It's that time of year again.
The nights are long. The mists are cold and biting. The grass is crisp underfoot.
Spring is on the way. But, prior to the bloom of the snowdrops and before the seasons can change, the colours must be chosen.
Six countries, from across Europe. The nations of thistles, shamrocks, dragons, roses, roosters and the Azzuri.
The nations of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England, France and Italy.
The Six Nations.
England are getting cocky. They won it last year, they have a strong squad, and they reckon that their coach Eddie Jones has got a master plan. But 2017 might not bring such an easy ride, and injuries may prove a problem. Key players include George Ford, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly and Mike Brown.
Scotland are improving. They're arriving. They used to be the team who 'lose well'; now they're the team who's got a chance. A slim chance, maybe, but they've still got one; matches against Italy, France and Ireland should be interesting. Greig Laidlaw, Alex Dunbar and Finn Russell will be pivotal in how they fare this year along with main man Stuart Hogg.
Ireland are strong. When they're doing well, they're
cruising. However, finishing third last year was a disappointment, so they will be hungry for more. At their best they are rampant, but they also have injury concerns. If they are to win this year, then expect Jonathan Sexton, Jamie Heaslip, and Robbie Henshaw to be part of the picture.
France are a puzzle. They are the great underachievers of the Six Nations, capable of both pulling off upsets and losing dramatically. Last year, they finished fifth. And, their best player Wesley Fofana is injured and out of the squad. Despite this, they still have a strong team and could be the year's surprise package. Louis Picamoles, Baptiste Serin and Guilhelm Guirado will be instrumental in their title hopes.
Italy's main asset is far and away Sergio Parisse, who they will be keeping wrapped in cotton wool after an injury last time round. The team will be aiming to be competitive throughout the tournament this year, and they have been growing more competent with each season. Alongside Parisse, ones to watch include Lorenzo Cittadini and Edoardo Gori.
Wales used to dominate the competition; they have not won for a couple of years, but in 2017 they boast a strong squad. Last time round, they were ravaged by injuries; this year, the dragons come to the tournament with a new coach, new captain and new ideas. Key players include Liam Williams and Alun Wyn Jones. And the duo Leigh Halfpenny and Sam Warburton, now relieved from the burdens of injury and captaincy respectively, are free to (possibly) run riot.
Who will it be? Which country will win the country? Who will take home the wooden spoon? And where did I put my biro?
This is where it starts.
- don't forget we already went down to the Frogs the other week.