Daniel Cann

The opening matches on Saturday sees Ireland play Italy at Croke Park with England versus Wales at Twickenham.

England are lowly fourth favourites to win the tournament and Martin Johnson and his management team must know they have an uphill battle especially in light of their stilted and unequal performances in internationals last Autumn. It looks like Johnson is sticking to his guns in keeping Steve Borthwick as Captain, a decision that will raise a few eyebrows.

Players like Riki Flutey, Delon Armitage and Nick Easter are looking on good form and England can boast World class forwards in Andrew Sheridan, Simon Shaw and Lewis Moody.

Ally that with the winning boot of Jonny Wilkinson at fly half and England on the face of it have a strong squad. A team to be confident of. But will the rhetoric and spin match what goes on in the matches themselves?

England need to be focused and more self-assured than they have been previously. At the very least they must defeat Wales, Italy and Scotland. Anything less and I think we can safely say that despite being one of the greatest English forwards and inspiring Captains of all time, Martin Johnson will have to go as Manager.

Southern hemisphere rugby countries do not allow their management the luxury of such a long Honeymoon period, they expect victories and results immediately. With the World cup in New Zealand only 19 months away its time to get ruthless!

Wales have a decent pedigree and have a solid balanced side although I think they will sorely miss Dwayne Peel and Mike Phillips.

Scotland have in Chris Paterson a fly half with the highest success rate in kicking. Hopefully for them their forwards will show more tenacity and strength especially when they play their first contest of the tournament against this years favourites, France.

Ireland are second favourites to win and after their magnificent showing last year in winning only their second Grand Slam since 1948 they certainly won't be lacking in confidence. They are an extremely settled side with plenty of experience and wise heads in their squad like Brian O'Driscoll and Ronan O'Gara with the unflappable and capable Rob Kearney at full-back they will remain a formidable proposition to all of their opponents.

I don't think we will see a Grand Slam winner this year. Its too close to call. What we will see is thrilling rugby union with plenty of drama. The next seven weeks will be like watching local derbies but played on an international scale. Unmissable!

Coverage of the Ireland v Italy and England v Wales matches begin this Saturday on BBC1 from 2pm.