Jonny Wilkinson's return to the England team can't mask the fact that Ireland and France are likely to be the real contenders for the Six Nations title.
The championship begins on Saturday with England hosting Scotland, Wales hosting Ireland, and defending champion France is at Italy.
Ireland is the bookmakers' favorite for the title, and, after a dismal streak of eight losses in nine matches, England's revamped lineup is unlikely to thwart a France team building toward the Sept 7-Oct. 20 World Cup it is hosting.
France is missing first-choice flyhalf Frederic Michalak for the entire championship because of a knee injury, and coach Bernard Laporte will field a 28th halfback pairing against Italy, throwing in Stade Francais No. 10 David Skrela for his first appearance for six years.
Laporte shrugged off criticism that he changes his selections too much and said players needed to impress if they were to earn a place at the World Cup.
"If we said we had the 30 (players) for the World Cup, that would be great," Laporte said.
"There are actually 21 players who will go to the World Cup. There are a third of the places still to take."
France lost its opening game to Scotland last year and won the rest, but should start with a victory this time. Laporte sees the Feb. 11 game at Ireland as the key game to the tournament and World Cup preparation.
"It is important to win the first game against Italy and then, if we beat Ireland, I think it could mean we will win the tournament," he said.
France has won 26 of 27 meetings with Italy, with one loss in 1997.
Ireland will be relying on players who have been together for several seasons in its attempt for a first title since 1985. The last time Ireland was expected to win, two years ago, it lost at home to France and to Wales, which went on to win the Grand Slam.
"We have to deal with the expectation," coach Eddie O'Sullivan said. "People said the same thing in 2005 and it fell flat for us then. It's a strange animal, the Six Nations. It isn't going to happen if a lot of things don't fall into place."
Behind a hugely experienced halfback pairing of Peter Stringer and Ronan O'Gara come two of the most imaginative centers in the game - Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy.
Despite lock Paul O'Connell, Ireland's weakness is its pack and the Welsh forwards will challenge it on Saturday.
However, Ireland is helped by the fact it has its two toughest games -against France and England - at home. Those game will be staged at the 82,000 capacity Croke Park stadium because Lansdowne Road is being redeveloped.
England has a new coach and a new lineup this season.
Brian Ashton will be in charge for the first time since taking over from Andy Robinson, but he has introduced a couple of familiar faces.
Ashton was promoted from his position as attack coach under Robinson and his offensive lineup contrasts with the conservative approach of the man he replaced.
Wilkinson returns for the first time since he kicked the World Cup-winning drop goal against Australia in November 2003, and wing Jason Robinson is out of international retirement.
Former Britain rugby league captain Andy Farrell will make his debut against Scotland.
However, the trio's presence could be a major gamble. Wilkinson has played just 50 minutes of club rugby since his latest injury.
"I expect to be at my best as soon as I play," the flyhalf said. "I've had time to prepare. "I'm not one to doubt myself. I'm not a brash individual but I would not be here if I did not believe I was ready."
Wales went from Grand Slam winner to next to last in the championship last year and coach Gareth Jenkins hopes to find some consistency as his team hosts both Ireland and England.
A lot could depend on the form of newcomer James Hook and center Gavin Henson. If both play well, Wales has an outside chance of challenging for the title.
Scotland scrumhalf Chris Cusiter and back row Simon Taylor have only just returned from long spells on the sidelines and much will depend on the kicking of Chris Paterson, who captains the team because Jason White tore a cruciate ligament in November's win over Romania and misses the championship.
Italy has improved under French coach Pierre Berbizier, and its game is still based heavily on a powerful, aggressive pack. Berbizier's problem is finding the creative players to turn that strength into tries.
He has recalled veteran scrumhalf Alessandro Troncon, Italy's most capped player with 90 appearances.
However, the trio's presence could be a major gamble. Wilkinson has played just 50 minutes of club rugby since his latest injury.
"I expect to be at my best as soon as I play," the flyhalf said. "I've had time to prepare. "I'm not one to doubt myself. I'm not a brash individual but I would not be here if I did not believe I was ready."
Wales went from Grand Slam winner to next to last in the championship last year and coach Gareth Jenkins hopes to find some consistency as his team hosts both Ireland and England.
A lot could depend on the form of newcomer James Hook and center Gavin Henson. If both play well, Wales has an outside chance of challenging for the title.
Scotland scrumhalf Chris Cusiter and back row Simon Taylor have only just returned from long spells on the sidelines and much will depend on the kicking of Chris Paterson, who captains the team because Jason White tore a cruciate ligament in November's win over Romania and misses the championship.
Italy has improved under French coach Pierre Berbizier, and its game is still based heavily on a powerful, aggressive pack. Berbizier's problem is finding the creative players to turn that strength into tries.
He has recalled veteran scrumhalf Alessandro Troncon, Italy's most capped player with 90 appearances.
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