Based on the formbook, both fixtures are extremely tough. Twickenham is becoming an increasingly difficult place for any team in the world to go and win, and given Scotland's current firepower, it looks a daunting task.

The French, similarly, were sublime last year and will again be one of the teams in serious contention for the World Cup in Australia.

But when you face Wales, Ireland and Italy at home you would want to have a degree of confidence, and Scotland's prospects should be much better in those matches.

Ireland have a poor record at Murrayfield but they performed well in the autumn internationals and have been improving during the last few seasons. They will be a threat.

Scotland's own results in the autumn internationals are worth forgetting, in my opinion. Ian McGeechan's side produced one excellent performance against South Africa but two distinctly average displays against Fiji and Romania.

I was very disappointed by the Springboks and I think it was a combination of a good Scottish performance and a poor South Africa side which resulted in such a surprising win.

The main debate prior to the RBS 6 Nations is again likely to surround the fly-half position, and I believe Gordon Ross has to play ahead of Gregor Townsend. Townsend has flattered to deceive in recent seasons and though he can be brilliant at times, he has the same potential to be awful.

He excelled for Scotland when he had the likes of John Leslie and Alan Tait outside him, and, as was the case during the 1997 British Lions tour, he only really flourishes alongside other outstanding players.

I'd like to see us go back to a more traditional Scottish game - putting pressure on your opponents, keeping the game tight, and kicking well to the touchlines. Gordon Ross' style of play would suit these tactics.

McGeechan's tight five is a little bit weak, but we do have players who can win a lot of ball in the line-outs. By contrast, Scotland's strength is likely to be their back row. Budge Pountney's retirement may be a loss in terms of his leadership, but he hasn't been playing too well this season and I honestly believe we have plenty of other options in that area.
Simon Taylor, in particular, is fast becoming a world-class number eight.

Overall it is difficult to see McGeechan making any radical changes as a result of the performances in the autumn internationals. It is, however, crucial that the players avoid placing too much importance on those games.

You can read more of David's views on this season's RBS 6 Nations in his column for The Sunday Post.