Wales are obviously the best at the moment, but over the next three to four years things look hugely exciting! Wales, England and France have the potential and players to become real forces.
France is producing a large number of very talented players. From the newcomers that played this 6 nations it appears their downfall may be the power up front, I'm sure the frnch members here can comment on that and say if I'm right or wrong.
England are producing some good youngsters as Cipriani and Lamb in the 10 spot proves, but will they make use of them? In the last few years England have been poor with the managment of such players, Tait anyone? Will they finally start introducing them at the right times and intervals in the next few years? If they do, England look very promising.
Wales have the best foundations laid of all teams, they have a very good balance of youth and experiance at the moment and there's a slew of youngsters ready to enter the frame. Jamie Roberts and Morgan Stoddard at full back look set to dominate the position for years to come, not foretting Lee Burne, but he's not the youngest. Tom James another excellent athlete on the brink of the international scene. There is one majour position of weakness though, who will replace Martyn Williams?
Ireland are in an odd place. A number of their stars aren't performing and I'm worried they are on their way out, can BOD rediscover the form which made him the best 13 for all those years? They do have a select number of gifted players on the fringe of the international game as Kearney demonstrated in this years 6 nations. But are there enough to replace the old guard who are on the final straight?
Scotland could be in trouble over the next few years, their domestic game is struggling slightly, especially as there is only 2 proffessional teams remaining. Their forewards are in good stead but in the backs, they have a severe lack of flair, and there doesn't appear to be many youngsters coming through who could change that. I'd love to hear the Scottish views on this.
Italy are getting better, but they have a very similar problem to Scotland. Everyone knows what their pack can do, but they can't turn that domminance into points when the oppertunities arise. Marcato has the talent to become a fine player, probably at 10 where Italy struggle the most, but apart from him, I'm struggling to see where else the tries and points are going to come from.
There we go, my views on where each team might evolve, just hoping Wales will continue the way they have during the 6 nations.
