Six Nations is a two-horse race

Gareth Thomas, Brian O'Driscoll, Jerome Thion, Martin Corry, Jason White and Marco Bortolami. Picture / Reuters

Natural order will most likely be restored in this year's Six Nations, with France and England in no mood to suffer Celtic insubordination as they did in 2005.

Last year Europe's heavyweights were made to look decidedly lightweight by a resurgent Wales with Ireland's win at Twickenham adding to England's humiliation.

But there is barely a dissenting voice heard when the view is put forward that in 2006 England and France will blow everyone clean out of the water and the championship will be decided when they meet each other in Paris on March 12.

Only Welsh captain Gareth Thomas disputes this: "We don't want to try and emulate anything, we want to try and achieve again," he said at the official launch of the 2006 tournament. "If we set out to try and top what we did last year, it'll mean we're still thinking about it. We have to make sure we are hungry."

The Welsh might well be hungry for more success but their appetite looks a lot bigger than their ability.

They deserved their Grand Slam last year but, even though they were winning, there was always a sense that the limitations of their forwards would be exposed at some stage.

That exposure came in November when the All Blacks ripped them apart for fun. A week later and Fiji sucked all the fire out of the red dragon and went within a point of a fairy-tale win.

The French enjoyed a storming autumn series where they beat Australia and South Africa.

Head coach Bernard Laporte is acutely aware that, as hosts of next year's World Cup, his side will be under pressure to secure their inaugural title.

Laporte has observed the way the All Blacks are developing two players of test quality in every position and is attempting to create a similar depth within the French squad.

"We are trying to have two teams at the same level," said Laporte.

Their opening game against Scotland in Edinburgh next Sunday probably won't offer a true gauge, although the Scots are expected to be more sturdier than last year.

Last year the team returned a vote of no confidence in coach Matt Williams which led to the Australian's dismissal and the appointment of Edinburgh's Frank Hadden. The move instantly restored confidence and Scotland surprised most pundits with a gutsy effort against the All Blacks.

Like the Scots, optimism is also prevalent in the English camp. The recall of loose forward Lawrence Dallaglio has provided yet more steel and experience.

With prop Andy Sheridan, giant hooker Steve Thompson, locks Danny Grewcock and Steve Borthwick and a back row of Martin Corry, Dallaglio and Lewis Moody, England have arguably the most physical and intimidating pack in the tournament.

They certainly had the All Black pack in trouble back in November and if they can just find some rapier out wide they will be a serious proposition.

Coach Andy Robinson has to consider using Josh Lewsey in the midfield to offer some spark.

But there are plenty of knives in English rugby waiting to stab Robinson in the back and Ireland's coach Eddie O'Sullivan might find himself in a similar position by the end of the campaign.

His Ireland team are deteriorating fast. Wins against Italy and Scotland are the best they can hope for. Italy will once again be thanked for coming.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY