A lot of love drifting over the nippy waters of the Irish Sea
Three days ahead of kick-off in the 2015 Six Nations and predictions are starting to roll in. The overwhelming view from the UK media is that this year's Championship is Ireland's to lose.
SportsJOE has assembled, in one handy read, the views of the top rugby pundits, correspondents, former players and websites from across the pond. Over 76% are calling this year's Championship for the men in green.
Here is a simple breakdown of the nations tipped to claim that newly minted trophy on March 21st.
IRELAND - 13
ENGLAND - 3
WALES - 1
The Sunday Times
The Guardian
Robert Kitson believes England will win four games and edge Ireland or Wales on points difference.
Wales Online
Former Wales international Graham Price believes Ireland, if they can get Johnny Sexton back, sooner rather than later, will pip Wales to the post.
Press Association
PA's Irish rugby correspondent, Nick Purewal, has picked Ireland as his championship winners, followed by England, Wales, France, Scotland and, finally, Italy.
In The Loose
The rugby website and blog is calling this championship, and a Grand Slam, for Ireland.
The Telegraph
When Ian McGeechan, the former Scottish international and legendary British and Irish Lions coach, gives his opinion, you respectfully take it on-board. 'Geech' says Ireland should retain their title if they can keep Sexton and Paul O'Connell fit.
The Shortlist
The British magazine and events guide has confidently predicted victory for England. 'All-in-all we make them too strong for Wales and other favourites Ireland, but only just,' they declare. The Shortlist, it must be noted, also believes Manchester United will win the 2014/15 Premier League title.
The Leader
The Welsh newspaper assembled three of its finest rugby minds to debate the merits of all six sides. Ultimately, Deputy Sports Ed. Tom Norris backed England while Charlie Crossdale and Sports Ed. Scott Harrison predicted an Irish title.
Dwayne Peel [former Wales]
Ireland are 'the best side in the Northern Hemisphere after the November Series' the Welsh scrum-half told World Rugby.
All Rugby World
The English rugby website states, 'The away match to Wales could be the difference between overall success and failure for Ireland, while Wales themselves will be looking towards the fixture [three wins from their last five meetings] with fond memories.' Still, it tips Ireland to prevail with Wales second and England third.
Lawrence Dallaglio & Stuart Barnes [former England]
In separate pieces, Dallaglio reaffirms, to Wales Online, his support of Ireland but rules out a Grand Slam. Barnes edges from the English to the Irish camp and tells Sky Sports, that Joe Schmidt's men are his favourites.
The English rugby website states, 'The away match to Wales could be the difference between overall success and failure for Ireland, while Wales themselves will be looking towards the fixture [three wins from their last five meetings] with fond memories.' Still, it tips Ireland to prevail with Wales second and England third.
