After a long wait since the last Six Nations weekend, it’s back and the excitement is building. Each game could be classed as a toss up, with Ireland travelling to Wales , England hosting Scotland before the Ireland's two World Cup rivals face off on Sunday.
The leader in the Balls.ie Prediction Game is Paddyja, who has lead from the start, and actually had a wrong call last time around.
Looking forward to the weekend, will our rugby nerds go for Ireland wins, or will the provinces be concerned with the new-found steel and danger in the Wales team? Here are your Six Nations predictions.
Wales v Ireland
Ulster Nerd: Ryan Cullen
It's clear for anybody to see that I don't predict Wales games particularly well. I haven't been able to pick the winner in all their games thus far, let alone predict the score. Hence, as an Irishman, I'm almost tempted to go for them again in the hope the streak continues. That would be nonsensical though - how could you realistically back against this Ireland team at the minute? Ireland are far from certainties but until the run is broken it's seems foolish to expect it to.
I think the game itself will be quite similar to Ireland's game with France. If Ireland can stop Wales before the gainline I think they will win. Fail to do that though and it will be very difficult. The power of Roberts and Davies will be a major test for Henshaw and Payne but with Jonathan Sexton fit to play I expect him to manoeuvre Ireland into a winning position.
Ireland by 5
Munster Nerd: Patrick Hogan
Wales need to win to keep their championship hopes alive and Ireland will be looking at their first Grand Slam since 2009. I've always thought this would be straightforward win for Ireland but as tomorrow gets closer I'm getting nervous. Thankfully, Ireland are at full strength and should be capable of the win. I think we'll win by 8 points.
Ireland by 8
Connacht Nerd: Connacht Man
Wales have a good team on paper and can talk a good talk, but this one is going our way I reckon. The Irish pack will have more than enough against a Welsh unit which can be seriously underwhelming. The job of the day will be to keep the Welsh backs quiet. Expect Ireland to go after the Welsh possession at source and target the tackle and ruck. I would say Ireland by more but Rhys Webb may find the odd chink.
Ireland by 10
Leinster Nerd: Colm O'Donoghue
The build up to this game has been infinitely more annoying that the build up to Ireland England. I look forward to actually watching what will likely be an awful spectacle, rather than hearing about this rivalry. There are plenty of subplots, Schmidt v Gatland being the most obvious. Much depends on Sexton and how long his hamstring will last. I expect Ireland to come away from Cardiff with a win, and while Wales are never easy, this Irish side should have too much for them.
Ireland by 10
England v Scotland
Ulster Nerd: Ryan Cullen
Despite losing, I thought Scotland had played quite well in their opening two games and expected them to cruise past Italy quite easily. Despite all of their talent, though, their mental fragility is still a major impediment. They folded up front against Italy in the long run and this England pack won't make it any easier for them.
I'm surprised Lancaster has stuck with Nowell. Whilst he didn't play badly against Ireland, he isn't really a finisher or a flyer. Although I don't really rate Johnny May I could've seen the logic of bringing somebody like him or Christian Wade in, given how important points difference could be. I don't expect England to lose this game but nor do I expect the margin to be as big as some people are expecting. Scotland retain all that talent and the tag of underdogs will suit them far more. England should still scrap a win though.
England by 9
Munster Nerd: Patrick Hogan
Scotland travel to London after a bad loss to the Italians and England know they must chase points after their defeat in Dublin. Scotland wont be afraid of the English but I think England will win
England by 13
Connacht Nerd: Connacht Man
I think Scotland are gonna pull out a big performance here and, as usual, just fall short. This is a decent Scottish side, especially with Finn Russell back at ten. And this English side is probably not as good as their press. Mind you, could be totally wrong on this one!
England by 3
Leinster Nerd: Colm O'Donoghue
England will be on the backlash following their comprehensive beating in the Aviva last time out. Scotland are bidding to avoid a wooden spoon but look incapable of getting over the finish line in tight scenarios. I expect England to win this comfortably, but I will be happy if the Scots can prove me wrong and beat the old enemy.
England by 15
Italy v France
Ulster Nerd: Ryan Cullen
With hindsight (wonderful thing), I was probably a little harsh on some Italian players in my thoughts before they beat Scotland. I didn't think they were necessarily bad players, just not quite up to Six nations standards. Whilst one victory over a fragile Scotland side should not be overplayed, nor should it be dismissed. Wales found it difficult to beat Scotland at Murrayfield and yet they are still seen as potential champions.
Italy should be able to match France up front and with France refusing to give any good ball to their backline that should make this a close encounter - which worries me! Should France lose this game it surely becomes inevitable that Saint-Andre will be put out to pasture by April. France has huge amounts of talent and i'd rather wait until after the World Cup to see what a good coach can do with it. So here's hoping for a French win!
France by 7
Munster Nerd: Patrick Hogan
While France aren't playing to their potential this is their last home game to impress their fans, Italy will as usual start string but France will be comfortable winners by the 80th minute.
France by 16
Connacht Nerd: Connacht Man
France have finally got close to the right team out and I'm expecting this to count. I was amazed by what Italy did in Murrayfield, but I still don't think they're that great. It'll be a close game but I think the French firepower will tell in the end.
France by 7
Leinster Nerd: Colm O'Donoghue
France have made eight, yes EIGHT, changes for the continental clash in Rome. Italy have beaten France on their last two visits to the Italian capital and, fresh off their win in Murrayfield, they will be full of confidence. I expect the French to be disjointed, but there is too much talent in that team for them to be written off. I’m not at all confident about my prediction as this game is bound to throw up more than a few surprises but predict I must so…
Italy by 1
