England:
Stuart Lancaster's men endured a mixed autumn but were heading towards the Championship with plenty of optimism. However they have been ravaged by injury with Owen Farrell, Manu Tuilagi, Ben Morgan and Joe Launchbury all ruled out of the tournament and several others hanging in the balance. They will still field a strong side but their opener against Wales in Cardiff could shape their entire campaign.
Key man – George Ford
Ford ended the autumn as England's first-choice fly-half following some impressive performances and with Farrell ruled out he is almost certain to remain there. He offers more in attack than Farrell but will be targeted by some of the game's colossal centres.
One to watch – Jonathan Joseph
An outsider but injuries might just pave the way to a starting jersey. Joseph has been in imperious form for Bath and has been shortlisted as European player of the year as a result. Has attacking flair in abundance but a Championship debut in Cardiff will be a big ask.
Verdict – 2nd
France: Les Bleus have been true to all the old clichés in recent seasons, failing to find any sort of consistency despite their glut of talent.
They have selected a formidable squad as they bid for a first Championship crown since 2015 but face England, Ireland and Italy on the road.
Key man – Thierry Dusautoir
Their captain has been a force of nature for France for years now. He has a huge work-rate, is a menace at the breakdown, has the skills and vision of a back and tackles for fun. When France play well the Toulouse flanker is always at the heart of the effort.
One to watch – Teddy Thomas
Not the most French of names but pronounce it 'Tedi Toma' with an accent and it evokes flashbacks of stereotypical flair.
Has pace to burn and is a proven finisher with a hat-trick on his debut against Fiji and another against Australia
Verdict – 4th
Ireland: With Joe Schmidt at the helm Ireland enjoyed an unbeaten autumn including victories over Argentina, Australia and South Africa. They have a settled side with plenty of variety and welcome both England and France to the Aviva Stadium. They will be aiming for back-to-back titles for the first time since 1983.
Key man – Sean O'Brien
The Tullow Tank is renowned for his rampaging ball carrying and will be champing at the bit following an injury-ravaged period.
O'Brien has been a key part of Irish sides in the past and provides a huge boost while the likes of Jonny Sexton and Paul O'Connell will also be integral.
One to watch – Robbie Henshaw
Ireland will be without legendary centre Brian O'Driscoll for the first time since 2000, excluding injury. Just who fills the famous number 13 jersey after BOD has been the biggest question in Irish rugby for years and Henshaw made a pretty fine fist of it in the autumn. The full-back-cum-centre could be the answer.
Verdict – 1st
Italy: You have to worry for the Azzurri who have lost 11 of their last 12 fixtures, including defeats to Japan and Fiji. Following an impressive autumn for Scotland who really seem to be making strides Italy appear destined for the Wooden Spoon consecutive years.
Key man – Sergio Parisse
Who else but Italy's captain fantastic? He is the only Italian that would arguably get in any other team in the Championship and is genuinely world class.
Parisse is like a man possessed when he pulls on the Azzurri jersey, carrying with venom, tackling like a man possessed and leading from the front.
One to watch – Kelly Haimona
The New Zealand-born utility back has started Italy's last three matches at fly-half and appears the future but time will tell. Italy have not had a settled half-back partnership since the days of Troncon and Dominguez but the Zebre star will be aiming to make the number 10 jersey his own.
Verdict - 6th
Scotland: Vern Cotter has begun working his magic with Scotland and they enjoy a promising autumn with wins over Tonga and Argentina and an agonising defeat to New Zealand.
With a pack beefed up by southern hemisphere muscle and a settled back-line the Scots could be a surprise package.
Key man – Greig Laidlaw
Just like with Gloucester, the goal-kicking scrum-half is a key man for Scotland, whom he also captains.
Laidlaw is as astute a player as they come and can dictate the pace of a game while keeping the scoreboard ticking with his deadly boot.
One to watch – Finn Russell
Have Gloucester finally found a regular fly-half? Glasgow's Russell has all the necessary potential. He burst onto the scene last year and now has five caps to his name, with Scotland winning four of those encounters.
Verdict – 5th
Wales: As with England much will depend on the opening Millennium Stadium clash. Win and Wales could go on a roll with a favourable fixture list, although with three games on the road.
Warren Gatland has the most settled team in the Championship and while they have been accused of being predictable and one dimensional, when they get it right it is devastating. Samson Lee remaining fit will be key.
Key man – Jamie Roberts
A number of Wales' key men are in fine form for their clubs but none are as invaluable to Warren Gatland's style than the hulking centre.
Roberts always manages to peak at the right time and was imperious in Racing Metro's dismantlement of Northampton Saints last week.
One to watch – Gareth Anscombe
He will be on the bench at best but the New Zealand-born back has been a major talking point in Wales for the past year. He is a Junior World Cup winner and Super Rugby star who qualifies through his mother. He has bags of talent and is the reason there was no room for James Hook in the 34-man squad.
Verdict – 3rd
