The big crowd-pullers
Saturday, 5 February, 17.30 (BBC1)
Wales v England
New England coach Andy Robinson has promised his team will play with more width and flair than under his predecessor Sir Clive Woodward and with Wales playing a similarly expansive game, this should be a real humdinger.
Everyone knows Wales love to beat England. They often trot out the phrase that "we don't care what else happens as long as we beat England", but this time, many believe they may actually have a chance.
With exciting players in the shape of diminutive winger Shane Williams and centre Gavin Henson, Wales will cause England problems in attack. Flanker Colin Charvis, who was previously voted second most hated man in Wales after Osama Bin Laden, is enjoying a resurgence in form and popularity and will have to be at his belligerent best if Wales are to prevail.
England's build-up has already been hit by the injury at the weekend to Jonny Wilkinson. Officially captain of the national team although yet to play in that guise the golden boy of English rugby had been looking forward to playing for the first time since his heroics against Australia in the 2003 World Cup Final. England are indeed lucky to find replacement Charlie Hodgson in such good form.
Verdict: Expect the bigger English pack to emerge victorious, but there may be quite a few points in this one from both sides.
Top tip: Get behind your country and serve up some cask ale offerings. Charles Wells' Bombardier is the brand most closely associated with St George's day and Englishness but other good sellers should be London Pride and for Welsh pubs, SA Brain beers.
Sunday, 13 February, 15.00 (BBC2)
England v France
Usually billed as the decider of the tournament, this year may be somewhat different with France suffering a dip in form of late. But then again, you never know with the French do you? After all, they are the reigning Six Nations champions.
This game will be won and lost in the back row and could be a real battle of the dark arts. French flanker Serge Betsen is the scourge of fly halves across the world and, if he manages to get hold of Hodgson, it could be game over. However, England will be able to call on their own hit squad of Andy Hazell, Joe Worsley, and Lewis Moody to combat the threat. The French team away from home is also a different prospect often a frail and meek version compared to that which runs out in Paris. Twickenham will doubtless give the home team the advantage.
Goal kicking will be crucial in this tight encounter. England have the in-form Hodgson, while Frederic Michalak of France, if fit, can crumble on the big stage (remember the World Cup semi-final?).
Verdict: England to win, just.
Top tip: The game is on Sunday lunchtime, so why not put some red wine on special offer and tie the fixture in with a deal for "Le Rosbif".
Sunday, 27 February, 15.00 (BBC1)
Ireland v England
The game of the tournament. This really should be the decider. Ireland gave the World Champions a sound beating at Twickers last year and no doubt the boys in white will be out for revenge.
Ireland are developing into an exceptional team following an unbeaten series of autumn internationals. They have the world's best centre in Brian O'Driscoll, but even he was overshadowed last year by fellow centre Gordon D'Arcy. Lansdowne Road can be an intimidating place with 30,000 Irish fans pumped up on pints of the black stuff.
Ireland may lack England's depth but if they are at full strength, they may edge this one. However, they have always played with the tag of underdog on previous occasions but now the public expects results. How will they handle the pressure?
England will have to be as competitive as they can be in the forwards. The lineout battle will be crucial as Ireland are regarded as having the best in the world. England must win the ball for their backs and they must take their chances when they arrive.
Verdict: Too close to call. The victors should go on to win the championship but one thing is for sure sales of Guinness will soar.
Top Tip: Guinness will be a big seller on this day with a huge Irish following. Also for some reason, England fans also feel obliged to drink the black stuff when watching Ireland. Again it's Sunday lunchtime, so why not go for a steak and Guinness pie?
