Why a sense of unpredictability is shaping this Six Nations into the most exciting championship in years

Maro Itoje tackles Johnny Sexton
England's clash with Ireland should be epic Credit: PA

A picture that is worth a thousand words, that of Sergio Parisse and his Azzurri teammates in Rome’s Colosseum, defiant, emboldened, ready for battle no matter the odds, captures the bristling sense of expectation ahead of what is shaping up to be the best Six Nations championship for many a year.

Of course, there are many absent friends as injury takes its toll, providing a sombre layer of cloud that ought not be easily dispelled. Yet still the mood persists, that of an edgy, excited, expectant tribe of various colours setting out on their journeys around six of the great capitals of Europe. 20,000 England supporters are heading to the Stadio Olimpico, a turn-out that speaks not just of a travelogue expedition but of a genuine eagerness to be witness to sporting drama.

And even if there is little prospect of a first ever Italian victory over Eddie Jones’ team, who have one of the most impressive...

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