WALES rugby legend Martyn Williams says it was a pleasure to provide his Six Nations analysis in Ross-on-Wye yesterday.

Williams, who won 100 caps for his country, is the most capped Welshman in Five and Six Nations history.

During his illustrious career, Williams won two Grand Slams and was named Six Nations player of the tournament in 2005. He visited the Chase Hotel as part of a Six Nations preview business lunch.

Shane Williams, who won 87 caps for Wales, scoring 58 tries, was due to be the special guest, but had to pull out due to another engagement.

"I had the call on Monday and I was delighted to come," said Martyn Williams.

"I haven't been to Ross before, but I had a nice welcome and it is a lovely part of the country.

"The hotel is also lovely and is stunning.

"Everyone was friendly and it was nice to meet local businessmen.

"It was great that it was raising money for St Michael's Hospice, which it is all about."

This year's Six Nations tournament kicks off tomorrow, with Scotland against England and Ireland versus Wales being the pick of the opening games.

Williams believes it is difficult to predict who will win the competition.

"It is so close to call this year," he said.

"The two favourites will be Wales and England, but I think they have got two tough opening games away from home.

"It will be a fascinating Six Nations coming after the World Cup.

"All of the teams will have been disappointed to have been knocked out by the quarter-finals, but England have got a new coach, who will have new tactics.

"They would been massively disappointed to have been knocked out in the group stages at the World Cup.

"But they have some nice fixtures, including Wales and Ireland at home, and will have a point to prove.

"Obviously the World Cup is the biggest tournament because it is only every four years, but everyone's social calendar is built around the Six Nations and, for me, it is still be best tournament in the world.|"