The 2003 RBS Six Nations championship gets under way this weekend, and is dominated by the pivotal clash between England and France.

Italy and Wales kick off the championship in Rome, while Scotland host Ireland on Sunday.

But at 1600 GMT on Saturday, all eyes will be on Twickenham, where England pit their considerable wits against defending champions France.

SIX NATIONS ODDS

England 1/3 France 11/4 Ireland 9/1 Wales 50/1 Scotland 66/1 Italy 500/1

Yet again, Clive Woodward's side start as odds-on favourites to wrap up the title.

The problem for fans of the red rose is that, despite the considerable talents available to the England coach, he has failed to claim a single Grand Slam in five years of trying.

Les Bleus, in contrast, move into the championship having claimed three Grand Slams in six years.

And they remain one of few sides unlikely to be overawed by England's impressive record of 18 consecutive wins in west London.

Typically, Woodward has adopted a bold selection policy ahead of the match, naming Sale fly-half Charlie Hodgson at centre and omitting Wasps number eight Lawrence Dallaglio.

France, bolstered by the return of wing Aurelien Rougerie offer pace aplenty behind a powerful pack which includes the dream back-row triumvirate of Imanol Harinordoquy, Olivier Magne and Serge Betsen.

Away from Twickenham, two New Zealand coaches go head-to-head as Steve Hansen pits his new-look Wales side against John Kirwan's 'Azzurri'.

Italy have enjoyed a tough time since their opening Six Nations victory against Scotland in 2000.

CHAMPIONSHIP WINS

England 24 Wales 22 Scotland 14 France 13 Ireland 10 Italy 0

But they will be more than happy to face a Welsh side devoid of retired stars Scott Quinnell and Robert Howley and missing key fly-half Stephen Jones.

On Sunday, Ireland will be hoping to continue their impressive run of form against a Scottish side recently rocked by the retirement of former captain Budge Pountney.

Eddie O'Sullivan's side have enjoyed a superb run-up to the championship, including an 18-9 victory over Australia.

Their record in Scotland is far less impressive, however, and Ireland will surely have to be at their best to grab their first Murrayfield win in two decades.

For rugby union fans, it all adds up to what is sure to be a firecracker of a weekend.

As the Six Nations has shown over the past decade, the only certainty is its uncertainty.

And with every game exclusively live on the BBC, there has never been a better time to enjoy European rugby at its very best.