France v England Ireland v Scotland
Last season saw a revival of England's rugby fortunes and third place in the Championship after three years of 'the wooden spoon.' The opening international this season against the champions, France, in Paris, must be their hardest task but a win could revitalise a side that for too long has flattered to deceive.
Scotland have won the last three matches against Ireland and must be slight favourites against a side undergoing a re-building process under new coach Noel Murphy. At Pare des Princes, Paris: commentator BILL MCLAREN
At Lansdowne Road. Dublin: commentator NIGEL STARMER-SMITH
Television presentation: Paris: FRENCH TV SERVICE Dublin: IRISH TV SERVICE
Series producer BILL
TAYLOR Bill McLaren writes on page 14