Paul Radley looks at all the participating countries and the players expected to have a point to prove.
England
Last year: Winners
Point to prove: Owen Farrell
The young Saracens fly-half already has the burden of being the son of a famous father, and now he is being heralded as the new Jonny Wilkinson, ready to save English rugby. Is he up to it?
France
Last year: Second
Point to prove: Philippe St-Andre
If France could make it to the World Cup final while riven by infighting and not playing particularly well, imagine what they could do if St-Andre harnesses that talent. Bound to be more popular than his predecessor as coach, Marc Lievremont
Ireland
Last year: Third
Point to prove: Keith Earls
"It has been so long, no one else knows what it feels like." So said Declan Kidney, Ireland's coach, of the shirt Brian O'Driscoll has owned for the past 12 years. Earls knows he has big boots to fill
Italy
Last year: Wooden spoon
Point to prove: Jacques Brunel
Jacques who? Italy have had well-credentialed coaches in recent years, yet have made minimal progress. After Nick Mallett and John Kirwan comes the little-known Frenchman
Scotland
Last year: Fifth
Point to prove: Andy Robinson
The former England coach has not been shy to talk up Scotland in his time at the helm. For all the talk, they would have finished last were it not for Italy last year, and then returned their worst World Cup finish
Wales
Last year: Fourth
Point to prove: Sam Warburton
But for an ill-timed tip-tackle on the smallest player on the field, Warburton might own a World Cup medal. Wales are injury-hit and will need their skipper at his best
