One day to go before the start of the almighty, northern hemisphere clash of cultures, national pride, blood, mud and bodies on line otherwise known as the RBS Six Nations, and after the world cup shenanigans this cannot come quickly enough.
Two heavyweight clashes will take place over the next 24 hours, with Scotland and Ireland looking to avenge world cup defeats against England and Wales respectively, urged on by a passionate, partisan home crowd baying for bloody revenge, while the France game against Italy, easy on paper, has extra spice thanks to Italy's win over the French in Rome last March. So what will happen? It is a tough one.
France are my favourites because I'm expecting to see more of the French who should have beaten New Zealand in the world cup final than the team who lost to Tonga. Their pack is formidable and in centre Wesley Fofana they may have the player of the tournament.
The rest? I see a three-way tussle between Ireland, Wales and England, yes England, although interim head coach Stuart Lancaster's men are very much the uncertainty here. On paper they have a vibrant, exciting team.
They also have an inexperienced team. Win the Calcutta Cup tomorrow at a Murrayfield smoking from the pre-game guns and the lone piper on the stands, and they might, still, successfully defend their Six Nations title. Lose and the four remaining games appear that much tougher.
We will know so much more by 7pm tomorrow night. Ireland may just have enough ingredients - namely revenge, home advantage, on form players and provinces in European rugby and a largely injury-free team save for the rather significant Brian O'Driscoll -to beat an injury-depleted Wales, although never underestimate the super-talented Welsh, whilst I am expecting France, led by the irrepressible Thierry Dusatoir, to be too strong for Italy.
This, though, is only part one of five. I don't see a Grand Slam, not even a Triple Crown, being won this year because the Six Nations is just too close, and that's exactly how it should be.
