Our writer Morgan Cerrone gives us her views on the Six Nations...

It’s here again, the Six Nations of course, and in its usual characteristic way offers an entirely repainted picture from only 12 months previously. With the Grand Slam winners becoming a third tier nation after a string of defeats, it’s once again all to play for and promises to be as exciting and unpredictable as ever.

Defending their Six Nations title of 2012, Wales face a very different challenge from last year. With injuries to key players like Rhys Priestland, Gethin Jenkins, Alun Wyn Jones and Luke Charteris, even Welsh fans will be wondering how effective the scrum but especially the line out will be. Wales will also be missing Coach Warren Gatland who is on Lions duty relying instead of Rob Howley.

However a ‘weakened’ Welsh side still boasts a young, dynamic and frighteningly powerful group of players, while Biggar is introduced at 10 and Liam Williams cementing his place in the backline. Not forgetting the return of Adam Jones and the incredibly effective Davies/Roberts centre partnership. Perhaps not Grand Slam winners this year, a top of the table 3rd or 2nd is well within their grasp though.

England however face a rosier scenario, with new talent all over like Twelvetrees, Vunipola and Launchbury. Not to mention depth too with options all over like Hartley and Youngs at hooker, or the three way battle at fly half. Could this be England’s downfall? England’s success will be dependent upon good coaching and not believing themselves to be better than they are; December 1st was only 1 game and England need consistency and direction – particularly in critical positions like 9 and 10 where the entire team will be dependent on leadership and direction.

Perhaps not Grand Slam winners but certainly contenders on points, England boast Wood’s return and a dynamic, young team, they must however ensure they don’t suffer from their own over-confidence and win those difficult key away battles in Ireland and Wales.

France are still the dark horse in my eyes, experienced players like Parra paired with exciting young new players like Fafana who with clean ball can bring to any defence real problems. Versatile Michalak has been in incredible form with Toulon recently while Saint-Andre should bring some stability to the squad. However one weakness could be the flood of foreign players in the Top 14 – could this perhaps compromise the depth of the squad?

Who will be introduced to replace key positions in the pack who currently are the wrong side of 30? Personally I think France should be disappointed with anything less than second.

Ireland with regard to fixtures have had great fortune – France and England in Dublin is a significant advantage where they should be targeting 2 wins. Possibly the best 10 of the tournament with Sexton while Declan Kidney has exciting new talent in Simon Zebo whose form at Munster has been exceptional, and a change of skipper in Jamie Heaslip. I think Ireland could definitely be in the top half of the table if they secure their home games, however the lack of depth – especially on the front row with Cian Healey and Mike Ross having no real replacements – could prove very costly.

There will be a new feeling with this Irish squad, Brian O’Driscoll handing on captaincy and Paul O’Connell ruled out due to injury, while no Tommy Bowe will also hurt the Irish. In this sense the Irish should play out of their skins with less expectation upon them.

Italy, like Ireland, will have less expectation upon them compared to other teams. They also have a great new home advantage – the Stadio Olimpico will be massive for them. Italy’s pack has always been strong, while Parisse offers great leadership as captain. Brunel will be looking to expand Italy’s game and really inspire the backs; get them good ball from the forwards and begin to ask questions of defences. I still think Italy have a long way to go, but they certainly should be looking to beat Scotland overall, perhaps targeting 2 wins.

And finally Scotland who boast Richie Gray, Kelly Brown, Ross Ford along with new exciting players like Visser and ex-crusader Maitland, and yet fell to 12th in the rankings. In the past they’ve struggled with consistency, especially in selection, so perhaps Scott Johnson can offer some consistency and players like Beattie coming back from Montpellier will inspire some new ideas.

Scotland are guilty of having a backline which is often uninspired and fails to challenge defences, whilst as a team they fail to play expansively enough. With a few new faces and a new coach at the helm perhaps Scotland can turn around their embarrassing defeat to Tonga and build from last year’s wooden spoon. Although there’s only one direction for Scotland from here, I think realistically they’re looking at fifth at best.

Once again it’s all change going into this Six Nations Tournament. My prediction is England first on points, France, Ireland, Wales, Italy and finally Scotland, however I think it quite likely Italy could push for 4th while France grab those few extra points and top the table. If there is consistencies it’s that once again those home fixtures will be vital, especially for teams like Italy and Ireland, while injuries are sure to give coaches headaches and test squad depth. Let the action begin!

We hope you enjoyed Morgan's predictions, click here to take at look at another preview of the Championship from Scrum Five.

Get involved: Tweet @ScrumFiveRugby and include the hashtag #ScrumFive6N to discuss the tournament with us.