Wales and England open the Six Nations tournament on Friday night in Cardiff but there are two further games on Saturday as France host Scotland and Ireland travel to Italy. After a mixed showing against the southern hemisphere sides, can the Europeans lift their performances and put on a decent show? We will have a look at who might take the opening fixtures and the key players involved (England 7/4 favs to win Six Nations).

In what appears to be an extremely tough Six Nations to predict, we assess England’s chances of winning this year’s competition ahead of the eagerly-awaited opener against Wales in Cardiff on Friday.

Now that 2011 is here, the Rugby World Cup seems so much closer, and it’s clear that the focus this year will be on the Southern Hemisphere.

As we come to the end of an eventful 2010, it’s time to take a look ahead to next year as we give you five top tips across the sporting world for 2011….

There is nothing more dangerous than wounded Springbok and after a disappointing defeat to a gutsy Scotland side, this South Africa team will be looking to spring back into winning ways (England 1/2, draw 18/1, SA 13/8 – Match Betting) at Twickenham.

Ospreys star James Hook believes Wales need to beat at least one of their four autumn international opponents to send out a message to the rest of the rugby community ahead of next year’s World Cup (Wales 25/1 World Cup Outright).

Warren Gatland has committed his future to Wales (25/1 – 2011 World Cup outright) by penning a new four-year deal, which will take him through until the end of the 2015 World Cup.

Danny Cipriani does not feel his imminent switch to Super 15 side Melbourne Rebels should hinder his bid to force his way back into the England side for next year’s Rugby World Cup (England 12/1 Winner) in New Zealand.

Bath (5/1 Aviva Premiership Grand Final Outright) have been hit by the news influential flanker and current England captain Lewis Moody has been ruled out for up to four weeks after suffering an eye injury in last Friday’s 18-3 home defeat against Gloucester.