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31st January 2018
02:49pm GMT

Elsewhere, among the other nations, it is an even shake between Ireland and England. One article caught out eye, on ESPNscrum, and it has filled us with a mix of giddy excitement and downright fear.
While Tom Hamilton has tipped England to 'just about sneak over the line for a Grand Slam', there is a counter declaration from fellow writer Cillian O Conchuir. For his tournament predictions, he proclaims:
'It's got to be a first Six Nations Grand Slam for Joe Schmidt's team. He has the quality, the strength-in-depth and the luck with injuries that could see Warren Gatland's Wales and Eddie Jones' England suffer.'Schmidt may argue that he has been deprived of 13 international players but the major losses count at four - Jared Payne, Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien and Garry Ringrose. The decision to exclude Tadhg Beirne and Simon Zebo is self-inflicted but with a view to Ireland keep its best players on these shores. Elsewhere, as the 2018 edition of rugby's oldest international tournament nears, here are some of the stand-out predictions.
SHANE WILLIAMS: "England are the side to beat again." WILL GREENWOOD: The former England centre believes Ireland could still claim the title despite losing their final game to England at Twickenham. PLANET RUGBY: 'There is no reason why Ireland cannot go to Twickenham and upset the apple-cart in the final game.' UGO MONYE (RUGBY WEEKLY): The former England & Lions winger is backing England to retain their title. ROBERT KITSON:The Guardian scribe believes Ireland will finish ahead of England, with Scotland in third.As for me, representing SportsJOE, here are my predictions for the final table.
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