Six Nations: Six youngsters set to shine, including Alfie Barbeary

Stan Wilson 27 Jan 2022 4:01 PM

As the kick-off draws ever closer, February and March will bring us the Six Nations, arguably the greatest non-World Cup tournament in World Rugby.

Each year these six European countries showcase the greatest talent they have to offer on the world stage and inevitably, stars emerge seemingly out of nowhere. Whether that be a Louis Rees-Zammit or a Jacob Stockdale, the talent within these nations is rich, and the Six Nations is the perfect way for these youngsters to build a name for themselves.

These are the six young players Planet Rugby are backing to have a stellar campaign.

Mack Hansen (Ireland, wing)

Andy Farrell wisely snapped up the newly eligible wing following his move from the Brumbies in Australia to Ireland to play for Connacht in the United Rugby Championship. Irish fans will be rejoicing to have the speedster on board and in a green jersey as he also holds Australian eligibility, but thanks to his relocation (and his Cork-born mother), Hansen was able to defect to Ireland, having previously played for the Wallabies at U20 level. His blend of size, strength and most importantly, speed, have helped him excel at Connacht. Hansen boasts six tries so far from nine outings and will look to continue his outstanding form into the Six Nations – especially with a vacant wing spot left by the injured Stockdale and James Lowe. However, it won’t be that simple, as Hansen will be in competition with Keith Earls for a starting role. With any luck, Hansen’s ability to play full-back will aid him in his bid for game time.

Ben Carter (Wales, second-row)

The 21-year-old Welsh giant was called up to the senior national team in January after representing the nation at U19, U18 and U16 level. Wales boss Wayne Pivac views Carter as a long-term replacement for Alun Wyn Jones but most certainly didn’t expect him to have to step up into the shoes so soon following the veteran’s injury. Carter is still very much new to senior rugby with just 18 appearances so far for the Dragons – he made his debut in round four of the then PRO14 in the 2020/21 campaign. The young lock impressed so much that he skipped U20 international rugby and was promoted straight to the senior side where he has earned four caps since last July. Carter faces a tough job ahead of him in an injury-riddled Welsh pack where he will receive a lot of minutes for a youngster. However, Carter has the skill and toughness to rise to the challenge and help keep the underdog Welsh side in the running.

Alfie Barbeary (England, back-row)

Barbeary’s selection was somewhat of a surprise, but deserved nonetheless. It was not a question of “is he good enough?” but “is he in favour with Eddie Jones?” England fans have often been left frustrated by the enigma’s questionable omissions – like that of Marcus Smith, Sam Simmonds and Alex Dombrandt in past competitions. Barbeary has been able to pick up where Jack Willis left off for Wasps and has taken over his role being a menace at the breakdown. The former hooker also offers great ball in hand skill too, with 11 tries in his first 20 senior outings for the Coventry-based side. England fans should be excited for Barbeary’s debut in this new-look team.

Tommaso Menoncello (Italy, centre)

At just 19-years-old, Menoncello has been nothing short of fantastic for Benetton. His eye-catching performances helped him to a well deserved spot on Kieran Crowley’s Azzurri squad. So far this season, Menoncello has four tries from seven appearances in the United Rugby Championship – quite some feat for a teenager. Fans around the world will be drawn to see if Menoncello and Paolo Garbisi can build a connection together in the backs as they will likely be playing together for years to come due to their youth and sky high potential. As Menoncello is uncapped, he may struggle to find his flow at first in the prestigious competition, but given time, he will flourish into a world renowned star.

Rory Darge (Scotland, back-row)

Darge’s eventual selection was inevitable as a former Scotland U20 captain but came very early in his professional career. At 21 with just 15 senior outings (one at Edinburgh and 14 at Glasgow), his readiness most certainly came into question, but Gregor Townsend showed faith in the undersized flanker. Darge is able to make up for his smaller frame by replacing brawn with speed and breakdown ability, making him the perfect openside. Darge will shine in this year’s Six Nations along with last year’s Player of the Tournament and fellow back-rower, Hamish Watson. With one starting and another off the bench – Jamie Ritchie will surely be at blindside – these two could dovetail nicely in this year’s tournament.

Freddie Steward (England, full-back)

Steward may be the biggest full-back in English rugby history standing at a whopping six feet and five inches – quite a contrast to England’s usual full-back, Elliot Daly. Despite the lack of vast amounts of international experience, one can imagine that Steward will be one of the first names down on Jones’ team sheet. With Max Malins viewed as a wing by the head coach and George Furbank struggling to log memorable performances in white, it looks as if Steward has the job locked down for the foreseeable future, even though he is so new to the international rugby scene. The Leicester Tiger will look to reaffirm Jones’ belief in him as his go-to full-back this tournament going forward. With Daly’s underwhelming defence and struggles under the high ball in recent years, Steward will be a breath of fresh air for England fans.