That reigning champions England are the team to beat heading into a Six Nations is not unusual but that the entire 2021 tournament is set to be played without spectators makes it different even before it has started.
Rugby Union became used to the concept of behind closed doors internationals when the coronavirus pandemic first took hold last year.
Nevertheless, it will be eerie quiet for this weekend’s opening round of matches at what would normally be a trio of sold-out venues, be they the Stadio Olimpico for Italy v France (4.15pm) or Twickenham hosting England v Scotland (6.45pm) tomorrow or the Principality Stadium for Wales v Ireland (5pm) on Sunday.
England boss Eddie Jones hinted that he could play a 10-man rugby style at the tournament, with the pandemic playing havoc with preparations.
The Australian says: “Some games it might be through the setpiece, some through the breakdown, some ruck and run, some ruck and kick.”