It only seems like yesterday that South Africa secured their third World Cup, with a win over England in Japan. So much has happened in the Rugby world since then, Champions cup Rugby has resumed, The Saracens Salary cap saga has emerged and the reigning Gallagher champions have been automatically relegated to the Championship. Also, there have been widespread changes on the International coaching circuit. With Wales, Ireland, France and Italy making changes to their coaching team. This will see the Six Nations having a host of new faces, for fans to acquaint themselves with. My team by team guide is a rather brief introduction into what can expect from this year’s competition. First Up, I take a look at the reigning champions, Wales!

Wales     Last season: Champions (Grand Slam)

Coach: Wayne Pivac

Key player: Alun Wyn Jones

The Warren Gatland era, is now officially over, after a changing of the guard occurred at the Wales V Barbarians game in Cardiff, in November. Wayne Pivac has been named as Gatland’s replacement, after he impressed as head coach of the Scarlets, where he took the Llanelli based region to the Heineken cup semi final and won the Pro 14 in 2017, on a relative shoe string budget compared to the European heavyweights.

How will the gameplan differ under Pivac? Well, patience is the name of the game for any Wayne Pivac side, as well as fitness. The Scarlets persevered through numerous phases to overcome many of their opponents and came into their own as games wore on, Pivac’s teams play attritonal Rugby, but not in the same way as Warren Gatland. Pivac’s sides have strike moves, which can penetrate lines of defence easily. They play with pace and look to get the ball wide frequently, looking for mismatches in the opposition defence. Work off the ball is vital in a Pivac attack. His team’s look to exploit space quickly. This, requiring supreme levels of fitness.

Stephen Jones, who came into the fold under Warren Gatland, when he was called up to replace Rob Howley as backs coach at the World cup. Jones worked alongside Pivac for the Scarlets and has an eye for detail, offering points of difference in attack, Squidge Rugby has produced an interesting video detailing Wales attacking strategy under Jones in the World Cup Semi Final. The introduction of Sam Warburton to the team, as contact area coach, displays Pivac’s forward thinking. Warburton has expressed his excitement at his new role and he could be a brilliant addition to the coaching team. Another legendary openside is on the books now as well, Martyn Williams has replaced Alan Phillips as the team manager, the squad is surrounded by international experience and the players are extremely well supported. Last season, Regional Rugby was a shambles, with the proposed merger talks between the Scarlets and Ospreys threatening to derail the Grand Slam bid, this year things are not much better, at least for Ospreys players and supporters. Wales are attempting to defy the odds and defend their title, there have been some welcome reintroductions back into the fold. Rhys Webb returns from his exile in Toulon, albeit under a cloud, after Toulon ended his contract early. Webb fell victim to the 60 cap rule, when his stock was at an all time high, he is joined by Talupe Faletau who missed out on the World Cup with a broken clavicle. Faletau caused further concerns when he limped out of Bath’s game against Leicester on January 25^th, but he should be good to go.

Wales have three home fixtures this season, first up against Italy, then later in the competition France and finally Scotland. They will hope to win these three home games as a bare minimum, the trips to Dublin and London, will be tricky encounters for Pivac’s men.

The fitness and form of skipper Alun Wyn Jones, will yet again, be key. The Bonymaen product offers a vast amount of experience and leadership to this side, he heads into the tournament a bit light on playing time, due to him nursing a groin injury after the World cup, he has also been featuring for a very poor Ospreys side. Jones, seems to produce his best form in a Welsh jersey, at times last year it seemed that he had transgressed to a new plain, where International Rugby had become easy for him. Alun Wyn is chasing down Richie McCaw’s record of 148 caps, which he would draw level with if he remains fit through the six nations.

The other key area of concern, is at Centre, where Hadleigh Parkes is the last man standing from the World Cup. Jonathan Davies, so important to the cause, is out for the rest of the season, due to the knee injury he sustained against Fiji in the group stages in Japan. Owen Watkin is aiming for a round three return to action. Nick Tompkins has declared himself available for the land of his Grandmother, the Saracens man has represented England at every other level so far. Tompkins is in a battle for the 13 shirt with George North for the Italy game. Owen Williams, once seen as the footballing future at 12 for Wales returns from his own injury nightmare.

There is new blood in the squad, 18 year old Louis Rees Zammit has been called up after his impressive form for Gloucester, he is joined by Tompkins, Will Rowlands of Wasps, and Sale’s Will Griff John, as players who have impressed across the Severn Bridge. Rees Zammit is aiming to win his first cap against Italy, one day shy of his 19^th birthday.  Overall, Wales have a tricky tournament ahead of them, due to the pressure of them being defending champions, coping with the toll of their prolonged World Cup campaign, and the impact of a change of coaches. My heart always tells me Wales can win, my head says they may fall just short. If they can secure a win in one of their away fixtures, then they will be confident of retaining their title. I do not feel that there will be a Grand Slam winner this year, the France game worries me, they will be fired up under Sean Edwards in defence and will be seeking revenge for our last two victories over them.