The English media are doing their very best to raise Irish expectations in advance for their Six Nations defence. The favourites tag is something Ireland rarely do well with, but this time Ireland have Joe Schmidt to manage the squad and keep them level headed.
In their latest attempt to butter up the Irish supporters, they have released their top 25 players of the Six Nations. That's Six Nations, not as Five Nations, so any time since 2000.
Ireland are represented in five of the top 25 spots, with two players in the top 3. Paul O'Connell is the highest placed current player at no.3, while Brian O'Driscoll is crowned at no. 1, ahead of Martin Johnson. Other Irish on the list include Keith Wood (8), Johnny Sexton (16) and Ronan O'Gara (18), which could cause some more Munster v Leinster debate.
England and Wales have the highest representation in the rankings, with six players each. Although England don't have any current players ranked, while Wales have three - Alun Wyn Jones, Leigh Halfpenny and Gethin Jenkins.
France's representation reminds us of the talent they used to have - with Imanol Harinordoquy, Serge Betsen, Raphael Ibanez, and Yannick Jauzion; while Thierry Dusautoir is the only current French player.
Italy have more players included than Scotland, with Sergio Parisse ranked at the fourth best player of the Six Nations, while Diego Dominguez's inclusion means that Italy beats out Scotland with Glasgow head coach Gregor Townsend.
The Guardian Top 25 Players Of The Six Nations:
1. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
2. Martin Johnson (England)
3. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
4. Sergio Parisse (Italy)
5. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
6. Richard Hill (England)
7. Shane Williams (Wales)
8. Keith Wood (Ireland)
9. Jason Robinson (England)
10. Adam Jones (Wales)
11. Lawrence Dallaglio (England)
12. Will Greenwood (England)
13. Martyn Williams (Wales)
14. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
15. Yannick Jauzion (France)
16. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
17. Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
18. Ronan O'Gara (Ireland)
19. Imanol Harinordoquy (France)
20. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
21. Serge Betsen (France)
22. Raphael Ibanez (France)
23. Gregor Townsend (Scotland)
24. Diego Dominguez (Italy)
25. Theirry Dusautoir (France)
