ENGLAND can carry on where they left off at the World Cup and be crowned RBS Six Nations champions.

That's the bold prediction from Sale Sharks boss Philippe Saint-Andre ahead of this weekend's eagerly-awaited kick-off to the Northern Hemisphere'sshowpiece.

Following Ireland's clash with Italy, Brian Ashton's much-changed side lift the curtain on their campaign at Twickenham tomorrow when they play host to Wales.

That is followed on Sunday by an equally appetising match-up at Murrayfield where Scotland entertain a new-look French side virtually unrecognisable from the team that hosted last Autumn's World Cup.

It promises to be a fascinating tournament with France, Wales and Italy all having changed coaches since the World Cup and Ireland looking to atone for a miserable series of displays across the English Channel.

But according to Edgeley Park director of rugby Saint-Andre, England will be the team to beat with the French wing legend tipping the Red Rose men to prevail.

"I think post-World Cup, it's going to be a very, very open Six Nations. Wales, France and Italy all have new coaches so you can maybe expect new game plans and new systems from those countries," says Saint-Andre. "But I think in terms of quality and strength in depth, England must be the favourites.

"They have some tough fixtures with three of their games being away from home, but from what we saw in the World Cup, they showed some confidence, they have great quality in most positions and great competition for places.

"I also think it will be a transitional Six Nations. As I've said, half of the teams start with new coaching set-ups who will each bring in new ideas and they will give opportunities to guys who will still be around in four years for the next World Cup in New Zealand.

"As a result, I think we'll probably see a few more mistakes than usual but also maybe you will see more creativity and more ideas because they will be looking to find new styles.

"So I do think England are favourites while I make Wales to be the tournament's dark horses. Although they have a new coach and new backroom staff, they possess quality players.

"And it's no coincidence that both Cardiff Blues and Ospreys have done very well in this season's Heineken Cup with both clubs making it through to the quarter-finals."

As per usual at this time of year, Saint-Andre has seen several key members of his squad cherry-picked by the competing nations.

Andrew Sheridan will prop down in the front-row for England while scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth will start on the bench.

Rory Lamont and skipper Jason White are both part of the Scots' starting XV where they will be in direct opposition to Sharks team-mate Lionel Faure who will be making his debut for France.

As far as Wigglesworth is concerned, Saint-Andre is in no doubt that his man will not let England down if required.

"Richard is still very young but if you look back to the Guinness Premiership final against Leicester two years ago, he was superb," he said.

"Last year, when we had so many injuries, he was one of our more consistent players, not only playing at scrum-half but also at fly-half. He was involved with England Saxons where he played very well and I think he deserved his call-up."





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