Opening night is Friday, and arguably there is no bigger curtain-raiser than the match on offer as Ireland, 9/5 for the title, travel to France, 5/4 favourites, in the Rugby World Cup final that never was.
Both will be without the two men who would have likely made the headlines if that game had come to pass at France 2023, though for differing reasons; Antoine Dupont has now left to join up with the national Sevens team ahead of the Olympics, and Johnny Sexton is enjoying retirement.
That creates an intriguing contest between the two nations that have dominated Northern Hemisphere rugby in recent times, with each looking for a new star - but while Ireland (17/10) may be wondering who steps up, France (4/7) will be wondering which of their many World Class individuals will lead the way.
Thomas Ramos at full-back, Damian Penaud on the wing, Jonathan Danty at centre, Uini Atonio at prop and newly named captain Grégory Alldritt leading the way at No.8; it's a team full of superstars and which, this time, should have it all their own way in Marseille against Ireland.
Ireland's last win in France came in 2018 and the prospects of them picking one up here seem slim – especially with Garry Ringrose now out injured.
Jack Crowley has been handed Johnny Sexton's shoes to fill, and while he is deserving of the 10 jersey that could well be a poisoned chalice.
Every point, every box kick and every touchline effort will matter in this game and the fly-half would need to have the game of his life on his very first Six Nations start to spur Ireland on to compete. With Crowley's replacement being Ciaran Frawley, there's no experience to bring in off the bench either.
France will come in early and hit hard as they try to prove themselves on home soil after their failure to win the World Cup that was meant for them. Expect an Irish side, missing a few of their stalwarts of recent years, to be caught by surprise, and so Les Bleus may build-up a healthy early lead.
As a result, a France win by a margin of 6-10 (5/1) or even 11-15 (15/2) should intrigue.
Both the remaining games take place on Saturday, with Italy hosting England and Wales facing Scotland.
All four are considerably longer odds for the title when compared to France and Ireland, with bookies preferring England (7/1) to Scotland (14/1).
That will surprise a few. The Scottish have grown in stature in this competition and will offer competitive performances against all teams, plus with the Calcutta Cup to be decided at Murrayfield there's every chance they will finish above the English again, but likely in third (7/2).
Cardiff will be no easy feat but they should beat the inexperienced Welsh, and are 8/11 favourites – victory by 11-15 is priced at 8/1.
England, meanwhile, are something of an enigma. They have a plethora of talent but are still finding their way as a team, and Marcus Smith's injury has dulled whispers of a challenge for the title or second place as the question becomes who will replace golden boy Owen Farrell.
Starting with a big victory in Rome would be the perfect platform to make a statement and build momentum, and a win by 15+ is priced at 5/6.
But remember who England's coach is these days – Steve Borthwick will priorities rigidity and discipline above all else, which means they will dig in and scrap against the better sides but be a little uninspiring against others. England by 8-14 at 3/1 may instead be the way to go.
With England and Scotland capable, it means whoever wins in Marseille will still struggle for a Grand Slam – a first Championship without it since Wales 2021 is priced at 6/5.
