A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world - Oscar Wilde
The eagerly anticipated Six Nations looms large on the horizon. The drive and dreams for England 2015 begins in earnest. Certainly no side is solely preparing for an event three and a half years down the line but undoubtedly this year's championship will tell us much about the European elite's current state.
Are England and Wales set on a bright and adventurous new era? Can Ireland and Scotland progress from their various World Cup disappointments? Will Jacques Brunel take Italy from whipping boys to national heroes? One thing is for certain however, France go into this year's tournament as overwhelming favourites.
Les Bleus not only possess an embarrassment of riches in their starting 15 but their whole panel is glittered with phenomenal talent. Their pack is made of steel whilst their backs play with elegance, poise and a verve that certainly no other country can boast.
The instalment of Philip Saint-Andre is also a cause for concern. He may not have as prestigious a record as Declan Kidney or Warren Gatland but he has won the English Premiership with Sale whilst also manning the troublesome Toulon ship. If he can get France playing to even 80% of their capabilities a Grand Slam is more than probable. Led by the uncompromising and inspirational Thierry Dusautoir it will take a monumental effort by any side to vanquish France.
If there is one side who will fancy their chances of overturning the French, it is Wales. They will be intent on inflicting revenge after their agonising defeat at the World Cup. Despite losing three games the Welsh received many plaudits for their performances in New Zealand.
Unfortunately however injuries could prove costly. Gethin Jenkins and Rhys Priestland are both ruled out of the opener whilst Luke Charteris, Alan Wyn-Jones and Dan Lydiate are all doubtful for the trip to Dublin in what is surely a make or break game for both sides. Win and Wales could go on and win a Grand Slam. Lose and they could finish at the foot of the table.
However as has been the way over the last decade it will be Italy and Scotland battling it out for the wooden spoon this year. Both sides have certainly progressed over the last number of years, with Italy's sensational victory over France last year an obvious highlight. Neither side though have been able to string enough performances together to shake off the wooden spoon contenders tag.
The lacklustre duo simply does not possess the firepower to threaten on a regular basis. Italy's back play has been more static than a tractor stuck in quick sand since their introduction in 2000. Their much lauded scrum is also not the force it once was also. Scotland on the other hand has neither enough impressive backs nor forwards.
Dan Parks has manned the out-half jersey for Scotland for some time now. He has often been maligned in his role as the number ten but he does lack the variance and imagination to take Scotland to the next level. The pack meanwhile lacks a menacing hard man in the shape of a Seán O'Brien or Imanol Harinordoquy.
England on the other hand are doing their very best to unearth new talents. The old adage of out with the old and in with the new has never been so apt. Yet it is still hard to predict how exactly they will fare. Stuart Lancaster has made all the right noises since his appointment. England can now play without fear but at the same time it can also be said that an intensity may be lacking seeing as they more than likely will not be playing for him after the tournament.
Their backrow could well be a symbol of how they will progress this year. A likely trio of Tom Wood, Chris Robshaw as well as the highly over rated Tom Croft are all good talented players. How many of them however would make a Wales, Ireland or France team? The influx of new players is a positive move for England but this year they will ultimately lack the quality or experience to hit the heights they experienced last season.
England's sole conqueror in the competition last year, Ireland, approaches the event in a quietly confident manner. It will be hard to see them overcome France in Paris but four wins is an achievable target. The showdown against Wales comes at an opportune time with the Welsh injury woes.
Indeed Brian O'Driscoll's aura, intelligence and defence will sorely be missed, but Ireland has options in the centre though Declan Kidney has often used Keith Earls in the outside centre spot when O'Driscoll has been absent.
If Ireland are to really shine however they need Johnny Sexton to reproduce his form in a Leinster jersey and make the ten shirt his own. They need Seán O'Brien to recapture his form from last year as well as Paul O'Connell and Steven Ferris to maintain their performances for their respective provinces this year. If that Should that happen they will not be a million miles away from creating the same scenes as they did in 2009.
It should be France's trophy to lose but all the sides will be keen to eradicate World Cup form or build on it. It certainly will not all go according to plan and games will be decided on the bounce of a ball on a dry February or March day. That, however, is the beauty of the Six Nations.
Prediction:
1st: France
2nd: Ireland
3rd: Wales
4th: England
5th: Italy
6th: Scotland
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