Martin Johnson will make the English Rose bloom again at next year's Six Nations

Ireland, England and Scotland will have new coaching panels for next year's Six Nations, while some of them will remain - Frank Hadden has a new coaching support team. The Welsh, like the French and the Italians, have all received their new coaches, and will likely use 2008 to perfect their styles, both offensive and defensive.

This year, every major international side will combat each other, with northern powers playing multiple test matches against the might of the world champions, All Blacks, Wallabies and Pumas. Many coaches regard the year post-World Cup as a rebuilding year, but the pride of these nations will ensure that the necessary patterns and building blocks are put into play this year.

Of even more importance, the famed British & Irish Lions will assemble to tour the world champions' African paradise in 2009, so the home unions will be desperate to ensure that they perform at the peak in order to win the accolade of a Lions touring cap.

The Welsh will be in the strongest position, with Warren Gatland having an established coaching panel and his players responsive to his systems and regime. While there are a few old state men in the team, there is necessary depth, especially in the halves. While Welsh clubs have not had the happiest of times throughout this European domestic season, Gatland has a solid background of provincial systems, and will ensure that players will be blooded for the challenge.