Five months on and Ireland and Wales are ready to dance once more. It is a scene that is relatively similar to that of the 2004 Six Nations. Ireland is minus an inspirational captain coming off the back of a bittersweet World Cup campaign. Wales are equally on top of the world after some quality showings in Australia in 2003.
Ireland's first home game was against Wales. The final score line was 36-15 to Ireland after a Brian O'Driscoll inspired performance. It would take Wales one more year before their labour was to bear fruit.
So what of this year. A potential classic has been diluted by a raft of injuries on both sides though Wales have certainly suffered more as their front five in particular has been ravaged. However they will be delighted by the news that Rhys Priestland and in particular Jamie Roberts have both been passed fit.
In many quarters Declan Kidney has been labelled conservative with his selection but I would not have many qualms with the team. Indeed Donncha Ryan will feel aggrieved to be left out but he will have a part to play in the game. The pack remains as it was at the World Cup.
Indeed his selection of Conor Murray six months ago would surely not be deemed conservative. He has also picked the raw but in form Peter O'Mahoney on the bench ahead of the likes of Shane Jennings and Kevin Mclaughlin who Kidney has chosen in the past.
Johnny Sexton has also replaced the wily Ronan O'Gara at out-half whilst Fergus McFadden replaces Brian O'Driscoll at 13. Andrew Trimble will also add power and pace on the wing. If Sexton can perform to his optimum level as well as test Wales' inexperienced back three allied with Gordon D'arcy and Mcfadden containing Roberts Ireland will be well on their way to victory.
It will also be hard to see Wales replicate their performance in Wellington. Gethin Jenkins loss will be keenly felt in the scrum where Wales had the upper hand in the world cup. Moreover Luke Charteris had the game of his life whilst Alan Wyn Jones and Dan Lydiate performed superbly.
As well as the absence of Matthew Rees that is five of Wales' first choice pack out. It would be more than disappointing if messrs Steven Ferris and Seán O'Brien do not take advantage today.
Ultimately Ireland should have too much for their Celtic cousins. Home advantage and a pack in healthy form allied with a backline with a great deal of talent should have too much for a Welsh side that have one too many injuries.
Prediction: Ireland by 10
France vs. Italy
There will only be one outcome in France today. France has an unbelievable side taking to the Stade de France today whilst the absence of Marc Lievremont will only add to the atmosphere in the French dressing room. Certainly Jacques Brunel will advance Italy's fortunes and find a win in this competition but that will not happen today.Prediction: France by 19
Scotland vs. England
Undoubtedly this is the toughest match to call. Will England begin a new era in glorious fashion or will Scotland prove too much on a dark, dank day in Murrayfield? As ever each side's respective packs will decide this contest. Scotland needs Euan Murray to recapture his Lions form whilst Dan Cole will need to be at his best come scrum time. The battle of the back row will also be fierce.
I can see a low scoring game which could well come down to Dan Parks or Owen Farrell's boot. Andy Robinson has been talking up this game for a long time now and Scotland need a win here more than England or else a wooden spoon beckons. I think they will shade it but it will go right down to the wire.
Prediction: Scotland by 3
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