For France, the favourites along with Ireland, the tournament will allow 40 players to show what they are capable of and earn their place for the World Cup.

France's other ambition will be to keep their crown after winning last year. However, the main question for Bernard Laporte is whether he can lead his side to victory despite a huge turnover.

Ireland also have a great chance of winning. It is important for them to confirm the progression they have been showing in the past three years. I know they are capable of doing it.

As far as England are concerned they are in a complete rebuilding process and I hope they will inspire themselves from their clubs' performances in the European Cup.

They will be eager to grab victories again and the return of Jonny Wilkinson should reassure them in a way.

Wales meanwhile are still feared by their rivals after displaying solid rugby and for me they come in third position in my list of potentials winners.

Their key players are back to top form and the way they play is similar to that of the seventies and eighties. It was an attractive rugby to watch.

As a whole the tournament will be rather open. Teams like Scotland and Italy will have their say too but it will be more complicated for them.