In the first of a two-part series, I’m going to be predicting the results of some of Sport’s biggest events in 2015. Feel free to disagree!

1. New Zealand to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy-

I’m backing the All Blacks to become the first team to win consecutive World Cups, as the World’s third largest sporting event takes place in England. After another fantastic season which saw the World’s No 1 team lose only once and pick up their thirteenth Rugby Championship,  and enjoy a  clean sweep in their autumn tour of the Northern hempishere.

With their ability to pull games out of the fire, an outstanding pack, and a lethal backline, Steve Hansen’s men are poised to make history.

2. Chelsea to win Premiership-

Top of the league with a 3 point lead over Man City, Jose Mourinho’s men are in pole position at the turn of the year to pick up their first Premier League title for five years. Rock-solid at the back, oozing creativity in midfield with a killer instinct up front, Chelsea really are the real deal. Expect the ‘special one’ to make it a hat-trick of Premiership titles come May.

3. Australia to win Cricket World Cup-

Co-hosts of February’s event the four-time champions have enjoyed an impressive year which has seen them climb to second in the One-day rankings, only 7 points less than the current top dogs, South Africa. With an exciting battling line-up of Warner, Smith, Marsh and in-form skipper George Bailey, and a pacey, aggressive bowling line-up spearheaded by the outstanding Mitchell Johnson, I’m tipping the Aussies to pick up their Fifth World crown.

4. McIlroy to add to major haul-

Following the best year of his career which saw him bag two majors: The Open Championship and the PGA Championship, become the first European to win three different majors and only the third man to win three majors by the age of 25, pick up up the PGA Player of the Year award, The European Tour Golfer of the Year, and win the Ryder Cup with Europe; I’m backing McIlroy to win two more majors in 2015.

5. Ireland to win Six Nations-

Following their Six Nations triumph this year and a perfect autumn campaign which saw included wins over South Africa and Australia, I’m backing Ireland to win European Rugby’s showpiece event. The canny Joe Schmidt has turned Irish fortunes around with his tactical astuteness and ability to get the best out of his players. With a quality pack, dangerous backs and plenty of self-belief, Ireland are the team to beat.