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2016 RBS 6 Nations – What our experts think

With the RBS 6 Nations getting under way this weekend, we asked our Clwb Rygbi Rhynglwadol experts, Welsh internationals from past and present Andrew Coombs, Dafydd Jones, Gwyn Jones and Jamie Robinson what they expect to see in this year's championship.

Champions?

Andrew Coombs: Wales. I think they will beat Ireland in their opening game. However I am not 100 per cent sure they will have enough to overcome England at Twickenham. I think they will win all the other matches, finishing top and winning the Six Nations with eight points.

Dafydd Jones: Wales. They have a settled squad and it's good to see players returning after injuries, like Jonathan Davies to the midfield. I think if they beat Ireland, they can go on to win the championship.

Gwyn Jones: I'm backing Wales to win the Six Nations. It's a settled team with settled coaches and a settled way of playing.

Jamie Robinson: I truly believe Wales will win the Six Nations. They have a stable squad, they have players coming back from injury and the other teams are going through a period of transition.

Surprise package?

AC: England. I think they will push Wales all the way. The English players will be desperate to perform and show Eddie Jones that they deserve their place in his squad, they have a lot to make up for after a poor World Cup.

DJ: France. After a shocking last two or three seasons by their standards, I expect them to turn the corner. They're well capable of finishing second and if they get a bit of confidence going, they can threaten anyone.

GJ: France. They have a new coach, who could find a way to bring back the French flair.

JR: Scotland will be the big shock of this year's championship. I expect four victories from them.

Player to watch

AC: Dylan Hartley. The new England skipper is often in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Will he be able to keep his cool with the weight of the nation riding on his shoulders? Eddie Jones has put his faith in him and I'm sure it will bring out the best in him.

DJ: Jonathan Joseph. The England centre is back after injury, he's got all the skills in the world and he's very quick. He'll be very important to England.

GJ: Sam Warburton. The World Cup showed that number 7 is the most important position on the pitch. Sam is the best in the 6 Nations and he's currently at his physical peak, providing he avoids any further injury.

JR: Jules Plisson. France have been looking for a good fly-half for years and he is a talent. He was injured for the World Cup but I hope to see him in the blue jersey this time.

The key match?

AC: England v Wales at Twickenham. England will be out for revenge after the World Cup pool clash defeat. This seasoned Welsh squad will not roll over and a fierce match is on the cards. Any spare tickets going?

DJ: The big game will be England v Wales in Twickers. I think we'll see a totally different England team under Eddie Jones and they will be a big threat to Wales.

GJ: England v Wales. Championship decider.

JR: Scotland v France. Two teams on a similar level, and I get the feeling that this match could be very exciting.

Player of the Championship?

AC: Alun Wyn Jones. He never disappoints, he is a colossus with a work rate that not many can match. He is a natural leader and will show Wales the way to the Six Nations trophy.

DJ: Sam Warburton. He always keeps his best for Wales and he leads by example. He's been there and done it before and I think he'll help Wales win it again.

GJ: Sam Warburton. He will have another big Six Nations for Wales.

JR: Sean O'Brien. The Irishman will be disappointed with how the World Cup ended for him and he'll certainly have a point to prove.

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