Alex Payne is tipping Eddie Jones' England to win the Six Nations at the first time of asking.
The Rugby Club host thinks England will justify their favouritism but does not expect the Red Rose to claim their first Grand Slam since 2003.
Here are his predictions for this season tournament and his best bets for the first round of matches including a 9/1 Scotland, Wales and France accumulator.
Six Nations winner: England 13/8
Alex says: I think having the two sternest challenges of Wales and Ireland at home makes England the favourites, but with all the change I'm not sure they have enough to win all five games. If you have more faith than me, worth noting Sky Bet have price boosted an England Grand Slam to 9/2.
Grand Slam: No winner 4/6
Alex says: There may have been Grand Slams after the last three World Cups, but my tip is based on the fact there has only been one in five years. Italy aside, anyone can beat anyone on their day and I'm not sure one team stands out enough this year to run the gauntlet with a clean sweep.
Triple Crown: No winner 6/4
Alex says: Again, recent history shows that there have only been 2 Triple Crowns in the last 6 years. Scotland's confidence boost from the World Cup means the competition between the home nations has become even greater.
Top try scorer: Anthony Watson or George North 9/2
Alex says: The favourites, and with good reason. Anthony Watson is set to feature prominently under Eddie Jones while George North should benefit from Wales' great attacking intent.
Straight forecast: England and Wales to finish 1st and 2nd 6/1
Alex says: Ireland have been decimated by injury and retirement, Scotland are much improved but have tough trips to Cardiff and Dublin and France - well who knows? Italy look like making up the numbers again.
Scotland v England (Saturday, 4.50pm)
Scotland may have slumped to two Wooden Spoons in four years, but there is a feeling north of the border that they are ready to mount a challenge on the top half of the table.
Certainly, the World Cup run will have generated confidence and momentum and they are a more settled side than England, with a much more established understanding of what their head coach Vern Cotter wants. In contrast, Eddie Jones has had only two weeks to get to work on his new charges. There is a notable bounce factor within the camp, but also an element of the safety first in the line-up. I like the selection of two open sides for Scotland, and I think they have enough to down the Auld enemy at 5/2.
Scot to watch? Mark Bennett passed his fitness race, and his inclusion is a huge boost for the home side. Six tries in 13 Tests, including three at the World Cup and one at Twickenham last February, shows that the Glasgow centre has added a real threat to Scotland's 13 channel. I like the look of Sky Bet's juicy price of 12/1 for Bennett anytime try and a Scotland win.
Eye on England? With a full year in the England camp under his belt, and seven tries in his last seven tests, Anthony Watson is set to shine under Eddie Jones. I have him as the tournament's top try scorer (along with George North) and like the 9/4 on a Watson anytime try.
Ireland v Wales (Sunday, 3pm)
Ireland may be going for a hat-trick of titles, but they look a shadow of the side that claimed the title last year.
The hardest hit of all the home nations post World Cup, the Provinces have misfired in Europe while injuries and retirements have decimated what was a very settled squad. The master tactician Joe Schmidt will have to work wonders if Ireland are to threaten.
Wales, on the other hand, exceeded expectations by getting out of their World Cup group, have some big names back, and have already stated they want to play more rugby - an attacking intent backed up by the selection of Warburton and Tipuric in the back row. Add in the fact that Wales have claimed Grand Slams after the last two World Cups, and that they've won on three of their last trips to Dublin and I'm taking the away win. Wales by 1-5 at 5/1.
Ireland's inspiraton? Robbie Henshaw has ripped straight back into it after his injury lay off, and Ireland will need him to use that form and freshness to lead from the front - particularly in the absence of Bowe and Fitzgerald. Henshaw is 4/1 for an anytime try.
Welsh wizard? With Leigh Halfpenny sidelined, Dan Biggar is my tip for tournament top points scorer at 2/1. In what is likely to be a tight game, I like the 7/2 on Biggar to clip over a drop goal. He's the joint top scorer in Europe this season, and kicked two in the pool stages.
France v Italy (Saturday, 2.25pm)
Although it is a new era under Guy Noves, the curious decisions continue - he's named just one recognised fly half in a 33 man squad. However, in front of a home crowd they should have much too much for an Italian squad that I'm genuinely scared for.
Zebre and Treviso have won four games between them this season, there were 10 uncapped players in the training squad - including three who ply their trade in the semi-professional Eccellenza Championship. Those mainstays over the last decade; Parisse, Castro, Ghiraldini are hanging on in the absence of any new stars. France to rip through the 18 point start at evens.
France flutter? - Gael Fickou, six tries in six games and debutant Virimi Vakatawa both to score at 5/1.
Italian Stallion? Nope, save your money!