Tournament tests the hegemony of France and Ireland after their World Cup fiasco and seeks new blood in the absence of three legendary captains: Sexton, Farrell and Dupont. Five days in seven weeks, until March 16, to clear up unknowns as to whether the new cycle will serve to shorten the gap that the French and Irish marked with the rest.

Scotland, with its eternal suit of the team that can reign, takes advantage of its continuity to win 24 years later. The most successful coach of the tournament, Warren Gatland, warns: “We can win”