The Six Nations begins in Paris in just under a week and France will host Wales under the lights of the Stade de France.
Spectators are guaranteed thrills and excitement throughout five rounds of fast-paced action as many of the sport's biggest heavyweights once again go head to head.
The bookmakers have made Ireland the favourites, while France is very close behind them. Meanwhile, England are shaping up to finish third.
But who better to ask for his predictions than a former player who has years of experience at the top of the game, including in the Six Nations?
Here, DAN BIGGAR reveals how he thinks the tournament will play out…
The Six Nations is about to begin and Ireland are the favorites for many punters.
England could be a challenger if they win one of their first matches against Ireland or France.
ITALY
What impresses me most about Italy is its central association formed by Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello.
As a midfield combination, they are probably the best in the Six Nations. Italy had a really good campaign last year, but struggled again in the autumn.
Their match in Rome feels like a shootout for the wooden spoon and I'm tipping Wales to have the advantage over them.
Key man: Menoncello. He is the current player of the tournament and is the most important player since Sergio Parisse.
Revolutionary star: It looks like they're not going to bleed many new players, so I'm rooting for Ange Capuozzo to level up.
Prediction: 6th
Tommaso Menoncello is Italy's key man and their most important player since Sergio Parisse
WELSH
It's a really bleak picture for Welsh rugby and I hope that can change with a win or two in the Six Nations. Warren Gatland is under a lot of pressure and I don't see how he will survive unless they end this losing streak.
I think the game plan needs a little change. Wales don't have the size or power to compete physically with the best teams in the Six Nations, so I'd like to see them move the ball a bit more and be less direct.
Key man: Thomas Williams. There is a lot of inexperience in the number 10, so they will rely on him a lot. He is playing with real pace and pace at Gloucester.
Revolutionary star: Eddie James. Wales have been struggling to win the line and may operate a bit like Jamie Roberts.
Prediction: 5th
The bleak outlook for Welsh rugby could change with a Six Nations win or two
SCOTLAND
Losing Sione Tuipulotu was the worst possible preparation for Scotland.
He was a sure bet for the Lions midfield and has been their standout player over the past 12 months. They have had England's number for a long time, but I think they will struggle without Tuipulotu.
There has been a bit of hope around him for a while now, but if things don't go well there will be some pressure on Gregor Townsend.
Key man: Zander Fagerson. There is a lack of depth in the scrum behind him and they really need him to last 70 minutes a game.
Revolutionary star: Fergus Burke. He has done the basics very well for Saracens and offers a very good alternative to Finn Russell off the bench.
Prediction: 4th
Scotland lack scrum depth and need Zander Fagerson to last 70 minutes
ENGLAND
There is quite a bit of pressure on Steve Borthwick but I think he has so much talent at his disposal that England will do well.
Because they have so much depth, there isn't a player who is truly indispensable to them and that's a strong position to be in.
I think Marcus Smith will start at #10, but he really needs to start turning his performances into wins. If they can win one of their first games against Ireland or France they will be rivals, but I don't think they will.
Key man: Maro Itoje. He is now the captain and really sets the tone with his game.
Revolutionary star: Asher Opoku-Fordjour. I played against him at the weekend and he was excellent. He can help the team move on from Dan Cole and Joe Marler.
Prediction: 3rd
Marcus Smith could start at No. 10 for England but must turn performances into wins
FRANCE
It's a pleasure to see them. They have by far the best defense coach in the world in Shaun Edwards and their attack comes alive in the transition game.
You don't need to understand the intricacies of the game to appreciate guys like Damian Penaud, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Antoine Dupont in full flight.
Their team is brimming with talent, but they don't have the easiest run of away games and that's why I think they will be outplayed.
Key man: Antonio Dupont. Without a doubt. Look how much they missed him when he was at the Olympics.
Revolutionary star: Josh Brenan. He has been a revelation for Toulouse and we will see him with some injuries under lock and key.
Prediction: 2nd
France is a pleasure to watch and Antoine Dupont will undoubtedly be their key player again.
IRELAND
Not having Andy Farrell around due to his commitments as Lions coach could have an impact, but they have a lot of experience so I think it will be relatively quiet.
They look very strong on paper, with guys who have been there and done that. Everyone knows the game plan inside out and it's hard to stop him.
For years it's always been about Johnny Sexton, but now they have a hot battle for the number 10 shirt between Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast.
Key man: Tadhg Furlong. There is a bit of a drop off if they lose him because he is a big rock in the scrum.
Revolutionary star: Prendergast. As a fly half, he looks exciting, always attacking the line and making killer passes.
Prediction: 1st