Wales chances to win the Six Nations and why this could be decisive for the final day of the Grand Slam with Ireland

Warren Gatland believes that Wales can be crowned King of Europe as the countdown to the start of the Six Nations begins in earnest.

Can Wales really do it? This is the current situation of the biggest annual rugby tournament in the world …

WALES

The Gatland Band has won nine tests in a row, close to the Wales record set in 1910, but faces a potentially brutal clash with France in Paris.

The Friday night fever will take place in the spotlight at the Stade de France. The captain of the Blues, Guilhem Guirado, would put his men on the war foot.

Verdict: Coach Gatland is absolutely right that the result is crucial: Wales are in pole position if they can withstand the expected French attack. England and Ireland must go to Cardiff. Get off at a leaflet in Paris and the title is to lose 'Wales.

LA FRANCE

They have lost six of their last seven games with their only win over Argentina and their fall season ending at a low point with a first loss in history against Fiji, opponents of the World Cup World Cup.

Experienced coach Jacques Brunel reacted by selecting five un-caped players, including Romain Ntamack and South African writer Paul Willemse.

Verdict: France has some exciting backs, but there is a question mark on the outside and the quality of their bag. I do not see them as contenders for the championship, although they are motivated for Wales.

ITALY

Coach Conor O. Shea is against it, Italy being in Scotland and England and facing Wales and Ireland in Rome.

The veteran skipper and world champion Sergio Parisse is back for more while Benetton, who has done well in the Guinness PRO14, provides 18 players.

Verdict: They could accumulate a lot of points this tournament with the best chance of winning a victory, perhaps at home against France in the final if the Blues are out of the race for the title.

ENGLAND

The men of Eddie Jones finished fifth in a mediocre season and were worried several times before going to Six Nations.

But they were strengthened by the return to the physical form of Billy Vunipola, principal number 8 and principal ball carrier.

Verdict: The English start against Ireland, the defending champion, in Dublin, which will set the tone for their campaign. Defeat there will put them on the back.

SCOTLAND

The meetings went well in favor of the astute coach Gregor Townsend's team with a bonus point on the cards against Italy in Murrayfield to get their bid for fame.

But they have injury problems in the hooker and the influential skipper John Barclay is absent because of a long-term problem.

Verdict: Their second match, against Ireland in Edinburgh, will determine their way with a place among the top three.

IRELAND

Their status as favorites to retain the Six Nations title is justified by a Grand Slam last season, a historic conquest of Australia and a victory over New Zealand a few months ago.

Conor Murray, the best scrum half in the world, is coming back from injury and his coach Joe Schmidt has built a formidable team.

Verdict: If Ireland and Wales win their opening match, they prepare for a decisive Grand Slam at the Principality Stadium on March 16th, Saturday, with the destruction of the men in green.