avoid the wooden spoon but if they can carry on their recent performances their should be plenty to be happy about north of the border.

Scotland have won five of their last six international matches, which includes a win over world champions South Africa in autumn and two wins in Argentina last summer. At 12/1 to win the 6 Nations, Scotland might be worth a look if you aren’t interested in backing the favourites.

You always know what you are going to get from the Scots which is lots of hard work and bruising tackles, but little in the way of flair and cutting edge. With three games at Murrayfield Robinson will feel he can guide his side to more just the one win, which has been the staple diet of the Scots in recent years.

While they are likely to be ripped apart in Paris in their opening game if they can keep the majority of their squad fit expect them to cause a few upsets.

Ireland (11/4)

On paper you’d say that Ireland, along with England, are France’s biggest threats to make it back-to-back Grand Slams. However, a very poor autumn internationals series has dampened the expectations in Dublin and it looks unlikely this ageing Ireland side will pose too much of a threat.

Much like England and Wales injuries are crippling Declan Kidney’s selection options, with Luke Fitzgerald and Gavin Duffy his only fit full-backs. The likes of Rob Kearney and Geordan Murphy are both out of the 6 Nations. Munster hooker Jerry Flannery is also a big doubt because of a calf injury, although he has been named in the 32-man squad.

Kidney has been adamant that he has plenty of options at his disposal and admittedly still has some impressive weapons in his arsenal. Tommy Bowe, Ronan O’Gara, Brian O’Driscoll, Jonathan Sexton and Paul O’Connell are players any international coach would love to have.

However, O’Driscoll is coming to the end of his international career and O’Gara’s starting days appear to be numbered. The team didn’t gel against the southern hemisphere sides last year and they’ll have to make huge strides to challenge the French.