Six Nations 2002 - England

To lose one Grand Slam could be construed as unlucky, to lose two rather careless - but what would Lady Bracknell have said about three?

England have conspired to do that in the last three seasons, turned over by Wales, Scotland and Ireland away from Fortress Twickenham with the prize almost in their grasp. Part of the charm, some would say, of this tournament in which most of the nations, fired by ancient rivalries, can raise their game on the day to derail Clive Woodward's all singing, all dancing bandwagon.

There is no doubt Woodward has led a transformation in England's organisation and style but he has set such standards that winning a Grand Slam - and in entertaining fashion - will be the only achievement to quietenhis critics before World Cup year. If the Grand Slam rests on the last game this time around, at least there should be a break from tradition since the opponents are Italy in Rome.

England justify their favourites tag again but luckily were able to wipe away some of the disappointment of the Dublin defeat by beating Australia and South Africa, although both were declining powers on the world stage by November. The Irish defeat was a real smack in the face but the abscence ofinjured skipper Martin Johnson, Phil Vickery and Lawrence Dallaglio resulted in Ireland edging the crucial forward battle.

Johnson is back to glue it all together but Vickery and Dallaglio, who help generate the important go-forward factor, will not be ready for a bright and bushy-tailed Scotland in the Murrayfield opener, where England's line-out will come under immediate pressure. Finding a hooker to join in theexpansive game plan seems easy but getting one to throw in accurately seems beyond them.

Jonny Wilkinson can always be relied upon to kick England to victory and they have real game-breakers in Jason Robinson and Austin Healey. Injury has taken the edge off Dan Luger again but England are not badly off for wings and the revitalised Ben Cohen is no bad replacement. It is thecentre partnership which causes most concern. Bath's troubled season has cost Mike Catt his place and the powerful Mike Tindall comes back from injury to partner Will Greenwood.