Reputations and jobs on the line

THIS YEAR’S Six Nations championship has a strange feel to it with many countries taking a step into the unknown.

Ireland are under pressure to perform. England, as has been their lot in several championship campaigns in recent seasons, are bedevilled with injuries while Wales, France and Italy all have new men at the helm.

Three of the six coaches have led Ireland in this tournament at some stage but it is new French coach Marc Lievremont who holds most intrigue. After seven consecutive tournaments in charge, Bernard Laporte has departed. Despite a bizarre selection policy, France won four championships including two grand slams under Laporte.